The love of people often increases with performance and decreases with mistakes. Not so with God’s love. He loves you right where you are. But he refuses to leave you that way. And so he cleanses us of filth: immorality, dishonesty, prejudice, bitterness, greed. He wants us to be just like Jesus. Isn’t that good news? You aren’t stuck with today’s personality. You are tweakable! Where did we get the idea we cannot change? Why do we say things such as, It’s my nature to worry, or I’ll always be pessimistic? I’m just that way, or I have a bad temper. I … Listen Now
What if for one day—24 hours—Jesus were to become you? Imagine. Your heart gets the day off, and your life is led by the heart of Christ. His priorities govern your actions. His passions drive your decisions. His love directs your behavior. Would people notice a change? And how would you feel? What effect would this have on your stress level? Would you still do what you had planned to do? Obligations…appointments…would anything change? God’s plan for you is nothing short of a new heart. Ephesians 4:23-24 says, “But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to … Listen Now
Boxes bring wonderful order to our world. But when it comes to defining Christ, no box works. People prefer a god they can manage, control, and predict. Matthew 17:6 says Peter, James and John witnessed the transfiguration of Christ, and “they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.” This is the fear of the Lord. How long since you felt this fear? Since a glimpse of him that left you speechless and breathless? If it’s been a while, that explains your fears. A big God translates into big courage. A packageable Jesus may fit well on a shelf but … Listen Now
Life is a dangerous endeavor. And Christ tells us that things will get worse. We can expect heretical teachers. Stick to one question— is this person directing listeners to Jesus? If so, pray for that individual. If not, get out. We can expect calamity. Christians will suffer the most. “Voice of the Martyrs” contends that more Christ-followers have been killed for their faith in the last century than all previous centuries combined. Even America suffers from increasing anger toward Christians. Don’t give up. Jesus equipped his followers with farsighted courage. He said, “But he who stands firm to the end … Listen Now
The valley of the shadow of doubt. The fear that God isn’t near. The fear that “why?” has no answer. In Luke 24:38, Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection and he asked them, “Why are you frightened? He offered them two practical answers– touch my body and ponder my story. We still can, you know. We can brush up against the church; and when we do, we touch the body of Christ. He dissipates doubts through fellowship. When you interlock your understanding with mine, and we share our discoveries, Jesus speaks. And when he speaks, he shares his … Listen Now
Life comes with surprises. On our list of fears, the fear of what’s next demands a prominent position. In John 14:27, on the eve of his death Jesus promised his followers, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” Heaven’s message is clear– when everything else changes, God’s presence never does. As Jesus sends you into new seasons, you journey in the company of the Holy Spirit. So make friends with whatever’s next. Embrace it. Change is not only … Listen Now
Maybe you share this deep desire— a desire to face death unafraid; to die without fright or a fight; perhaps even with a smile. Some say that’s impossible. But Christ promises in John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” Jesus experienced a physical and factual resurrection. And, here it is… because he did, we will too! If Jesus’ tomb is empty, then his promise is not. So, let’s die with … Listen Now
Are you “rich in this present age”? Almost half the world lives on less than $2.50 a day. If your income is higher, then you are rich, and your affluence demands double vigilance. How can a person survive prosperity? First of all, do not be haughty. Do not think for a moment that you had anything to do with your accumulation of wealth. Money is an untrustworthy foundation. The United States economy endured ten recessions between 1948 and 2001. Don’t trust money; trust God. He owns everything and gives us all things to enjoy. Move from the fear of scarcity … Listen Now
In Luke 12:19-20, the rich man said to himself, “‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.’” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.’” The rich fool went to the wrong person— he went to himself. And he asked the wrong question— What shall I do? His error was that his plans did not include God. Jesus didn’t criticize the man’s affluence. He criticized the man’s arrogance. Accumulation of wealth is a popular defense against fear. We think the more we have, the safer we are. God does not … Listen Now
Good people aren’t exempt from violence. We aren’t insulated. But neither are we intimidated. In Matthew 10:28 Jesus says, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Jesus had just told the disciples to expect scourging, trials, death, hatred, and persecution. To their credit, none defected. Psalm 118:6 declares, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Satan unleashed his meanest demons on God’s Son. Yet the devil of death could not destroy the Lord of life. I pray God spares you such evil. May he grant you … Listen Now
