Trials Blog Image

Sometimes We Need Trials

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples on several occasions and left them with some final instructions before ascending to His Father in heaven. His directives were mostly forward-looking and vision-casting regarding the Great Commission that lay before them. But the cross was such a huge event that Jesus took time in His visits with the disciples to look back and debrief with them about it. Here’s what He said to them about His cross: Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day (Luke 24:46). His … READ MORE...

pexels-rodnae-productions-6669103

Hidden in the Quiver

Isaiah 49 is one of my all-time favorite chapters in the whole Bible! In that chapter, Isaiah described Jesus as a polished arrow: “And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His … READ MORE...

2023 new year challenge goal and target, Achievement and business success. 2023 word on wooden block. Set strategy and plan for future. Background for Merry christmas and Happy new year 2023.

Word For 2023: Be Brave!

The word the Lord has given me for 2023 is found in 1 Cor 16:13, “Be brave” (NKJV). Other translations render it, “Be courageous.” “Quit yourselves like men.” “Show courage.” “Do manfully.” “Be … READ MORE...

3D Cross Cover

There Are Two Sides to the Cross

I had unanswered questions about the cross until I came to see that there are two sides to the cross. Let me explain. I was schooled in what theologians sometimes call “the substitutionary atonement of the cross.” This doctrine points to the fact that Jesus … READ MORE...

The Word For 2022

The Lord gave me a word for 2022, and let me begin this post by sharing how I received this word from Him. I usually set aside a season of fasting and prayer right around the beginning of each New Year, to set my heart for the coming year. This year it … READ MORE...

iStock-small

Let’s Come Together!

In our current season in which social distancing is practiced to some degree in some churches, I’ve been reminded about how intensely social and interactive the early church’s gatherings were. Their meetings involved activities that brought people closely … READ MORE...

Self,Preservation,Word,In,A,Dictionary.,Self,Preservation,Concept.

I Renounce Self-Preservation

I Renounce Self-Preservation I am being convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit today, and in response I make my confession in the presence of many witnesses: I repent from and renounce the inclination of my flesh toward self-preservation. What do I mean by … READ MORE...

dreamstime_xxl_168567515

Finding Unity in a Polarized World

Our world is polarized socially, especially along political lines. When people in the world are nasty to each other, we Christians are not all that surprised; what’s disturbing, however, is that our culture’s polarization is surfacing in the church and … READ MORE...

Cross Face Image 2

The Cross at the Center

Two thousand years ago, a bloody execution site in Jerusalem became the heart of everything we believe and hold dear. It’s utterly preposterous to the natural mind, but that’s where God died. When Paul said, “We preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23), he … READ MORE...