Love is defined in a lot of ways in our American culture. There are a lot of uses for the word love: we love the beach, we love our family, we love God, we love certain types of music, we love cheeseburgers, we love the furniture in our home, and the list goes on and … Continue reading Love in Action
Tag: Jesus
Fully Restored!
Restorations are amazing. Have you ever seen a rusted-out vehicle restored to mint condition? How about a dilapidated building fully restored? How about the restoration of a relationship? That last one may be the most amazing restoration of all. We are sinners by nature and by choice. By the grace of God, when we put … Continue reading Fully Restored!
153 Fish!
Everyone loves surprises. Let me rephrase that: everyone loves GOOD surprises. Let me rephrase that once more: after the initial shock of being surprised wears off and their heart rate returns to normal, everyone loves the blessings received by good surprises. In John 21:1-14, we read a story of an encounter Jesus had with his … Continue reading 153 Fish!
Remaining Calm in the Midst of the Storm
Life will throw storms at you of all varieties. You may find yourself facing health challenges that are overwhelming. Because of someone else's decisions, a relationship may be in crisis. Due to changes in your company, you may lose your job. Circumstances and life events bring storms of many kinds. How can you be calm … Continue reading Remaining Calm in the Midst of the Storm
What Jesus Prayed: Five things we learn from the Son’s prayer to the Father
When I was a sophomore at Shorter University, our campus minister took a few of us on a retreat to Florida to plan our ministry efforts for the upcoming school year. One way he challenged us spiritually was by asking us to spend one hour in total silence, reading John chapter 17 and praying and … Continue reading What Jesus Prayed: Five things we learn from the Son’s prayer to the Father
In a world of suffering, you can find peace
Poverty. Homelessness. Starvation. Crime. War. Persecution. Destruction. Broken promises. Broken relationships. Broken lives. These are some of the tragic effects of the sin and selfishness of the world, but there is hope. In world of suffering, you can find peace. Hear the words of Jesus. John 16:33 33 I have told you these things so … Continue reading In a world of suffering, you can find peace
The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a demonstration of God’s love
When Jesus walked the earth, he told his followers that it would be even better for them after he left and returned to heaven. He promised to send the Holy Spirit upon the earth. At first it is hard to imagine how it is better without Jesus physically on earth. But when you realize that … Continue reading The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a demonstration of God’s love
Counselor
When you need wisdom and counsel, to whom do you turn? When Jesus walked the earth, he was the perfect counselor for his followers, a wonderful counselor. Because he is not physically with us now on earth, where do we find the best counsel? The Holy Spirit! John 14:15-31 Jesus says, 15 "If you love … Continue reading Counselor
Greater Works
Check out the two massive promises from God's Word in John 14:12-14. One relates to us doing greater works than Jesus, and the other one relates to Jesus doing anything that we ask in his name. These promises are so big and bold that we need to make sure we understand what Jesus is saying … Continue reading Greater Works
Saved by the Grace of God
Sitting at the table with three other men in a country in Southeast Asia, I was amazed to hear the stories of how God was working in the lives of people there. In this largely Buddhist nation, the good news of Jesus is penetrating hearts and bringing people to saving faith in Jesus. At one … Continue reading Saved by the Grace of God