If we allow them to, life’s awkward or threatening situations will spur our spiritual growth. They face us with our wrong thinking and give us an opportunity to change. Here’s an example where Peter1 reached his flash point while Jesus remained at peace. One of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his […]
Years ago I witnessed a boy’s leg grow about two inches. It was in an evangelistic meeting. He had responded to an offer to pray for bad backs. As several people laid hands on him the leg grew. He and his friends were amazed. But we never saw the boy after than night. It raised […]
People of Lystra, “Why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them.” […]
Multivitamins are useless if they remain in the container. They must be eaten. Would anyone be so foolish as to buy a jar and leave it unopened on the kitchen counter? Yet perhaps we do that with the gospel. You see, the idea of “the gospel” is like the unopened pot. Sometimes we think that […]
FRAGILE—HANDLE WITH CARE Assuming that the item you ordered from Amazon arrives unbroken in its box, you will be able to unpack it, assemble it if necessary, and enjoy all its benefits. But some of the things we buy come with instructions for proper use and maintenance. The story of Saul is rarely used in […]
“God is a gentleman.” I was taught that years ago, and it is so true. In this life, God never forces anyone to bow and worship Him. He put pressure on Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and others to serve His purposes, but if they ever worshiped, it was their choice. We are all monarchs of our own […]
Okay, I admit it. Today I am angry with God. I was so excited at all the things He had been doing, but now it seems that everything is blocked or diverted. All my prayer and faithfulness might go to waste. Why doesn’t God intervene to keep the vision on course? We could be half […]
I taught in rural Kenya for several months and learned the art of waiting. When I made a trip to a city to buy supplies I could never be sure when the mawingo or matatu would conquer the mud-clogged roads and arrive.1 I quickly learned to take a book to read. After Jesus ascended to […]
He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure. (John 3:34) Jesus spoke truth, so why do I experience a limited measure of the Holy Spirit? Here are some reasons which seem true in my life at different times: Distractions by circumstances, wrong thoughts, or attacks from the enemy. But […]
One of the main goals of our faith is to become like Jesus. That means growing more conscious of our identity as children of the heavenly Father, engaged in His business. He meets our deepest needs. Human relationships become less a source of affirmation and security and more a place to express love. Being spiritually […]