risingwiththeson

What Will It Take?

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went off with the noblemen from Moab. As he was going, though, God’s anger flared. The angel of God stood in the road to block his way. Balaam was riding his donkey, accompanied by his two servants. When the donkey saw the angel blocking theContinueContinue reading “What Will It Take?”

What are You Clinging to?

Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.(Jonah 2:8 NLT) From inside the big fish, Jonah prayed to God. Jonah thanked God for delivering him from death and made the well-known confession, “Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies.” Perhaps Jonah was thinking of the sailorsContinueContinue reading “What are You Clinging to?”

A Person After God’s Own Heart

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’ (Acts 13:22 NIV) When the nation of Israel wanted to become like the other nations by asking for a king, GodContinueContinue reading “A Person After God’s Own Heart”

Aspire to Inspire

Agrippa asked Paul, “In such a short time do you think you can talk me into being a Christian?” Paul answered, “Whether it takes a short time or a long time, I wish you and everyone else who hears me today would become just like me! Except, of course, for these chains.” (Acts 26:28-29 CEV)ContinueContinue reading “Aspire to Inspire”

Let’s Grow Up in Christ!

There was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. (Acts 3:2 MSG) A few weeks ago, I heard an interesting message about how the crippled man in Acts 3 was being carriedContinueContinue reading “Let’s Grow Up in Christ!”

Praise is the Answer

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5 NIV) There are times when like the psalmist, I also feel down for no apparent reason. However, I learned a long time ago that the secret toContinueContinue reading “Praise is the Answer”

Watch Out

Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. (Acts 12:16 NLT) While Peter was in prison, “the church prayed very earnestly for him” (Acts 12:5). Yet when Peter showed up at the door, the church, the group of believers, couldn’t believe it. They told the hired servant,ContinueContinue reading “Watch Out”

Going Back to Egypt

“‘I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.'” (Acts 7:34 NLT) Moses had fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian and he probably never thought of going back. However, yearsContinueContinue reading “Going Back to Egypt”

Praying for Our Cities

Forgive us! Hurry and do something, not only for your city and your chosen people, but to bring honor to yourself. (Daniel 9:19 CEV) From the window that overlooked the Sin City, I prayed. In fact, I made it my goal to pray for the city during my short stay there, using Daniel chapter nineContinueContinue reading “Praying for Our Cities”

Always for Our Good

The angel touched me a second time and said, “Don’t befrightened! God thinks highly of you, and he intends thisfor your good, so be brave and strong.” (Daniel 10:18-19 CEV) The Apostle Paul had a similar idea in mind when he wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good ofContinueContinue reading “Always for Our Good”