The first Christmas wasn't just a peaceful night. It was preceded and then filled with inspired poetry and song from everyday people whose lives changed forever. The gentle strains of those early Christmas songs set the tone for a new way of living. Isaiah sang his song into a world of chaos and cruelty, grieving …
“The great divide in North American Christianity today lies in the same place as it did in the New Testament.”
When I was young in the Lord — without being told that I should — I listened eagerly to preachers as they picked up Scripture. It was rarely because I knew the speaker and who they really were as people, but rather it was because I anticipated that He was about to speak to me. …
As a leader you can easily be overwhelmed by the demands of ministry. The good news is that you are not alone! Jesus never intended that you do ministry in your own strength, relying on your own ingenuity and resourcefulness. He taught disciples to maintain a vibrant, inner fellowship with Him, “because you can do …
Continue reading How to Saturate the Ministry You Lead with Prayer
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 3:5 a prayer that He will guide my heart to two destinations... 1. the love of God & 2. the patience of Christ personal experiences with Him that become observable qualities in me only …
For most of my journey as a Christ-follower, I have repeatedly asked the questions, “How does God change a man?” and “Am I changing?” Consequently, I am—at best—a student of what happens to someone in the Presence of God. No experts here—so I pen these words with a continual readiness to be corrected and better …
Continue reading Stones, Serpents, and Scorpions… or Life in the Spirit?
Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 God does a "new thing" when He comes into our lives. We are cleansed and changed from within, immersed into His body …
Romans 8:15-16 "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” How can I know for certain that I am a Christian? God wants …
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth... John 16:12-13 Some time ago, my wife and I drove separately to a retreat center in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Because I was preaching a …
Read Acts 2:1-21 In high school I enjoyed running on the track team. As the official gave us directions at the starting line, I vividly recall the adrenaline pumping through my veins at the beginning of each race. He would slowly call out three phrases in an elongated, deliberate tone: “Ready… on your mark… set!” …
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