At the launch of 2020, the Holy Spirit’s agenda for us is clear: He wants the first commandment in first place in our hearts. The first commandment — to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength — comes before every other passion, vision or mission (Matthew 22:37–38). Nothing is more essential as we step into this pivotal decade. Good news: The Holy Spirit is willing to do whatever it takes to restore our first love (Revelation 2:4). Start your year by praying the dangerous prayer, “Whatever it takes.” It’s time for dangerous, desperate praying out of holy desperation — when … READ MORE...
Resolve the Crisis in Your Marriage Jesus’ Way
Brad and Anna had a happy marriage. They were both devout believers in Jesus, fell madly in love, and married soon after college. In time, they began having children, were active in their church, and … READ MORE...
Get Control Then Lose Control
Through their leadership style, some worship leaders maintain such a high platform profile that they actually distract people from worship. It’s hard to see the Lord when the leader is so large. I … READ MORE...
5 Ways to Awaken Your Spiritual Vitality
For a vine to produce succulent grapes year after year requires constant dressing. The vine must be pruned, fertilized, protected, watered, and harvested. If the vinedresser gets negligent or lazy, the health of the vine suffers. In the same way, for our … READ MORE...
3 REASONS TO BE LOYAL
Loyalty is a glorious, godly quality which is rightly to be celebrated. That’s why I’m glad it has taken a more prominent place in the minds of Americans today. Misconceptions about its true nature abound, however. Loyalty that is coerced or required is not … READ MORE...
THREE REASONS TO TEACH ON THE FEAR OF THE LORD
What is the fear of the Lord? Consider this definition: A trembling zeal to obey every word of His mouth. It’s a treasure He gives His favorites (Isa 33:6). The fear of the Lord was a powerful component in the atmosphere of the early church in the book of … READ MORE...
22 WAYS TO FIND JESUS IN THE BOOK OF JOB
Some people struggle with the book of Job because, when they look at the life of Jesus, they can’t find anything in the ministry of Jesus that corresponds to Job’s story. They decide, therefore, that they can’t find Jesus in the book of Job. But I think … READ MORE...
NEW FILM: SONS AND BASTARDS
This book this film is based on celebrates God’s goodness to chasten. It will help you make sense of inexplicable trials, strengthen your resolve to endure, and reveal how chastening can qualify us for a higher entrustment in the kingdom. By the time the … READ MORE...
THE RIGHTEOUS ARE LIKE A TREE
The righteous are likened to trees in several Scriptures, and specifically to a palm tree in Psalm 92:12, “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.” Palm trees grow in tropical climates, under conditions that would … READ MORE...