risingwiththeson

God’s Messengers

But the officer in charge of the prisoners listened more to the ship’s captain and the owner than to Paul. (Acts 27:11 NLT) Earlier, Paul had warned the men on the boat that the voyage was going to be disastrous and bring great loss to the ship and cargo, and to their own lives, butContinueContinue reading “God’s Messengers”

It Is What It Is

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:39 NLT) As I sat there listening to the discussion, I couldn’t help but join in. And while some good points were raised, I still wasn’t quite convinced that the gift of speaking in tongues was forContinueContinue reading “It Is What It Is”

Know Your Rights

When they tied Paul down to lash him, Paul said to the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been tried?” (Acts 22:25 NLT) While not everyone could obtain Roman citizenship in the ancient world, the apostle Paul did, and he took advantage of it. TheContinueContinue reading “Know Your Rights”

Who is Your God?

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they yelled out in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have turned into humans and have come down to us!” … The temple of Zeus was near the entrance to the city. Its priest and the crowds wanted to offer a sacrifice to Barnabas and Paul. SoContinueContinue reading “Who is Your God?”

Do You Understand What You’re Reading?

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him. (Acts 8:30-31 NLT) When a family member started to readContinueContinue reading “Do You Understand What You’re Reading?”

Not of the World

I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t… They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I. (John 17:14, 16 CEV) Twice in His prayer, Jesus emphasizes the fact that His followers “don’t belong to this world,”ContinueContinue reading “Not of the World”

Will You Follow Him?

Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him. (Matthew 20:34 NLT) After having their request granted, these formerly blind men could have chosen to go their own way, but instead they followed Jesus. It’s sad how after having their prayers answered, many people walk away fromContinueContinue reading “Will You Follow Him?”

Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV) I’ve experienced it time and time again, especially during times of havoc, danger and grief. That peace, which can’t be grasped or explained, yet I know it’s the kind that Isaiah speaks of–the perfect, undisturbed peaceContinueContinue reading “Perfect Peace”

Happy New Year!

A Friend Request

Servants don’t know what their master is doing, and so I don’t speak to you as my servants. I speak to you as my friends, and I have told you everything that my Father has told me. (John 15:15 CEV) God is so great and awesome, yet He wants to be our friend, and whatContinueContinue reading “A Friend Request”