We should never be content, but continually striving to go farther in our intimacy with God, and in our service to God.
Pilate, in an attempt to please the crowd, asked them, “What then do you want me to do with Jesus?” How often do you make significant decisions with the noble idea of “pleasing the crowd”? As Easter comes upon us all, consider asking yourself the question Pilate asked: “What do I do with Jesus?” It is a question that has only one correct answer – and that answer is life changing.
We are reading the ultimate messages of Paul’s ministry. Do you ever stop and think: Where am I so pressed in spirit? So led of the Lord? What puts fire in my belly? What makes me say, “Before I die, I’ve got to do this”? …
The Ultimate Messages Of Paul's Ministry - Part 1 - Acts 28 [ 39:16 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (109)I think most of us struggle with the thought that if we treat our “Sauls” the way David treated his, it’s possible nothing may happen … our own “Sauls” may not weep and repent, like we would hope they would. Let’s be honest, it’s rare when “Sauls” repent and relationships are restored. But, the reason for our Christ-like response is not because it changes our “Sauls,” but…
James considered himself a servant of God – a “slave” of the most honorable position. He shares a revolutionary viewpoint centering on God’s perspective and not our own. James reveals how we are to view hardships when we are in them. God’s perspective, and God’s wisdom, allow us to see things with our eyes wide open – with trust, and ultimately, with joy.
David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his family heard, they all came and joined him. All of his brothers were AWOL from King Saul, and became fugitives like David! Why? Because they were there when Samuel anointed David to be King – and now, trusting God for the future, they united their hearts in hope! Many others knew that David was the only hope for the kingdom, so they committed and came to the cave as well. Those who were in distress and broken for their nation – they all came to the cave.
As we enter Acts 25, two years have passed since Paul was imprisoned under the rule of Felix. A new governor, Festus, has now come into power. At the urging of the Jewish leaders, Paul now stands before Festus in a fervent Q&A. Amazingly, Festus is so impressed by Paul…
Critics Will Question And God Will Answer - Acts 25 [ 48:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (110)In 1 Samuel 21, we see David at an all time low; he is faltering and failing in his faith. Later in his life, he will write of the value of waiting on God, trusting God, and seeking God’s will; but for now, he is lying to priests and kings while fleeing in the face of fear. What is your greatest fear? With God you can find the strength to face it!
God’s people are Kingdom representatives. We need to take risks – we need to be daring, bold, strong and courageous; we need to step out in faith on God’s Word; we need to decide to follow Jesus and say there is no turning back. We may be in seasons of chaos, confusion, conflict, and calamity, but we cry out to Christ to come and renew us, restore us, rescue us…
In 1 Samuel 20, the king is in the process of losing his mind, and his throne. Saul knows the truth – David is God’s chosen heir – but Saul still tries to deny it. In his humanity, in an attempt to change reality, in his desire to stay in a place of prosperity, Saul takes matters into his own hands. Tragically, we learn yet another lesson from the king; you can’t kill truth and keep God’s blessings.
Killing The Truth To Keep God's Blessing - 1 Samuel 20 [ 1:05:27 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (92)
