It seems the chief end of some local churches is to exist. Maintaining the building, meeting budgets, and preserving attendance by making sure the congregants have a pleasant experience so they will not leave is what drives the decisions of many church leaders. There is nothing wrong with working toward these goals. They are fine as long as those … Continue reading Great Churches are Willing to Go Out of Business
If you are a believer, at this very moment, you are united to Christ. Did you remember that this morning when you rose and began your daily routine? How will this knowledge affect you as you go about the remainder of your day? If we truly understand what it means to be united to Jesus, it should impact … Continue reading Do Not Forget You Are United to Christ
David thought it was over. His sin had been exposed, he had sought the Lord's forgiveness, and it had been granted. A right spirit had been renewed, and a clean heart had been created. Then came the news that his child was gravely ill. The revelation threw David to the floor in anguish as thoughts of his sin filled his mind. Months had … Continue reading The Haunting Effects of Sin
Why does God’s promise to meet our needs often fail to bring us peace? All throughout scripture, we are promised that God will take care of us. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And … Continue reading God’s Care and Our Concern
It is possible to study scripture in ways that hurt you instead of helping you. When we approach scripture, we must make sure we do it on God’s terms, not our own. Below you will find seven tips to grow in biblical knowledge that will help you avoid some of the pitfalls and come away with a … Continue reading 7 Tips to Grow in Biblical Knowledge
To the Christians in Afghanistan, especially those of you about to die for your faith, I doubt you will ever have the chance to read this, but my heart breaks for you. The Lord knows your anguish. He knows the trouble you face, and he is aware of your powerlessness. He also sees your poverty, … Continue reading To the Christians in Afghanistan
If you are a Christian, you battle with sin. I do not need to list examples of the struggles with the flesh you may have. The minute you read the title of this post, you most likely had a specific battle in mind. You have within you both flesh and Spirit, and the two are … Continue reading 5 Truths About Your Battle with Sin You Hate to Admit
This morning I had the privilege of joining the Kurt and Kate Morning Show on Moody Radio in Florida. The purpose of the visit was to discuss a recent devotion I posted by J.R. Miller on Self-Denial. In our culture, it seems contradictory to say that self-denial could be a good thing because, according to … Continue reading Christian Self-Denial
If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. - Luke 9:23-24 This law of the dying of self, and the magnifying of Christ is … Continue reading Self-Denial Leads to Happiness
There is a fear that will make you fearless. Many of God’s saints have gone through times that shook them with such terrible fright they felt paralyzed. These times usually involve getting a glimpse of the holiness of God. Like Isaiah, we tremble and come undone, but it is during those times we learn that … Continue reading A Different Kind of Fear
The Fight of Faith 