Get Back on the Bike [An Encouraging Word]
“Why does this always happen to me?” Bradley had fallen a second time on his bicycle, his 7-year old, 72-pound frame tangled up in steel and rubber with a handlebar poking him in the belly. The injuries to his body weren’t serious, but the hurt in his heart was real. He actually hadn’t been falling much at […]
God calms the anxiousness of the humble
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7) Anxiousness creeps in when we take upon ourselves the burden of having to figure things out on our own. Worry takes over when […]
Jesus shares His glory with the faithful
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4:12-13) Trials are tests of our faithfulness. […]
Serving and Sitting (Luke 10:38-42)
While they were traveling, [Jesus] entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care […]
God’s blessing goes beyond your suffering
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled… (1 Peter 3:14) The reality of suffering is one that many people don’t like to deal with. Even many Christians, uncomfortable trying to reconcile God’s love with His allowance of pain, gloss over the harsh […]
Anniversaries and Expectations [An Encouraging Word]
Two years ago today, my wife and I said “I do,” and we’re not doing a thing to celebrate. Why not? First, we both work today, and second, we’re watching our finances, staying on-budget and paying off debt (you know, those boring details of married life that don’t get special days or cards or celebrations.) For […]
Preconception and Revelation (Luke 9:43b-45)
While everyone was amazed at all the things He was doing, He told His disciples, “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” But they did not understand this statement; it was concealed from them so that they could not grasp it, and they […]
God chose you to belong to His people
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but […]
Waking up to Jesus (Luke 9:32)
Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully aware, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him. (Luke 9:32) Jesus’ glory was on full display, but His disciples almost missed it. They were “weighed down with sleep,” and almost missed a chance to […]
True Salvation (Luke 8:4-15)
The Parable of the Sower and the Soils As a large crowd was gathering, and people were flocking to Him from every town, [Jesus] said in a parable: “A sower went out to sow his seed. As he was sowing, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the sky […]
