When did you receive Jesus’ call to follow Him? How has that changed your life? We, at times, think the disciples were flawless and some kind of super humans. Our story today shows us differently and I think gives us hope as we see Jesus at work. First Call Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter realized what …
A pastor friend made the headline in the local paper. It wasn’t a positive thing because he had been fired by his church. He knew he had an anger problem and had prayed that the Lord would help him overcome the problem but never imagined that God’s solution would be to lose his job. He …
The importance of comfort and encouragement is apparent around the world each day. A child will fall, and a parent will come and comfort and encourage him. A player will make a costly mistake in a sports game and be comforted and encouraged by team members. Someone will receive a disappointing doctor’s report and receive …
In elementary school, I had a physical education teacher who would continually tell us to “listen up.” We were a rowdy bunch and we needed to be quiet and listen to his instructions. If we didn’t listen, we wouldn’t know how to play the game. Learning to listen to teachers is good training for our …
Have you ever missed something because you were too preoccupied? I certainly have. It is easy to be so focused on myself and my plans that I don’t see others. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit can make us aware of others and their needs if we only listen. Sometimes the greatest opportunities the Lord gives us …
Have you been humbled by failure? Maybe it was a loss of a job, failing health, or a broken relationship. The Lord can use failures to get your attention. At times we think we are indestructible, and nothing can stop us until we hit the wall of life. We can be a success in the …
My friend had shared his faith with his father repeatedly, but the father never wanted to listen. Other family members had shared Jesus, but the father wouldn’t listen to them, either. Now Dad was in his mid-80’s and hospitalized with serious health issues. Dad didn’t realize that Jesus doesn’t give up on you. My friend, …
How would your life change if you focused on triumph instead of loss? Meditating the triumph of the risen Christ can be life changing. We live in a world with chaos and problems. It is refreshing to focus on something that encourages, uplifts, and brings hope. Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb of Jesus …
What is the reward for faithfulness? Is faithfulness important to the Lord? Yes, it is! Jesus says: Revelation 2:10“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.”[1] Jesus also tells us: Matthew 24:45“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household …
Have you ever felt like the Lord had forgotten you? Suffering does not mean you are forgotten. Often, when we are going through a trial or enduring some type of suffering, we tend to think the Lord has forgotten about us. During this time, we are usually looking down instead of looking up to our …