Peter couldn’t wait for the boats to reach Jesus, but, driven by the urgency of a restless heart, he swam to shore. At first, the disciples did not recognize Jesus. John 21: 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on …
God reveals His heart in transition by showing His love for us. God especially cares for those who are hurting. As Moses shepherded a flock in the wilderness of Sinai, God appeared to him in a burning bush. Moses, who was royalty in Egypt, had left there 40 years earlier after he killed an Egyptian …
In the children’s song “Jesus Loves Me,” one of the most memorable lines is “When I am weak, you are strong.” As people, especially men, we often avoid being perceived as weak and tend to go through life without seeking help when we need it. There have been moments in my life — and you …
Letting Jesus flow from your heart reflects what He is doing in your heart. This is how God can use you to influence those around you. John 7:38Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.[1] Have you ever been in a …
The soils of the heart in Jesus’ parable of the Sower (Mark 4:13-20) reveal how receptive people are to God’s Word, which affects our earthly life and eternity. A parable is a story that uses imagery to help Jesus teach spiritual lessons, both past and present. In many ways, the soils reflect our own lives, …
As Jesus began His teaching, He spoke of the attitude of the heart. He emphasized the importance of righteous character and how it brings blessings of the Kingdom to the believer. To be righteous means doing what God requires of us. The Pharisees focused on outward appearances, observing the Law, tithing, fasting, and praying with …
While the story of Acts 8:1-25 is primarily about Philip and Simon, we can see John’s changed heart if we look closely. John and his brother James were fishermen before Jesus called them as disciples. Jesus gave these brothers a nickname. Mark 3: 17 James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons …
Simon’s actions give an example of a false heart. He had said and done all the right things that seemed to show that he had repented of his former life and turned to Jesus. Acts 8: 13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by …
When we seek Jesus’ face, not His hands, it moves us from our physical needs to putting our spiritual needs first. Jesus teaches wisdom. Matthew 6:33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.[1] As we seek the Lord’s face and His Kingdom, we seek …
Repentance changes our hearts because we turn away from our sins and toward God. Because of our sinful nature, every person struggles with sin. Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.[1] Turning away from our sin is not returning to the broad road that leads to destruction but choosing …