I caught myself thinking that I shouldn’t ask God something for myself because so many people have bigger needs and the world is also completely messed up. I felt I had no right to ask for something small and mundane maybe even frivolous. Do you ever feel this way? This is our enemy’s subtle way of keeping us chained up. It’s like he’s whispering in our ears, “You don’t have a right to ask for it” or “There is not…
What power do you use for living your life? Do you trust the power of coffee or energy drinks to pick you up or is your secret strength based on chocolate? Or maybe you rely on pure stubbornness? Managing your life is not a bad thing, and how could it be, right? But when we force ourselves to continue beyond exhaustion, we are not doing ourselves any favors. May I remind you of the heavenly power at work in all…
Some people have lost their faith in Christmas. Either it’s too commercial, too childish, or too something else. And, yes, if you look at Christmas as a social obligation, I agree. But we should not forget the meaning of Christmas. If we do, we celebrate something because it is that time of year. But Christmas is much more than cookies, presents, and get-togethers. Okay, you say, why is Christmas still a big thing? Glad you asked. Christmas is a big…
You are invited to live in Christ. Great, you say. But what does it mean? Simply put, it means you live your life with Jesus, sharing your ups and downs with him. It’s like having your best friend with you, cheering you on, or calming you down whenever needed. Jesus will coach, guide, bless, and warn you as needed. It means heaven in you and with you. When life gets hectic and troublesome, we often forget: In Christ, we have…
For me, Christianity is not a creed, it is a person. It is about getting to know him who is True. How would you define the Christian faith? Sure, our faith is based on the Bible. But without knowing Jesus, our faith is not alive. Why bother with a dead religion when you can be made alive in Jesus? And we [have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has [actually] come [to this world], and…
The world is going crazy, or at least it feels that way. Suffering is real for many. Without the crucified Christ, I would despair. But with Christ, I keep hoping and increase my prayers. Because I believe prayers make a difference. In more ways than one. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. (Daniel 9:18a, NLT) Prayers make a difference, not because of us but because of God. God loves us, not because…
Let me tell you, my life got better when I learned to turn to God for anything and everything. As long as I tried to manage my life with my strength, I struggled because my strength was already used up early in the morning. Life is never easy, but with Jesus, my yoke is easy. The answer is Jesus. When I learned to lean on him and be strengthened by grace, I found joy like no other. It is good…
How do you spend your time? What do you do in your free time? What kind of a Christian are you? Yes, these are some deep questions, but they’re worth pondering on. Charles Spurgeon preached about Butterfly Christianity. You’d think he was talking about it in a good way…like a butterfly, Christian would be one who is developing and becoming a person of grace. But no. Quite the opposite, actually. Spurgeon writes, “My dear friend, Dr. Taylor, of New York,…
Today, I want to share a few quotes about encouragement. When God has called you to do something, he will make it happen. It is not about your strength, power, and wisdom (or lack of them). It is about God and his abilities. Then we can face the future with joy and positive anticipation. It’s easier said than done, you say. Yeah, it might be so. Just remember to focus on God and you will thrive. Amy Carmichael has said,…
Have you ever met people who seem to ooze happiness? At first glance, they look like they have a halo that bright is the light around them. As you continue to observe them, you realize they have something deep within them that keeps them going despite their struggles. That is when you decide you want what they are having. You want to be as happy as them even when life continually gives you lemons. What about them satisfies them even…
