Romans 6:22-23 NLT 22 But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our […]
Read more "Words that ring true. Romans 6:22-23"Psalm 146:5 (NLT) 5 But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God Matthew 6:26-27 (NLT) 26 “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable […]
Read more "A full cup. Psalm 146:5"1 Chronicles 16:10 (NIV) 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) 9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into […]
Read more "I want to be like Wally"Psalms 103:12 NIV 12. as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Isaiah 41:13 ESV For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Sunday afternoon, already 42 […]
Read more "Outrage. Psalms 103:12"1 Peter 2:22-25 (NLT) 22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. 23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we […]
Read more "Soul Guardian 1 Peter 2:22-25"Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Philippians 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is […]
Read more "Remember the Lord is near"Isaiah 6:8 NIV 8. And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Sounds good, eh? (I’m in Wisconsin again) Who’s comfortable here in the place Isaiah volunteers for? Especially when the next verses are about what […]
Read more "Red letter justice. Isaiah 6:8"John 13:12-17 (NLT) 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? 13 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you […]
Read more "Those words mean a lot… John 13:12-17"Psalm 25:14-15 (NLT) 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 15 My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Anna Heistad. Marcy House. You’ve probably never heard of them. Yet, she had a profound impact on many […]
Read more "Boat wake. Psalm 25:14-15"Luke 1:46-47 (NLT) 46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. 47 How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Luke 25:49 (NLT) “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from […]
Read more "Death brings it home… Luke 1:46-47"2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT) 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and […]
Read more "Do we live at the edge? 2 Peter 1:5-7"Jeremiah 17:5 (NLT) 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” This is what we do though far to frequently. We trust in ourselves like we know better. It seems that I feel […]
Read more "Trust in ourselves. Jeremiah 17:5"James 2:19 (NLT) 19 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. But, are you worshipping Him or are you worshiping your worship of Him? Does God show up in your life like he should? Habakkuk 2:3 […]
Read more "Make Him the center"Psalm 103:2 (NLT) 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more […]
Read more "May I never forget… Psalm 103:2"Romans 6:4-6 (NLT) 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life […]
Read more "Purify me"Matthew 11:29 (NLT) 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Let me teach you Christ asks. Are our hearts in a place to receive him? Why does he follow it with: Because I am humble… We […]
Read more "Humble. Matthew 11:29"Romans 6:9-11 (NLT) 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. […]
Read more "Ask God, act Godly."Mark 14:61-62 (NLT) 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the […]
Read more "In but not of. Mark 14:16"Matthew 26:28 (NLT) 28 for this is my blood, which confirms the [new] covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many. Interesting that Christ had to remind people of what the prophecies had said. Kind of like today. And another covenant. Yet another time […]
Read more "Believe that I am… Matthew 26:28"1 Peter 2:24 (NLT) 24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. By his wounds you are healed. So close to Easter, we can envision the wounds he endured for us. […]
Read more "I pray for the return of Christ. 1 Peter 2:24"Matthew 20:18-19 (NLT) 18 “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die. 19 Then they will hand him over to the Romans to be mocked, flogged with a whip, and crucified. […]
Read more "Does the world know who you are? Matthew 20:18-19"Genesis 15:6 (NLT) 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. Exodus 14:13-14 (NLT) 13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord […]
Read more "Inbetween"2 Peter 1:1-7 (NLT) 1 This letter is from Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. 2 May God give you […]
Read more "A willing slave. 2 Peter 1:1-7"Matthew 5:8 (NLT) 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Daniel 9:9 (NLT) 9 But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. Psalm 16:8 (NLT) 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he […]
Read more "Rebel. Matthew 5:8"Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Two of my daughters went to the gun rallies yesterday. Cool, I hope. Senseless murder is senseless murder whether it’s a product […]
Read more "The sanctity of life. Matthew 6:14-15"Hosea 6:1-2 (NIV) 6 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. 2 After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his […]
Read more "The way of the world… Hosea 6:1-2"Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) 8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Our life is like that – we start out, we go, we’re just not sure where […]
Read more "Fasting isn’t about food… Hebrews 11:8"Psalm 1:1 (NLT) 1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NLT) 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil […]
