I die daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31 JUB) Death changes us. After losing two beloved family members a year apart, I lost a part of me that I would never get back. Life took a different turn as I began to live life unbothered by what was going on around me. Trivial matters and people's opinionsContinue reading "Rise from the Dead"
Moments from the Exodus
I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. (Exodus 6:7 NIV) The Exodus story has got to be one of the most prominent stories in the Bible, and rightly so. ImagineContinue reading "Moments from the Exodus"
Down But Not Out
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV) Easter has always been my favorite time of the year. Its message has resonated with me for many years. The idea that we can be down butContinue reading "Down But Not Out"
Embrace the Desert Place
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. (Luke 4:1-2 NIV) We live in an age of instant gratification. Patience and perseverance don't seem to matter anymore. We're promised immediate results if we wouldContinue reading "Embrace the Desert Place"
Embrace the Cross
I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it. (Philippians 3:10-11 MSG)Continue reading "Embrace the Cross"
Love Yourself
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14 NIV) This Valentine's Day, I'm going to challenge you to look for love within. For far too long, we've been led to look for love everywhere, except within ourselves. As a result, we have more menContinue reading "Love Yourself"
Overwhelmed But Not Overcome
But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. (Exodus 1:12 NIV) We have a choice when we're under a lot of pressure: we can either crumble or rise above it. What would you do? The Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptians, "but theContinue reading "Overwhelmed But Not Overcome"
Rise from the Ashes
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. (Micah 7:8 NIV) For many of us, rising from the ashes is exactly what we were called to do this year. I know I have. Every time it felt asContinue reading "Rise from the Ashes"
Jesus: The Light of My World
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2 NIV) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV) When JesusContinue reading "Jesus: The Light of My World"
Seek Peace and Pursue It
Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14 NIV) The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," means: wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety, prosperity, and harmony. And that's the kind of peace that Jesus promised when He said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Continue reading "Seek Peace and Pursue It"
Rising with the Son 