Rising with the Son

God’s Got Your Back

Israel, you will know that I stand at your side. (Joel 2:27 CEV) It’s great to have someone by our side during a time of need, especially if that someone is God Himself. Paul could testify to that. He says, “The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. EveryoneContinue reading "God’s Got Your Back"

Opposition From Within

But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!” For even his brothersContinue reading "Opposition From Within"

Embracing the Tough Times

So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect... About that time, serious trouble developed in Ephesus concerning the Way. (Acts 19:20, 23 NLT) Many are fond of the success of the early church and like to imitate its pattern, but did you know that there’s a strong correlation between theContinue reading "Embracing the Tough Times"

Finish What You Started

Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.” (Nehemiah 4:11 NIV) While rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the people faced constant opposition from their enemies. However, that didn’t stop Nehemiah and theContinue reading "Finish What You Started"

Seek His Face Always

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. (Psalm 105:4 NLT) How would you feel if a friend only called when they needed you? I know I’d feel offended. When I was struggling with this issue, God reminded me of the fact that that’s how many people treat Him. They seek HimContinue reading "Seek His Face Always"

Seek His Presence, Not His Presents

If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? (Romans 8:32 MSG) I once heard a young girl express a wish to marry a rich man.Continue reading "Seek His Presence, Not His Presents"

A Wasted Trip

One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. (Luke 5:17 NIV) What is striking about the Pharisees and the teachers of theContinue reading "A Wasted Trip"

A Getaway

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV) In the Gospel of Mark, one finds that every time Jesus and His disciples wanted toContinue reading "A Getaway"

Whom Will You Serve?

This was the last thing the official expected to hear. He was very rich and became terribly sad. He was holding on tight to a lot of things and not about to let them go. (Luke 18:23 MSG) The Gospel of Luke, which deals quite a bit with the subject of money, tells us thatContinue reading "Whom Will You Serve?"

Guard with Care

Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. (1 Timothy 6:20 NIV) While Paul was particularly referring to the Gospel that had been entrusted to Timothy’s care (see 2 Timothy 1:14), I believe that the charge to "guard what has been entrusted to your care," can also refer to everything else that God hasContinue reading "Guard with Care"