Read more "What more can I add? Psalm 1:1"Romans 6:16 (NLT) 16 Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. We don’t want to consider ourselves slaves, but it’s true. When whatever it is […]
Read more "Slave to freedom… Romans 6:16"2 Samuel 22:4 (NLT) 4 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. John 3:16-17 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. […]
Read more "Giving, getting 2 Samuel 22:4"Malachi 4:2 (NLT) 2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mark 10:28 (NLT) 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. […]
Read more "On such subtle nuances does our eternity rest. Malachi 4:2"Psalm 147:11 (NLT) 11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear* him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. John 1:16 (NLT) 16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another [or received the grace of Christ rather than the grace of the law]. 2 Timothy 4:2 […]
Read more "Sounds like real life to me. Psalm 147:11"John 1:1 (NLT) 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. Stephen Hawking might know what happened before the big bang, might be able to prove it using imaginary time, might come up with an explanation that gravity caused everything to happen. OK, but what […]
Read more "The Word already existed…"Mark 12:30 (NLT) 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ Psalm 73:27-28 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! […]
Read more "Knowing. Mark 12:30"Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m on a bit of an atheist thing in my head. Having been […]
Read more "Having been there, and now being here… Romans 15:13"John 7:16-17 (NLT) 16 So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. 17 Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own.” Proverbs 14:27 (NLT) 27 Fear of the Lord is a life-giving […]
Read more "It’s time to work at living in peace with everyone. John 7:16-17"2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT) 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. Ecclesiastes 5:2 (NLT) 2 Don’t make rash promises, and don’t be hasty in bringing matters before God. After all, God is in heaven, […]
Read more "Black and white."Psalm 25:4 (NLT) 4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. It’s taken me quite a while to write this. For a primer, read Loons, crows, and things that aren’t what they seem. Last night I sat in the activity room in the jail, really a very small […]
Read more "Jason didn’t make it. Psalm 25:4"Matthew 4:4 (NLT) 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” James 1:14 (NLT) 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Acts 19:4 (NLT) 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism called […]
Read more "Live fully. Matthew 4:4"Matthew 21:21 (NLT) 21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.” Luke 1:1-4 (NLT) 1 Many […]
Read more "Stay on the safe path."Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) 6 Direct your children onto the right path,and when they are older, they will not leave it. This is as true for us as it is for our children. We should always remember that we’re always God’s children. We never grow out of that so we can always be directed to the […]
Read more "It pays to follow the map if you want to stay on the path. Proverbs 22:6"Psalm 112:4-6 (ESV) 4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. 5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. 6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. James 3:9-11 (NLT) 9 People can […]
Read more "Righteous. Psalm 112:4-6"Matthew 28:19 (NLT) 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. We’re called. It’s that simple. Share the gospel and make disciples of all peoples. That means we are to be disciples as well, not prissy pew warmers wringing […]
Read more "Fight, finish. Matthew 28:19"1 Chronicles 16:11 (NLT) 11 Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. I seem to get stuck on searching for his strength. I seek the Lord, continually seek him, yet count on my own strength. Lately, I’m beginning to learn how to seek him and his strength. It’s not surprising considering […]
Read more "Being strong and courageous… 1 Chronicles 16:11"1 Samuel 2:2 (NLT) 2 No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Psalm 23:5 (NLT) 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. […]
Read more "On the last day we will see. 1 Sameul 2:2"Psalm 16:2 (NLT) 2 I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” Psalm 22:19 (NLT) 19 O Lord, do not stay far away! You are my strength; come quickly to my aid! Psalm 37:24 (NLT) 24 Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord […]
Read more "There will be a day. Psalm 16:2"Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) 17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Just another confirmation of the coming of Christ to a recalcitrant people […]
Read more "Big ifs… Zephaniah 3:17"John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” or “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in […]
Read more "What’s the point here? John 3:16"1 Corinthians 13 (NLT) 13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I […]
Read more "True love is countercultural. 1 Corinthians 13"Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) 10 “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT) 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each […]
Read more "Showing love covers a multitude of sins… Isaiah 54:10"Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Habakkuk 3:19 (NLT) 19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. There’s an interesting article at the Futurism.com […]
