We were designed to be one spirit with God. Hearts sharing with each other. Nothing between each of us and God. Aligned. Independent living causes misalignment But Adam and Eve chose to listen to the tempter’s words promising them a wonderful life lived independent of God. It appealed to their pride. They didn’t know how messed up life could get. Today it still appeals to humans. Isn’t that the message? We can be anything we want to be. We are…
I have had a song in my head off and on for a few weeks called Trust and Obey. Do you know that song? It is a simple song with a powerful message. So I want to explore that topic of obedience to God. Does that sound scary? What is the first thought or emotion that rises up in you when you hear the word obey or obedience? Dread? Apprehension? Uncertainty? Inadequacy? Joy? Peace? Legalistic religion? The first thought or…
God “indwells” our spirit if we have been born again. His goal is to make us one with Him. Remember what Jesus shared with His disciples? Both John and Paul give us the details. Here is a list of references: John 14:20, 23 John 15:4-5 1 Cor. 6:17, 19 Romans 8:9 Colossians 1:27 1 John 5:11-12 I wonder…do we allow Him to live in us and through us? Maybe we just see Him as our helper as if He is…
Sometimes, we have plans and dreams, but they might not be what God wants so they are our responsibility. Remember this, He loves you. He wants you to be His friend. Let’s let go of what we think we need or want, or what we think are His plans for us, and let Him lead us each day however He wants. Let’s not put Him in a box. Let’s put no restrictions on Him. We might think we know what…
God’s gift of love for each one is a gift of eternal life so that we could be saved from spiritual death. And not just saved to get to heaven someday, but saved to live a life of significance—a life following Jesus, a life abounding in joy and peace. Significance means we know we are loved, needed, important to someone, and are of value. As believers, we will not only live a born again person’s life with the goal of…
What does obedience have to do with a successful Christian journey? I was taking a walk and talking with God recently about this. Here is my side of our conversation. Lord, You have provided for us and encourage us to stand. To withstand the enemy. Stand in victory because we walk from the point of victory. We don’t fight for victory. You provide all we need for life and godliness. All we need. Nothing missing. Nothing lacking. To give us…
Meditation – Buddhism in disguise? It has come to my attention that meditation which is very similar to eastern meditation is creeping into our churches and public school systems. Maybe you have heard of it but didn’t recognize it because of its labels. Have you heard of: contemplative prayer breath prayers centering prayers mindfulness All of these are forms of meditation founded in Buddhism. All of these are described as ways to get close to God. The focus is on…
Twice saved? Saved from what? Saved again? No, this isn’t some strange new doctrine. Let me explain. We are saved from: Penalty of Sin Our sinful nature, our weak will, our tendency to fail Yes, I’ve been twice saved. For that, I am forever grateful. Finally, after 40 years of doing my best, and not doing so good I found I can’t change myself, free myself from my sinful nature. Free me from what the Bible calls flesh. But He…
God asks us to give up things to surrender, not to deprive us, but to encourage us to let go of them so we can receive from Him the only thing worth having, that is, Himself, His life in us. He is the only thing worth having. Surrender all to Him and, in turn, receive all from Him. Initial surrender Once we surrender our right to anything, we are free. We can trust Him to provide all we need. We…
