"Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings." 1 Peter 5:9(NIV). I desire to stand firm and unshakable in my faith, but to be honest, sometimes it's challenging to do. One of the stumbling blocks I have experienced that af[...]
I’ve had fascinating conversations over the past few years with new believers or people who just returned to their faith after walking away for a few years. Often, their main question is, “What now?”; they struggle to figure out how to juggle their newfound love of Jesus with the baggage they carry, their doubts, and their[...]
"I call on the LORD in my distress, and He answers me." Psalm 120:1 I can't even count how many times I have cried out to the LORD, who answered me in my distress. I love how He shows up in the very instant of my despair. I know God doesn't just visit. He dwells with us. He is so faithful. His thoughts towards His children[...]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2 (ESV). Have you ever stood in a strong wind and, despite your best efforts, had to take a step to maintain your balance? I've come to[...]
You have been travelling around this mountain country long enough. Turn northward. Deuteronomy 2:3(ESV). We are on a journey There is a mountain ahead of us, a mountain we must climb. It’s a climb of discipline through everything that entangles and ensnares us from our true identity in Christ. The ultimate climb is this wa[...]
I have had the honour and pleasure of working through and coordinating several Lifecentre training/study initiatives. Every time we have reached the end of something – the 'elephant in the room' has always been the same: OK, what now? And that question quickly branches out into a few obvious companion thoughts. How do I move[...]
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 (ESV). Paul calls us to take up the spiritual armor God has given us for a spiritual battle. We are to use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil so th[...]
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22(ESV). “What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, All beca[...]
"Peter was very perplexed; what could the vision mean? Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said, "Three men have come looking for you." Acts 10:17a, 19 (NLT). In life's journey, we can feel like discovering God's specific purpose or calling for us is a bit like building a complex puzzle. The good[...]
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV). I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to explain the concept of God's grace to someone who was terrified that if they made a mistake, God might smit[...]