Posts Tagged ‘Equipped’
Feed My Lambs
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” John 21:15 (NIV) I could not believe what I was hearing; a pastor was telling, perhaps even bragging, that…
Read MoreThis Little Light of Mine
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 (NLT) In 1907, Wesleyan preacher William Watkinson published a sermon, “The Invincible Strategy.” He made the point that “evil is not overcome by denunciation.” He said that although it is easier to speak against evil than to engage in good…
Read MoreThe Importance of Sound Doctrine
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV) Many Christians believe that sound doctrine or teaching is essential, but they do not always know why it is crucial. Sound doctrine is not an end in itself, but instead, it serves…
Read MoreWhere Should I Be?
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NLT) in reality, it is a simple question. How do we decide what to do and where to…
Read MoreWhat About My Rights?
In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (NCV) Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV) The subject of individual rights is a hot topic right now. Perhaps it has always been, at least in…
Read MoreDo Not Ignore Warning Lights
Examine me, O Lord, and test me! Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! Psalm 26:2 (NET) Just Because It Seems to Be Working, It Doesn’t Mean That Everything Is All Right Many of us have had the unpleasant experience of driving in our car when we notice that the Check Engine light has come on.…
Read MoreDon’t Look Back
I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13 (NLT). Looking backward can be a great hindrance to moving forward. Regret over past mistakes afflicts many people. Past victories and triumphs can also impede forward progress. 20th-century philosopher George Santayana said, “Those who cannot remember…
Read MoreMotivated By Love
They are motivated by love, because they know that I’m put here to give a defense of the gospel; the others preach Christ because of their selfish ambition. Philippians 1:16–17 (CEB) Motives are problematic. They can lead someone to do the right thing for the wrong reason, but they can also result in doing the…
Read MoreA Voice in the Wilderness
He said, “I am a voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord—just as Isaiah the prophet said.” John 1:23 (CSB) We live in an era with “self-proclaimed experts” offering advice on just about any subject imaginable. If you have a message that you want people to hear…
Read More(Excel)lent Followers of Christ
But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV) In baseball, a complete player who excels in all aspects of the game is a five-tool player. A five-tool…
Read MorePreparing the Ground
This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.” Jeremiah 4:3 (NLT) The ancient world was primarily agrarian and so many of the allusions and illustrations of spiritual life in the Bible are to be…
Read MoreRejoice… Always
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV) It is time to address an imbalance. Historically, much has been said about Paul’s command to “pray without ceasing,” but what about “rejoice always?” What does it mean to “rejoice always?” When things are good, rejoicing is almost a given, but…
Read MorePreparing the Way
God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.” The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the…
Read MoreReporting for Duty
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. (2 Timothy 2:3–4, NIV) Over the years, the various branches of the United States military have utilized slogans in their recruiting efforts. In…
Read MoreIs Repentance Optional?
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38, NIV) Are we seriously asking if repentance is optional? No, it is a rhetorical question, like Paul asking, “What shall we…
Read MoreAre You Ready?
The question of the hour is: “Are you ready?” “Ready for what,” someone might ask? I would reply that I am not sure, but it does not require prophetic insight to see that we are living in unsettling times. I speak from the perspective of someone who has lived relatively sheltered from the turmoil that…
Read MorePatient Endurance
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 (NLT) The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines endurance as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially: the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” I enjoy…
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