Some words are coined especially for use in heaven, and outside the Christian community, it is difficult to really understand their meaning. Such is the word blessed! It comes from the Greek word makarios. It was the word used by Jesus when He sat on the slopes of...
"He has made everything beautiful in it's time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11 Let's explore the profound wisdom hidden in the Chinese character for "Beautiful." It's like a divine puzzle, merging two characters: Lamb "羊" and Big "大." When you layer the Lamb "羊" over Big "大," a...
How badly do you want to know God's will? That is the place to start. "I have not come to do my own will but the will of him who sent me," is what Jesus said. Many of us want God's will to be what we have already decided it should be. We want Him to send us where we...
This Christmas season, let’s ask God for the gift of faith—that we may grasp the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:19). We want to attain everything God has prepared for us—all for His glory. There is literally no end to the substance...
Have you ever had the experience of feeling that you are the “odd person out”? You have to attend a professional meeting or something you feel you should attend but would prefer to skip it. But you can’t. You have to attend. Others stand around talking, laughing, and...
It’s easy to praise God when miracles happen. Yet sometimes miracles have stages, and those stages can be trying. So if you’re having a dark night of the soul, wondering if you did something wrong or if God is with you—here’s a Bible story for you. In John 9:2, Jesus...
Here are some thoughts from Chuck Lawless on the problems/uncertainties that develop in your life if you are undiscipled. 1. I heard the leaders tell me I needed to read the Bible and pray, but I didn’t know how. I tried, but it was tough to do when no one had really...
Jim Warren, like thousands of other people, believed in God. In fact, he went to church—not every Sunday, but most Sundays. He was a good man. He worked hard to support his family. He was faithful to his wife, Ruth, and occasionally took his boys fishing. Jim really...
This principle is both good and bad for us. How many things have we started without consulting the Lord, and run into trouble? Then suddenly we call upon the Lord for help? I’m not sure any amount of begging will get God to fix something for your glory. How about for...
When Jesus was accused by the Pharisees of casting out demons by the power of the devil, He countered with a question: “If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then,” he asked, “can his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:26). As He often did, Jesus...