John’s followers told John everything that was being said about Jesus. So he sent two of them to ask the Lord, “Are you the one we should be looking for? Or must we wait for someone else?” (Luke 7:18-19 CEV) Even the great preacher had his times of doubt. When Jesus didn’t bring the resultsContinue reading "In Times of Doubt"
Behold His Salvation
"For my eyes have seen Your Salvation." (Luke 2:30 AMP) God had revealed to Simeon, a man whom Scripture describes as "righteous and devout...[who was] looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him...that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed)" (Luke 2:25-26).Continue reading "Behold His Salvation"
You’re Better Off With Him
But she said, “Don’t call me Naomi; call me Bitter. The Strong One has dealt me a bitter blow. I left here full of life, and God has brought me back with nothing but the clothes on my back. Why would you call me Naomi? God certainly doesn’t. The Strong One ruined me.” (Ruth 1:20-21Continue reading "You’re Better Off With Him"
Being Genuine With God
All of you praise me with your words, but you never really think about me. (Matthew 15:8 CEV) The Pharisees and teachers of the law were superficial people. They put on a show of being very religious and they fooled almost everyone, except, of course, Jesus. Only He could see that their words weren’t inContinue reading "Being Genuine With God"
Always for a Reason
After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself. (2 Chronicles 32:1 NIV) The previous chapter ends with a positive evaluation of King Hezekiah of Judah, “This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing whatContinue reading "Always for a Reason"
Respect Authority
While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, “Has the LORD spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the LORD heard them. (Numbers 12:1-2 NLT) People aren’t perfect, let alone those who are in authority. Nevertheless, God established authority andContinue reading "Respect Authority"
First Impressions
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. (John 1:45-46 NIV) First impressions are often misleading. When I firstContinue reading "First Impressions"
Heed the Sign
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." (Matthew 12:38 NIV) There's the Pharisee and teacher of the law in us that still asks Jesus for a sign. We would like a tangible sign that would reveal God's will for us.Continue reading "Heed the Sign"
Greater IS Coming
Jesus said, “You will see greater things than that.” (John 1:50 NIV) My sister once told me about a woman who approached her, saying that she really liked the posts on this blog, attributing them to my sister-in-law. My sister said she tried to tell her that I was the person behind the blog, butContinue reading "Greater IS Coming"
Facing Our Fears
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Joshua had big shoes to fill. After Moses’ death, Joshua went from being Moses’ assistant to becoming his successor. Therefore, it was Joshua,Continue reading "Facing Our Fears"