risingwiththeson

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

But because our ancestors angered the God of heaven, he gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar the Chaldean, king of Babylon, who destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. (Ezra 5:12 NIV) A mother tells the story of how her young son eventually learned his life lesson the hard way. While underContinueContinue reading “Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late”

When God Lets Go

You said to yourself, “I’ll climb to heaven. I’ll set my throne over the stars of God. I’ll run the assembly of angels that meets on sacred Mount Zaphon. I’ll climb to the top of the clouds. I’ll take over as King of the Universe!” (Isaiah 14:13-14 MSG) Greatness. Everyone seeks it and there areContinueContinue reading “When God Lets Go”

By the Grace of God

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV) As I reflect on my own life, I, too, must admit that it’s by the grace of God that I am what I am today and that His grace to meContinueContinue reading “By the Grace of God”

He’ll Always Be There

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. (James 4:8 NLT) What has been keeping you away from God lately? No matter what it is, be assured that if you call on Him today, you’ll find Him. The Bible promises that if we come near to Him, He’ll come near to us.ContinueContinue reading “He’ll Always Be There”

Needing God More Than Ever

In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the LORD. He offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus, who had defeated him; for he thought, “Since the gods of the kings of Aram have helped them, I will sacrifice to them so they will help me.” But they were his downfallContinueContinue reading “Needing God More Than Ever”

The Lord Has Need of It

And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” (Luke 19:34 ESV) As He was approaching Jerusalem, Jesus instructed two of His disciples to find Him a colt on which no one had sat before, untie it and bring it to Him. And if asked about why they were untying it, they should simply say,ContinueContinue reading “The Lord Has Need of It”

You’re Cordially Invited

Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. (Luke 14:16-18 NLT) Once, a family member chose to invite many people to an importantContinueContinue reading “You’re Cordially Invited”

Everyone Did As They Saw Fit

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. (Judges 17:6; 21:25 NIV) I don’t often do this, but there are certain chapters in the Bible that I skip because I just can’t bring myself to read them. Judges chapter 19 is one of those chapters. It’s a story about aContinueContinue reading “Everyone Did As They Saw Fit”

Lay Down the Crown

At the same time the twenty-four elders knelt down before the one sitting on the throne. And as they worshiped the one who lives forever, they placed their crowns in front of the throne and said, “Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and byContinueContinue reading “Lay Down the Crown”

God Will Repay Us

Then Jesus said to the man who had invited him: When you give a dinner or a banquet, don’t invite your friends and family and relatives and rich neighbors. If you do, they will invite you in return, and you will be paid back. When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, theContinueContinue reading “God Will Repay Us”