As I reflect on the Christmas story, I realize how Joseph and Mary are powerful examples of people who trusted in the Lord and obeyed Him no matter what the cost to their personal comforts. When it seemed that Mary had been unfaithful to him, Joseph chose to believe the voice of the Lord “that… Continue reading The Blessings of Obedience

“There are many who are righteous, but who are not kind.There are many who are kind, but who are not righteous.”  (Ligon Duncan) Righteousness and kindness. Oh what a wonderful combination. The pharisees were righteous, they obeyed the law with a vigor few of us will ever know. Yet they showed no care or compassion… Continue reading Be Righteous and Kind

“I don’t think anything could be as lovely as having the ability to lovingly trust one, never placing faith in other people yet never being suspicious and bitter. To only have confidence in God and in what God’s grace can do for people. To never despair and never give up hope for any person. There… Continue reading To Only Have Confidence in God

Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.   -Mark 15:32 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed… Continue reading A Criminal’s Life

The process of sanctification pleases God; not just the final destination of when we see Jesus face-to-face and we are made like Him. Without holiness no one will see God and as Christians we are called to be holy as He is holy. It will be a lifelong pursuit. We are saved, not because of… Continue reading A Lifetime Pursuit

“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength” (Spurgeon) God’s grace is sufficient for every moment we will face in life. Often while going through  seasons of change, deep-seated fears are stirred up and feelings of uncertainty can overwhelm us. The truth is that even if all our… Continue reading Sufficient

There is a world of difference between conviction and condemnation. While there is no longer any condemnation for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, conviction from the Holy Spirit will be a regular occurrence in our lives.  Conviction is from God. Condemnation is from Satan. Conviction is specific. Condemnation is general. Conviction… Continue reading A World of Difference

“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” -1 Corinthians 11:1 I’ve always found this verse difficult to understand because when I look at my life, I can see some areas of God’s transforming power at work but there are still areas I often don’t imitate Christ as I should. The reality is we all have areas… Continue reading Imitate Me

I’m becoming increasingly convinced Satan’s greatest strategy against Christians is to get us to become sleepy and distracted. I see it in my own heart and life. I don’t ever miss a day of going on social media but yet it is such a struggle to remain faithful reading my Bible on a consistent basis.… Continue reading Satan’s Greatest Strategy

We don’t do this life alone. As Christians, God’s Spirit lives in us. He strengthens, comforts, teaches, convicts and brings to remembrance the truth. So often God uses His Word and fellow believers to accomplish this. Sometimes I’m afraid of falling back into all my bad eating habits. I fear I will fail again in… Continue reading Change Part 7: Not Alone