Embrace the Cross

I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it. (Philippians 3:10-11 MSG)ContinueContinue reading “Embrace the Cross”

Overwhelmed But Not Overcome

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites. (Exodus 1:12 NIV) We have a choice when we’re under a lot of pressure: we can either crumble or rise above it. What would you do? The Israelites were oppressed by the Egyptians, “but theContinueContinue reading “Overwhelmed But Not Overcome”

Jesus: The Light of My World

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2 NIV) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV) When JesusContinueContinue reading “Jesus: The Light of My World”

The Battle Belongs to God

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 NLT) Throughout the Scriptures, we’re constantly reminded of the fact that the battle belongs to God and that He fightsContinueContinue reading “The Battle Belongs to God”

He Makes Things Right

I’m thanking God, who makes things right. (Psalm 7:17 MSG) Life has been tough lately. My faith – and patience – has been tested to the extreme. Thankfully, I’ve been surrounded by faithful people who not only cover me in prayer but who constantly remind me of the one thing I need to hear: GodContinueContinue reading “He Makes Things Right”

Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) It’s easy to believe in God when we can see immediate results. But true faith is what happens when we don’t, and that’sContinueContinue reading “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”

Beauty for Ashes

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. (Isaiah 61:3 NLT) This is Santorini, the world-renown island, also known as volcanic island. I didn’t plan on being here, but I’m glad I did. What most people probablyContinueContinue reading “Beauty for Ashes”

Written in the Stars

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:5-6 NIV) Even the “Father of Faith” needed a visual reminder of God’s promiseContinueContinue reading “Written in the Stars”