risingwiththeson

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 1:20-21ContinueContinue 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 inContinueContinue 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 whatContinueContinue 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 andContinueContinue 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 firstContinueContinue 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.ContinueContinue 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, butContinueContinue 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,ContinueContinue reading “Facing Our Fears”

The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NIV) People change. Some change for better and others for worse. However, the good news is, Jesus Christ doesn’t. He is the same loving, forgiving, compassionate and faithful person that He was years ago and will continue to be the same in yearsContinueContinue reading “The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever”

Flee From Idolatry

So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. (1 Corinthians 10:14 NLT) The Corinthian Christians’ pagan background incited Paul to write to them about the need to flee from idolatry. And while we may not necessarily come from a pagan background, we still need to consider Paul’s words because we’re not exempt fromContinueContinue reading “Flee From Idolatry”