As we keep our minds stayed upon God, we can enjoy the perfect peace of God that surpasses all understanding. The phrase “perfect peace” is the Hebrew word Shalom, meaning complete, whole, lacking nothing. Read slowly the words of Amy Ca…
Here we are at the beginning of a new week. Winter has finally played its hand, “baby, it's cold outside.” The morning frost creates a sense of calm and quiet over the landscape. It’s as if nature is reminding us that it’s ti…
We tend to think in contrasts and opposites: black - white, hot - cold, day - night, up - down, right - left. It sets up an either/or scenario where a choice must be made to go with one or the other. The Apostle gives us a bold list: be on guard, st…
Whenever you see words or phrases repeated in the scriptures, pay attention and take note of what is being emphasized. The apostle was clear and emphatic that when difficult times and evil days come, our response is to armor up and stand. We don&rs…
The distinctive purpose of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts is to empower the church as a whole and each follower of Jesus for ministry. It is good to be refreshed and renewed, once again, by receiving the fullness of who He is and what He …
Whatever you can dare to ask or imagine, God is able to do immeasurably more! I believe our ‘asks’ of God are too small. Listen to someone pray, and you’ll hear the word ‘just’ inserted ad infinitum. ‘Just’ …
As we earnestly pray for reformation and revival, we must be willing to acknowledge and embrace the wildness of God. Pete Greig (founder, 24/7 Prayer Movement) calls this 'The Rewilding of God.' Theologian Walter Brueggemann writes, ‘We live …
The setting was The Last Supper. Jesus and His disciples were gathered around the table, and Jesus was giving them a litany of final words and teachings before His betrayal and ultimate act of love. After introducing the person and work of the Holy…
The return to Jerusalem, rebuilding the fortified wall around the city, and finding the Word of God in the rubble and ruins of a once-great city led to one of the greatest revivals recorded in Scripture. It began with Reformation, a return to God&rs…
The word “Blessed” means happy or fortunate. Few things move the hand of God like spiritual hunger and thirst. God promises to fill and satisfy those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (to enjoy right standing with God).Monday, our …
Jesus was gentle with Martha as he knew her tendency to get spun up 'about many things.' Yet, in His gentle way, He graciously redirected her to what matters most: Be present in His presence. One of our Enemy’s go-to weapons is to make us fe…
One of the many great things about walking with the Holy Spirit is that He intercedes - prays specifically - for those who are in Christ! You are not alone; you were never alone. He is with you and for you! - Pastor Jimmy
I Am Making A Way There are times and seasons when your past decisions, failures, traumas, disappointments, and losses resurface as if to remind you, “I’m still here. You’re still broken. You’ll never get over this.” …
The world may tremble and shake, but God’s Word will stand forever. When the storms rage and the sea is tempest-tossed, you can anchor to “the Rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). Today, thank God that He is your rock, your s…
Because of David’s deep and personal relationship with God, he understood that God always answers and provides strength as needed. He also grasped that God does not always respond according to his timetable or in the way he desires; rather, Go…
As we turn the page and engage in this new year, we can see darkness and despair, or we can see light and potential. It is your choice as to which will procure your attention, energy, and focus. As for me, “I lift my eyes to the mountains, w…
As I reflect on my church losing six beautiful people this past year, I am reminded: Whatever we amass in this world in terms of material things, accomplishments, and accolades pales compared to what we gain when we come to know Christ in a personal…
God’s Word is alive and teeming with “energēs,” literally energy. That's why getting into God’s Word every day is so life-giving and invigorating. Reading God’s Word daily and allowing it to read you revitalizes your m…
When God sets you apart, He doesn’t do it halfway. Paul reminds us that God: Anoints you. (Empowers). Seals you. (Identifies). And gives you His Holy Spirit. (Guarantees what is to come). Signed. Sealed. Delivered. As we finish this year stro…
A cursory reading of the letters to the church in Corinth might lead you to believe that Paul was harsh toward the struggling new converts. However, some of the Apostle’s most heartfelt and grace-laced words were written to encourage those who…
It is the day after Christmas. We have engaged and celebrated the birth of the Savior of the world. So, now what do we do? The Heavenly Host gives us a clue on our next steps: 1. Go tell the world that He is here! 2. Celebrate with the multitudes of…
Author Brennan Manning shares this poignant story, “In 1980, the day before Christmas, Richard Ballenger's mother was busy wrapping packages and asked her young son to shine her shoes. Soon, with the proud smile that only a seven-year-old can…
Buried in the text of what has become known as the Christmas narrative is a brief sentence that can be missed by a casual reading of the story. Six words that changed history for humankind and can change history for you. “For nothing will be …
Three Words You Need to Hear A number of years ago, I suffered a terrible betrayal in my work as a pastor in a local church. It could have broken me. Many have left vocational ministry over lesser things. In the midst of that storm, God spoke clear…