Read more "I wonder if there’s a place for eternity… Ephesians 4:2"John 13:34 (NLT) 34 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Matthew 19:17-19 (NLT) 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to […]
Read more "Love each other. John 13:34"James 1:5 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. “If you need wisdom….” I wonder if that’s not a rhetorical statement – “If you need wisdom….” Really? Today is a scary place where we’re getting into things we […]
Read more "Wisdom seeks its place… James 1:5"Exodus 23:12 (NLT) 12 “You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working. This gives your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It also allows your slaves and the foreigners living among you to be refreshed.” What do donkeys, ox, and slaves have […]
Read more "Let’s consider why we do things…. Exodus 23:12"Proverbs 9:12 (NLT) 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT) 10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. So often […]
Read more "What are good results? Proverbs 9:12"Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Ecclesiastes 11:10 (NLT) 10 So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a […]
Read more "Then them is you and me. Proverbs 3:5-6"This is what we should have: Romans 8:29-31 (NLT) 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, […]
Read more "Lost. Like me."Psalm 147:6 (NLT) 6 The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust. To humbly walk in the ways of the Lord is downright difficult today. I think maybe it has been for as long as we’ve been human. Adam sure couldn’t do it, nor could Eve. The Pharisee’s couldn’t […]
Read more "Everything we do… Psalm 147:6"2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT) 4 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your […]
Read more "Taste and see… Timothy 4"Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT) 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the […]
Read more "Love 24/7/365 Ephesians 3:16-19"James 3:15-18 (NLT) 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace […]
Read more "Until then… James 3:15-18"Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) 10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Psalm 29:11 (NLT) 11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Proverbs 2:9 (NLT) 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find […]
Read more "Safety, strength and peace. Proverbs 18:10"Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 1 John 1:5 (NLT) 5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and […]
Read more "Hope in troubled waters"Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) 19 For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Ephesians 2:22 (NLT) 22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where […]
Read more "Wilderness. Isaiah 43:19"Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Another powerful night at the jail. Hadn’t been […]
Read more "“I want you to show mercy…” Ephesians 4:22-24"Genesis 1:1-2 (NLT) 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. I wonder what it was like when the world was created. What it was like […]
Read more "Imagine if the Creator of all the universe told us how to live – would you listen? Genesis 1:1-2"Ezekiel 11:19-20(NLT) 19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God. […]
Read more "The Dash and the Honor Guard. Ezekiel 11:19-20"Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NLT) 18 The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow. Met with someone who’s son in law’s brother (call him Jim) went back out there (drug/alcohol abuse) and his marriage is in jeopardy. Two kids, 3 years and 18 months old. Wife looking to seperate. Jim is […]
Read more "My life is better without _______. Ecclesiastes 1:18"Psalm 33:3 (NLT) 3 Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy. So, we were entrusted with our neighbors dog, their family pet (we’ll call him Dog), while they went on vacation eight hours away by plane. Dog and our dogs get along very well, romping, […]
Read more "Lost dog returns (literally) Psalm 33:3"Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. James 1:19-20 (NLT) 19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and […]
Read more "Free Will. Jeremiah 29:11"1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) 5 Good planning and hard work lead […]
Read more "Water reflections…. 1 John 4:7-8"Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) 17 “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Job 1:21 (NLT) 21 He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and […]
Read more "As we approach a new year and beyond… Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT)"Psalm 42:11 (NLT) 11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! Because he delivers. He delivers out of selfless love and all we have to do is turn to him. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) 6 […]
Read more "Merry Christmas! All we have to do is turn to him. Psalm 42:11"Luke 12:15 (NLT) 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Merry Christmas, eh? Last night at the jail one of the guys mentioned a fact I found pretty interesting (a quick search on the single source of truth [at least that’s what […]
Read more "Gifts… Luke 12:15"Matthew 1:20-21 (NLT) 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and […]
Read more "Talk all you want… Matthew 1:20-21"Jeremiah 31:31 (NLT) 31 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. And it came in the form of Christ and the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t about more laws – God had given us all that we needed in 10. This was […]
