The Apostle Paul urges the Philippians (and us) to quit grumbling–and not just because He is sick of hearing it, which would be valid, Paul says it gets in the way of our “shining” for Christ. Wow, that’s so true. I just hadn’t thought of it that way.

It’s time to move! To grow! To go! God has not called you to be stagnant, He’s called you to grow!

So many misunderstandings! Jesus wasn’t blaspheming, He actually WAS (and IS) God! Today, as you look out at your day, what “misunderstanding” might you (might I!) have about God? How might we not fully understand who He is and what He is doing in our lives and the world?

Legalism kills the Spirit because all of the laws and codes surrounding holiness are exhausting and impossible . . . there is a New Covenant, one not based on following the “letter” of the law, “but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life,” (2 Cor 3:6) and in this Spirit “there is freedom,” (2 Cor 3:17)

Have you ever had God come through for you? Ever seen a prayer answered? Ever praised God for something you have seen or experienced--ever?
My guess is you have. And you know what? You’re going to praise Him again, because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,” (Heb 13:8).

When he saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Mt 9.37-38

God chooses to reveal Himself to us in familial (family) language: as Father, Son, and Spirit. He also tells us that this trinity is One and that God is Love. Here in John 17, the Son, Jesus, tells us that this same love that is God and unites God is felt for us too.

People tell me all the time that they wish they could draw better than a stick figure. . . Drawing well is no different than any other skill, it takes practice to learn and get better. The same is true for spiritual virtues.

Sleeper awake! God has called you to life and peace and He is giving it to *you* through the Holy Spirit. Now...how is this possible?

Years ago, few of us could afford the $15,000 mind-blowing flat screen TV known as Plasmas. . . . Funny how something that was highly valued in the not-so-distant past is archaic today. . .Is there anything we can count on? Anything that will last and hold its value forever?

I was excited about the trip, however, getting there was stressful. I traveled alone. On one layover I had a mere 15 minutes to run clear to the opposite side of the airport with all my luggage. With a heavy backpack on my aching back, I dragged an uncooperative carry-on. I wasn’t going to make it. Then the welcoming words . . .

Sometimes, when I look at my circumstances and relationships, I don't see the restoration of God. So how can it be that Jesus reconciled everything to Himself, but I have yet to see the manifestation of that reconciliation, that restoration in my life?

One thing that I have learned over a lifetime spent with Christ, is that His love for me is Constant.

Our world is filled with fear, pain, and grief. Have you ever wondered where God is in all of this? I believe that Jesus is standing with us, weeping.

The expectations I put on myself far exceeds the expectations of God. God simply calls me to live like Jesus.

Many times, over those two weeks a refugee would say to me or one of the other American team members

‘I can’t believe you came all this way to help us’ again and again they would express disbelief ‘I can’t believe you came all this way to help us’

What we *can* say is that Jesus warns us to beware of people who would deceive us about Him and the times we live in, purposefully or unintentionally.

Take heart, my precious daughter. My Son will overcome the world; He will conquer death.

We only keep the things that are most precious to us. God does not overlook our pain He does not forget our sorrows.

The tongue—a remarkable muscle. Oh, but it is so much more powerful than that! The Bible gives us great insight into its power, comparing its power to how a small flame can set a forest on fire.