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”
Category Archives: New Testament
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”
You Are What You Think
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8 MSG) A few years ago, I was out with my friend, having dinnerContinueContinue reading “You Are What You Think”
Is God Your Father?
“You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.” (Psalm 89:26 NIV) Jesus’ hearers were in denial. They claimed that Abraham was their father, but failed to have Abraham’s faith. Then they claimed that God was their father, but their actions of hate spoke louder than their words of love. Jesus revealed who theirContinueContinue reading “Is God Your Father?”
Gifts to the Poor
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!” (Acts 10:4 NLT) In Acts chapter ten, we’re introduced to Cornelius, a captain of a group of soldiers called “The Italian Unit.”ContinueContinue reading “Gifts to the Poor”
Respect Your Husbands
Wives, respect and obey your husbands in the same way. Then the husbands who do not obey the word of God will want to know God. They will want to know God because their wives live good lives, even though they say nothing about God. They will see that you live holy lives and respectContinueContinue reading “Respect Your Husbands”
You Can!
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT) “Apart from me you can do nothing,” Jesus said. So years later, having experienced the truth of these words, Paul penned downContinueContinue reading “You Can!”
You’re Not Alone
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God]. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened and empowered me, so that through me the [gospel] message might be fully proclaimed, and that all theContinueContinue reading “You’re Not Alone”
What Do You Value?
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (Revelation 21:21 NIV) In the twenty-first chapter of Revelation, we read about John’s grand depiction of the New Jerusalem that God is preparing for His people. John describesContinueContinue reading “What Do You Value?”
What Do You Think About?
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8 NLT) It amazes me how easily we let anything enter our mind, even though we wouldn’t easilyContinueContinue reading “What Do You Think About?”
Rising with the Son 