Read more "Thoughts, time, and energy… Jeremiah 31:31"Nehemiah 9:30-31 (NLT) 30 In your love, you were patient with them for many years. You sent your Spirit, who warned them through the prophets. But still they wouldn’t listen! So once again you allowed the peoples of the land to conquer them. 31 But in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely […]
Read more "Grace and mercy. Nehemiah 9:30-31"Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for […]
Read more "What do we gain if we lose our soul? Matthew 16:24-26"Luke 1:26-28 (NLT) 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The […]
Read more "Embracing a miracle… Luke 1:26-28"Exodus 20:3 (NIV) 3 “You shall have no other gods before [besides] me. Here I am. And so it is laid out for us – don’t put anything before/above God. It’s clear, straightforward, succinct, and doesn’t leave room for interpretation. I think He wrote it for our days more than he did for the days […]
Read more "Here I am. Exodus 20:3"Psalm 4:8(NLT) 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Nice idea, but not for today you might think. There’s too much stuff going on to trust anything but my Glock. But, that’s the way the world thinks, not how God is. We can go […]
Read more "Nice idea…"John 1:1-5 (NLT) 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life […]
Read more "In the beginning… John 1:1-5"Proverbs 4:11 (NLT) 11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT) 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us […]
Read more "Such a huge crowd… Proverbs 4:11"Proverbs 28:10 (NLT) 10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. Matthew 12:36 (NLT) 36 “And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak”. Have you ever led anyone? We […]
Read more "Where do you lead? Proverbs 28:10"2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. We’re not the first people to turn from God, probably not […]
Read more "Waiting for us 2 Chronicles 7:14"Matthew 12:30-37 (NLT) 30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. 31 “So I tell you, every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven—except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which will never be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can […]
Read more "This guy Matthew 12:30-37"Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons (nor rulers), neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above […]
Read more "Now that’s peaceful. Romans 8:38-39"Ephesians 5:21 (NLT) 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. That line comes before the wives submit, husbands always honor and do anything for your wife, including die to protect her. That’s what relationships are supposed to look like. How different they are from reality. From Baby Mama’s and Daddy’s, […]
Read more "Solution to jacked up"Ephesians 5:25-26 (NLT) 25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. One of the gripes people throw at Christ is the whole wives shall submit to their husbands. […]
Read more "Husbands, love your wives Ephesians 5:25-26"Matthew 5:43-45 (NLT) 43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the […]
Read more "Revival Matthew 5:43-45"Psalm 86:4-5(NLT) 4 Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. 5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. It’s the ultimate security blanket. Such a good Lord so full of unfailing love to those who ask […]
Read more "Security blanket Psalm 86:4-5"Luke 1:37 (ESV) 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” James 1:5-6 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, […]
Read more "Genie in a bottle Luke 1:37"Galatians 1:10 (NLT) 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant. Obviously. Obviously being a Jesus freak is kind of counter cultural. Obviously, not being people pleasing is too. Look at the purpose of political correctness who’s […]
Read more "Obviously"Proverbs 23:4-5 (NLT) 4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. 5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. In the blink of an eye we go from here to somewhere. It’s actually pretty […]
Read more "Blink of an eye Proverbs 23:4-5"Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[a] then you won’t become weary and give up. [a] 12:3 Some manuscripts read Think of how people hurt themselves by opposing him. Think of how people hurt themselves by opposing him. Think about it. Who is Christ and what does he […]
Read more "Think of how people hurt themselves by opposing him. Hebrews 12:3"John 8:32 (NLT) 32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Freedom. It was something that I never knew and am just now beginning to know. It’s the freedom of my soul. I may be trapped by the riches of the west in many ways, but my soul is […]
Read more "Slowly crawling to freedom John 8:32"1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. How do your […]
Read more "Furnishing your temple 1 Corinthians 6:19-20"Philippians 1:6 (NLT) 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. It is encouraging that even though I am deeply flawed, I will continue to grow and will be completed when Christ returns. […]
Read more "Look at the proud Plilippians 1:6"Philippians 4:13 (NLT) 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Everything. Even be patient when it doesn’t seem like I can be patient. Even be comfortable when comfort isn’t much. Looking at a couple of bills I know I can’t pay until I get back to work. Ah, get back […]
Read more "At least Philippians 4:13"
Just broken 