Lifeway Research reports: While the majority of churchgoers desire to honor Christ with their lives and even profess to think on biblical truths, a recent study found few actually engage in personal reading and study of the Scriptures. "Bible engagement" is one of the eight attributes of discipleship identified in the Transformational Discipleship study conducted … Continue reading Bible Engagement in Churchgoers Hearts, but not Always Practiced
Overcoming Temptation
More wisdom from James on temptation ... James 1:12-15. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do … Continue reading Overcoming Temptation
Turning Worry into Trust
Jesus once said to his disciples, "Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me (John 14:1)." In the Message Bible, Eugene Peterson translates Jesus' statement this way: "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me." Jesus tells his disciples to not allow their hearts to become … Continue reading Turning Worry into Trust
Nobody Did It!
You might have heard the old story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody: There was an important job to do and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought … Continue reading Nobody Did It!
Grace by Which I Stand
I was thinking of an old song by Keith Green this morning: Grace by Which I Stand. It was written after Keith had been a Christian for many years and in many ways it shares some aspects of a 'Stage 4' experience of faith. Here are the lyrics: Lord, the feelings are not the same, I guess … Continue reading Grace by Which I Stand
Rhythms of Grace
Here is another one of my favourite sayings from Jesus: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the … Continue reading Rhythms of Grace
A Crossroads Experience
Here are some insightful words from the prophet Jeremiah, spoken 1000s of years ago but highly relevant for our lives today: Jer.6:16. This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your … Continue reading A Crossroads Experience
Abiding in Christ
Some well know words from Jesus ... John 15:4-5. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, … Continue reading Abiding in Christ
Break Camp and Advance!
God’s word for today: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country … Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, … Continue reading Break Camp and Advance!
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
John the Baptist predicted that Jesus would be the “baptiser in the Holy Spirit” (Mt.3:11). Jesus himself promised his disciples that although he was going away, he would send the Holy Spirit to be their Comforter or Helper (Jn.14:15-18; 25-27; 16:12-15). After Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his disciples and imparted the Holy Spirit to … Continue reading The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
A Word for You …
On the weekend, I shared a few messages I felt that God put on my heart for various groups of people in our church. Here is a brief summary of them: 1. "You're It!" Did you ever play tag when you were a kid? No one likes to be "it." We'd rather hide and let … Continue reading A Word for You …
Living in this moment – NOW
Most of our minds are busy thinking about either the past or the future. Very few of us live fully in the present moment. Yes, there is an appropriate time to remember the past and to contemplate the future but we are not to live in either place. Interestingly, depressed people usually focus on the … Continue reading Living in this moment – NOW
Daily Rhythms of Grace …
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or … Continue reading Daily Rhythms of Grace …
God’s Love – Even in the Shadows
God calls us to be a prophetic people who hear his voice, who feel what he is passionate about, and who see what he is doing in our world. Seeing sometimes occurs through a supernatural vision (like Elisha's servant having his eyes open to see into the spiritual realm) or simply through a mental picture … Continue reading God’s Love – Even in the Shadows
Thinking about Spirituality
God created us as spirit beings, with a soul (mind, will and emotions), living in a physical body. Life should be lived 'inside out' yet so often we get caught up in the physical and/or emotional aspects of our world. It's time to go a little deeper - into our heart and our spirit. Our … Continue reading Thinking about Spirituality