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"
The Battle Belongs to God
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) Throughout the Scriptures, we're constantly reminded of the fact that the battle belongs to God and that He fightsContinue reading "The Battle Belongs to God"
He Makes Things Right
I’m thanking God, who makes things right. (Psalm 7:17 MSG) Life has been tough lately. My faith - and patience - has been tested to the extreme. Thankfully, I've been surrounded by faithful people who not only cover me in prayer but who constantly remind me of the one thing I need to hear: GodContinue reading "He Makes Things Right"
Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) It's easy to believe in God when we can see immediate results. But true faith is what happens when we don't, and that'sContinue reading "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize"
Born to Heal
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19 NIV) A woman, whoContinue reading "Born to Heal"
Beauty for Ashes
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. (Isaiah 61:3 NLT) This is Santorini, the world-renown island, also known as volcanic island. I didn't plan on being here, but I'm glad I did. What most people probablyContinue reading "Beauty for Ashes"
Rising with the Son 