These are all imprints of the sin-cursed creation. If we allow it, this dark truth will consume our thoughts and minds. But we as those who are born again (John 3), those who are the Bride of Christ, have been created to think differently about this reality. We have been called to walk and proclaim hope in the brokenness.
Read MoreThe ascension was a significant historical event. It was the coronation of the Lord Jesus as the King of Kings. The ascension also points to our hope in Him. In the ascension, we are reminded of our union, assurance, and authority in Christ.
Read MoreAs followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the new self. This includes the way we talk to others but more importantly, the way we commune with the Lord in prayer.
Read MoreThis contrast between light and darkness is a reality for followers of Christ. We know it well…Darkness is the world that we once walked (Isaiah 9). Because of the darkness in the world, the Father sent his son Jesus to be the light of the world (John 1). Light is a picture of the salvation the Lord Jesus accomplished in His death and resurrection (John 8:12). Light is also a picture of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God (Psalm 119:105). Continually, we are reminded of the home found in the light and our pursuit and proclamation of it.
Read MoreThroughout the scriptures, we find the assurance of revitalizing mercy in the new day. Over and over the prophets and apostles remind us of this inheritance.
Read MoreWhen Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours be done,” He surrendered His own will to God’s, fully convinced that His Father knew what was best. When we pray this way, we yield ourselves to God’s wisdom, trusting Him to work out what’s best for our lives, too
Read MoreSinging to the Lord is an important characteristic of our walk as followers of Christ. No matter what season you are walking in, I encourage you to keep singing. Keep singing of His faithfulness, His new mercy, and His Glorious love. So, brothers and sisters, what are you singing today?
Read MoreHow can this be? How can two groups of people with very different ancestral backgrounds have a love for one another? The answer is simple yet heartfelt. The love and peace of their community were only possible because of the unifying work of Christ in His life, death, and resurrection. When we are born again (regenerated), we become a new creation in Christ (1 Cor. 5:17). This new work doesn’t just describe a transformation on an individual basis. It describes a renewed community in one body, the Church (Eph. 3:6). In Christ, both Jew and Gentile, become one in Christ. We are knit together in the love of Christ. We are united!
Read More“The gift of a relaxing float in the hot springs was a gift to me from a brother who loves me and my family. It was a gift of love. It required the sacrifice of time and resources, but the fruit of it was a beautiful fellowship in the Lord."
Read More“Unforgiveness will destroy everything it touches. It does long-lasting damage to our relationships and our health. It begins to shape our worldview as we bury it deeper and deeper. Unforgiveness is deception to us because it is so easily justified. This is what makes it so damaging. It affects the way we love and the way we trust. If left ignored, it will also impact our love for the church and His people. It will affect our prayer life and our communion with the Lord Jesus. It is sin. Plain and simple. It is a sin that will slowly erode you over time. “
Read MoreThe answer to these questions is simple, yet challenging. The reason the ways of the world enamor us is because of the ease of the path. We have been deceived into believing that we know what is best for our lives. In this deception, the world consumes us. John Piper writes, “If you love the world, it will pass away and take you with it.” This consumption is one of a slow fade from truth. Slowly we buy into the lies of the enemy. Gradually we compromise truth to pursue our best life. Leisurely we justify our lives in the fractured shadow of our pursuit of happiness.
Read MoreThis path of righteousness is a worthy journey. It will require the Lord’s providential hand to go before us and guide us on the path, but, it also requires our discipline and delight in the Word of God. The Word of God is the foundational source in which we learn to walk, live, and love as Jesus. It is how we know our Lord. It is how we recognize the attacks from the enemy. It is the way we yield fruit. It is the truth in which we are sanctified. Delight in it!
Read MoreRemember, my brothers and sisters in Christ, this walk with Him is a journey. Run the race well. Remain faithful to Him. Remain faithful to His Church. Remember and pursue Paul’s words to his young disciple, Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2. Timothy 4:7).”
Read MoreMany of the things we long for are just fleshed-filled empty vessels compared to what the Lord has planned. In our waiting, the Lord desires us to draw near to him. In our waiting, He desires for us to grow in him. In our waiting, He is preparing us for His will. In our waiting, He is sanctifying us for what is to come.
Read More“And finally, the Incarnation of Christ granted us the gift of salvation, a new identity, and the church. This truth compels us to live as Jesus lived, serve as Jesus served, and love as Jesus loved. In Christ's coming to earth, we are granted a response to make much of Him to the ends of the earth. “
Read More“This Advent masterpiece was written from the beautiful scripture of Haggai, chapter 2. It is a proclamation from the Prophet Haggai of a future treasure and blessings that would fulfill the covenant of the Lord. The longing anticipation of the prophet and the people is palpable. Their hope, their longing, was in the coming King, Christ Jesus. Today, we walk in the joy and overflow of that anticipation. The longing of Jesus to bring mercy, peace and restoration has come. “
Read MoreChurch, we have been set free from the bondage of these insignificant things. We are in fact, the righteousness of Christ. New name! New Identity! New pursuit! We are his sons and daughters. We are His ambassadors. We are His disciples. So, go and “seek things that are above, where Christ is seated…set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
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