I have been studying the book of Revelation for a while now, and when this season of study began I had just heard a sermon on the beatitude that the book opens with. Beatitude, you say? Yes, a “blessing;” beatitudes are not just from the Sermon on the Mount. Upon rereading chapter 22 today, I [...]
I encountered a thought in a book I am currently reading, that I have heard so often expressed. This is one of those thoughts that sounds good, and in a certain sense is absolutely right–but in many ways can be absolutely wrong. It is dangerous when we pass on short snippet thoughts that can be [...]
There are so many new things in my life right now, things that have drawn me to pray and to beg the LORD for certain outcomes. I pray knowing He is the God who answers prayer. I pray knowing He delights to interact with us, and to show us His glory. I pray knowing He [...]
I’ve started a new book that I am very excited about reading, especially after discovering that this author has loved to study God’s Word, has loved to seek out mentors, has loved to belong to the church and really be a part, has loved growing in the knowledge of God. Sadly, this is rare among [...]
God is not ashamed to be called the God of those who seek the fulfillment of His promises in the life to come. Hebrews 11:16 As you consider this topic with me, you may want to also consider the questions: “who then is God ashamed of?” “Who is He not the God of?” “What about [...]
God created man in His image, and as such we are relational beings. We were created to enjoy intimacy with our Creator. This is not an easily understood concept for many reasons–the greatest being the problem of sin. Our sin separates us from relationship to God. Only when God has redeemed you can you rightly [...]
I was once in a conversation with some friends about prayer, about spiritual disciplines, about taking time out of our busy lives to rest and pray. I remember one mentioning that Jesus did not have this luxury. At the time, I knew it was wrong–Jesus was not a busy-body. So I have been intentionally studying [...]
I have been asking the LORD to teach me about what it means to pray in Jesus name. Perhaps when you hear that phrase you immediately think of how many prayers are closed: “I ask all of this in Jesus’ name, Amen.” I have been troubled in life by those who teach that prayer is [...]
Recently, I have encountered many people willing to partake in the new fad of smoking “spice” or k2, because after all–there is nothing in Scripture condemning it. Or so these childish believers think. They are wrong. True wisdom, and good theology, and the ability to know what is pleasing to the LORD does not come [...]
Meditation is one of the classic spiritual disciplines that in today’s busy lifestyle has the unfortunate fate of being a once-a-year exercise for some, and a non-option for many others. For many it becomes a non-option because it is misunderstood and sometimes seemingly intimidating. I remember years ago some fellow Christians challenging me to spend [...]