Most people can easily remember a time that they were genuinely afraid. In November 2008, in a city called Netanya, on a boardwalk adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, I was paralyzed with fear in the grips of a stranger. Since then, every time a situation occurs, I feel my heart in my throat, my fingers tingling, and an aneurysm-[...]
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV As I turn the knob to the front door of my home, I notice something strange: it is unlocked. I hesitate. Is someone, or something, in my house? Have they been watching me or waiting for me to come ho[...]
"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." Psalm 33:11 NIV We are focusing on our purpose and calling in Christ this month, so fitting after being on this six-month journey of going deeper in God's word. The more we know and understand His word, the more we know and unde[...]
"Peter was very perplexed; what could the vision mean? Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzling over the vision, the Holy Spirit said to him, "Three men have come looking for you." Acts 10:17a, 19 NLT In the journey of life, we can feel like discovering God's specific purpose or calling for us is a bit like building a complex puzzle.[...]
"He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip." Matthew 25:15 NLT We all have a different capacity. Some people can get by on four hours of sleep; I require at least eight. My life gets out of balance[...]
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthen[...]
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 ESV. During these wonderful months of HEARTstrong, I have been feeling many things. Some I don’t yet understand. But I have been feeling the Lord drawing me closer, filling me with a desire to lean more into Him and His Word. That word [...]
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV. Graciousness has to be one of my all-time favourite attributes of God. It’s usually defined as “undeserved favour,” and just[...]
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2. Our children and young people around us are watching. They watch what we do, what we say, how we treat others, and how we show the love of Christ.[...]
During some of my darkest times over this past year, my dwindling hope would be restored when God would use people to speak truth into my life. One Sunday several months ago, a young woman allowed God to use her as a messenger of encouragement. You see, I had spent the week before questioning if God was hearing me if He cared ab[...]