Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be lightly esteemed. (1Samuel 2:30b NIV) Honor in this passage is the idea of weightiness – who or what holds the weight of influence in ours lives. We honor God by honoring His word (Lk. 6:46-47). Here’s...
“Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves . . . but our competence comes from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:4-5) Confidence comes from competence. But, there’s the rub; God never calls us to a task for which we’re...
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27 NASB) When Jesus spoke the word, “peace,” storms stopped and seas stilled. This is the peace He offers us....
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . .” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Change is inevitable but growth is optional. Gas and grocery prices change daily. Our jobs, health, and finances can change without warning. Of course, there’s the...
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion . . . and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 (NIV) Guilt and shame are the natural responses of our inner justice system that demands that wrongdoing (sin) be punished. The problem is that we don’t want...
