risingwiththeson

In Who Do You Place Your Trust?

“Let there be a treaty between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.” (1 Kings 15:19 NIV) Israel’s ancient kings often madeContinueContinue reading “In Who Do You Place Your Trust?”

You Live and Learn

These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days. (1 Corinthians 10:11 CEV) Mistakes are inevitable. However, as unpleasant as they might be, they can actually teach us something, if we let them. As a family member wouldContinueContinue reading “You Live and Learn”

Know Your Real Boss

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23 NLT) A professed atheist once said that one of the things that he liked about Christianity was the idea of doing something with all your heart, but I don’t think he really knew why thatContinueContinue reading “Know Your Real Boss”

Warning Markers

These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fallContinueContinue reading “Warning Markers”

Onesimus

I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. (Philemon 10-11 NLT) The name Onesimus means “useful.” In his letter toContinueContinue reading “Onesimus”

Weak but Strong

But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is forContinueContinue reading “Weak but Strong”

Confronting Closed Doors

Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. (Acts 16:6-7 CEV) As a new graduate, I was thrilled by the prospect of aContinueContinue reading “Confronting Closed Doors”

You Did It for Me

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’“ And the King willContinueContinue reading “You Did It for Me”

Always Faithful

The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” (Hosea 3:1 NIV) No man or woman can stand unfaithfulness, andContinueContinue reading “Always Faithful”

Our Plan vs. God’s Plan

By Marlene Tavares “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11 MSG) When I was 18 years old and preparing to graduate high school, I had my whole life planned out and itContinueContinue reading “Our Plan vs. God’s Plan”