Christianity is a relationship with God. A good relationship has great conversation—and the best conversation includes more listening than talking. Jesus affirms our listening posture with God when He says. . . Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more […]
I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it would move. Nothing would be impossible (Matthew 17:20, NLT). Jesus found his disciples unable to cast out a demon from a young boy. Jesus rebuked the
Mustard-Seed Faith Read More »
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7, KJV) I believe we should be grateful no matter our circumstances. Warren Buffett (think very rich) was interviewed by Charlie Rose in 2022, and during this interview, Buffett said, The bottom 2% of income earners in the United States live better than John
Faith vs. the Spirit of Poverty Read More »
Hebrews 11:6 reads… Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (ESV). We must have faith to approach God. How do we get this faith? Romans 10:17 reads… Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word
Faith, Criticism, and the Bible! Read More »
Confession: I’ve approached the cliff of burnout many times. A pastor today juggles many things, from family to emergencies to meetings to disgruntled congregants, all while maintaining a productive devotional life and writing sermons. That’s me. What’s on your list? Is there a way to avoid burnout? Let me share three passages where I’ve found
Three Scriptures to Avoid Burnout Read More »
The righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, ESV). Faith is miraculous. The Apostle Paul teaches that faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). The gift of faith isn’t a once and for all blessing received at new birth that lasts ‘til
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! (Matthew 8:10, NLT) One day, a Roman military officer came to Jesus and asked Him to heal his servant. The Roman said, “Lord, I’m not worthy enough
Building Faith in 2024 Read More »
No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9, NLT). Common sense (which people claim I lack) is used as a justification for actions. We say, “Well, it just makes common sense.” For those of us who study the
Faith Blows Up Common Sense Read More »
The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith” (Luke 17:5, NLT). I go to the gym often, and I’ve noticed some participants walking around with a trainer. The trainees huff and puff while the trainer gives instructions. I’ve never hired a personal trainer as I don’t want to spend the
Jesus, Our Faith Trainer Read More »
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). The Greek word for “faith” is used about 250 times in the New Testament. In contrast, the major Greek word for “love” in the New Testament is used about 25 times, and the word
Let’s Try Faithfulness This Week Read More »