Be a Victor, Not a Victim

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NIV) Victim mentality may get us pity, but it won’t give us power. After listing all of the terrible things that could possibly happen but can’t separate us from God’s love, such as trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger orContinue reading “Be a Victor, Not a Victim”

Strengthen the Others

 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 NIV) Jesus knew that Simon wasn’t as strong as he claimed to be (is it any wonder then why Jesus doesn’t referContinue reading “Strengthen the Others”

By His Wounds We Are Healed

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5 NIV) Jesus experienced the most excruciating pain possible because of us, yet “by His wounds we are healed.” How can we be the causeContinue reading “By His Wounds We Are Healed”

I Was Dead But Now I Live

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Revelation 1:8 NIV) Exiled on an island for his faith in Jesus, the beloved disciple sees the risen Christ. Falling at His feet “as though dead,” John isContinue reading “I Was Dead But Now I Live”

Signs of Life

For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms, so the Master, God, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. (Isaiah 61:11 MSG) After a long, dark and cold Winter, most – if not all – of us are looking forward to Spring,Continue reading “Signs of Life”

You are not Forsaken

 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). (Matthew 27:46 NIV) For those of us who have uttered similar words, it’s good to know that we’re not alone. Jesus, the Son of God, asked “Why?” when He felt forsaken by GodContinue reading “You are not Forsaken”

Resurrecting Hope

They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” (Luke 7:16 NIV) As Jesus approached the town of Nain, He witnessed a funeral procession. A widow’s only son was being carried out. “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to herContinue reading “Resurrecting Hope”