“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[...]
“I pray that you will see how great the things are that He has promised to those who belong to Him.” Ephesians 1:18 If you are a Jesus follower, you have a Saviour who will never leave you. Also, you are presently living in fields of diamonds, whether you see it or not! Working with families, I regularly see people walk[...]
"Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your STRIVING, and you will see that I am God. I am the God above all nations, and I will be exalted throughout the whole earth" Psalm 46 TPT. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on earth" Psalm 46 NIV. I was having a conversation[...]
In thinking about this month’s HEARTstrong themes of Mission and Purpose, I was reminded of something that happened a couple of years ago on Valentine’s Day. Long story about why I was there, but I was parked outside a Country Style Donut Shop, at a gas station, in a small town outside of Ottawa, at night, on Valentine’s D[...]
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Ephesians 4:1 ESV. The Pulpit Commentary states that Paul is entreating us on God's behalf to live in a way befitting our high calling. A line from CeCe Winans’ song ‘Worthy’ (“He counted us wort[...]
Several years ago, I remembered hearing the concept of ‘Standing Firm in Faith’ related through a story concerning American Indigenous people. It was said that when they went out onto the battlefield, the warriors would often take a stake and a length of leather cord with them. They would drive the stake into the ground, at[...]
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:13 ESV. Paul calls us to take up the spiritual armor God has given us for a spiritual battle, we are to use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so t[...]
There is a term used in the military arena called “The Commander’s Intent,” which simply refers to leadership that has soldiers focus on a mission’s objective without providing all the specific details on how to accomplish it. Its design is to harness the creativity of the soldier to accomplish a very specific objective.[...]