Did you know that Jesus did not die only for our salvation? According to the Bible he also died so that we would ‘die to sin and live to righteousness’ (1 Peter 2:24). Being saved by grace is not the end. It is the beginning of holy living. God hasn’t invited us into a disorderly, unkempt life but into something holy and beautiful—as beautiful on the inside as the outside. (1 Thessalonians 4:7, MSG) Grace does not excuse us from…
Today, I want to share some centuries old prayers for spirit-filled living. May these prayers bless you today to seek God with everything you’ve got. Lord Jesus, as God’s Spirit, came down and rested upon you, may the same Spirit rest upon us, bestowing his sevenfold gifts. First, grant us the gift of understanding, by which your precepts may enlighten our minds. Second, grant us counsel, by which we may follow in your foot-steps on the path of righteousness. Third,…
You’re ready to start letting Jesus take over your life, but you don’t know how to go about it. You’ve come to the right place. I will share some know-how of the process of decreasing right here, right now. If you grasp and cling to life on your terms, you’ll lose it, but if you let that life go, you’ll get life on God’s terms. (Luke 17:33, MSG,*) Surrendering your life to Jesus is a series of little deaths. Only…
As you might know, I started reading through the Bible once again the first of July. I’m following a reading plan to do it in six months. This means that lately I’ve been reading a lot about God’s instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, the priestly vestments, the altar and its appurtenances, the procedure to be used to ordain the priests, and the daily sacrifices to be offered. You’d think there’s nothing for today’s reader. At least, nothing spiritual,…
This Dietrich Bonhoeffer quote captured me this morning, so I just had to share it with you. Hopefully – if you want to be a Christian – it will touch a chord in you and inspire you to put your faith in practice too. “If we want to be Christians, we must have some share in Christ’s large-heartedness by acting with responsibility and in freedom when the hour of danger comes, and by showing a real sympathy that springs, not…
Lately, I’ve been more and more shocked about how the western culture seems to be getting more vulgar and immoral all the time. For example, the things they show on TV and what the general public is forced to tolerate nowadays are repulsive. Like the world had gone mad or something. Yet the Bible reminds us there’s nothing new under the sun. You’re addicted to thrills? What an empty life! The pursuit of pleasure is never satisfied. (Proverbs 21:17, MSG,*)…
Do you know that God has no favorites? This is true no matter how it looks like or feels like. If you don’t believe me, believe the Bible. It’s God’s own truth, nothing could be plainer: God plays no favorites! It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from—if you want God and are ready to do as he says, the door is open. The Message he sent to the children of Israel—that through Jesus Christ everything is…
How do you renew your mind? How are you becoming more Christ-like day in, day out? There’s no shortcuts here. We can only grow in faith by abiding in God. How do we do that? By practicing ancient Christian disciplines like prayer and reading the Bible. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and…
Are you spiritually protected? Do you use all the spiritual weapons God has placed at your disposal? Because, you should. That is the only way we can stand up to everything the Devil throws at our way. We really do need spiritual protection. More than we know. Because, as Paul put it, we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies but against against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world. 10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through…
This year God has been teaching me about hospitality. Ever since experiencing scriptural and spiritual hospitality in very tangible ways this spring, I have been wanting to learn to practice spiritual hospitality myself. Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2, AMP) It’s important to realize…
