Deep roots in invisible places determine a tree’s stability. We can only see the part of the tree above ground, but its roots go below the surface, where no one sees. In his letter to the church of Colossae, Paul encouraged the believers not only to accept Christ but to grow in their relationship with …
During times of uncertainty and distress, we want to be rooted where it matters most: in our God. Even though Jeremiah lived long before Jesus walked the earth, the Lord had told him that it was better to trust Him than to trust humans. Jeremiah 17: 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those …
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 …