That night God did as Gideon requested: only the fleece was dry, and dew was all over the ground. God meets Gideon right where he is. He completes Gideon's tests in order to undergird his faith. The confirmation is what Gideon needed in order to engage fully in the call of God. Father God knew … Continue reading Confirming His Call – Judges 6:40
Silent Betrayal – Mark 3:4
Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. Even silence can convict a person. In saying nothing with their mouths, these religious folks speak volumes about the content of their heart. … Continue reading Silent Betrayal – Mark 3:4
Why? – Jeremiah 16:10-13
“Now when you tell this people all these words, they will say to you, ‘For what reason has the Lord declared all this great calamity against us? And what is our iniquity, or what is our sin which we have committed against the Lord our God?’ Then you are to say to them, ‘It is … Continue reading Why? – Jeremiah 16:10-13
Turning Away – Jeremiah 15:1,6
Then the Lord said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My compassions would not reach out to these people. Send them from My presence, and let them go. 15:6 You have left Me. This is the Lord’s declaration. You have turned your back, so I have stretched out My hand … Continue reading Turning Away – Jeremiah 15:1,6
Mission Engaged – Mark 1:23-25
Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, “What do You have to do with us, Jesus — Nazarene? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet, and come out of … Continue reading Mission Engaged – Mark 1:23-25
Blasphemy? – Matthew 26:65
Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? Look, now you’ve heard the blasphemy! Irony of all ironies is that the high priest puts Jesus under oath before His Father, God, (I and the Father are One) and then promptly condemns Him to death for … Continue reading Blasphemy? – Matthew 26:65
Loving God – Joshua 23:11
So be very diligent to love the Lord your God for your own well-being. Father God knows that our love for Him brings about our own well being. To love God is to love oneself since loving Him naturally brings His goodness to a person. We can debate about our motivation for loving God and … Continue reading Loving God – Joshua 23:11
Our Own Way – Jeremiah 10:23
I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. What a thought for our postmodern age and church. A man does not have within him the ability to make his own way. One cannot even successfully direct his or her … Continue reading Our Own Way – Jeremiah 10:23
The Loss Of Shame – Jeremiah 8:12
Were they ashamed when they acted so abhorrently? They weren’t at all ashamed. They can no longer feel humiliation. Therefore, they will fall among the fallen. When I punish them, they will collapse,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 8:6 I have paid careful attention. They do not speak what is right. No one regrets his evil, … Continue reading The Loss Of Shame – Jeremiah 8:12
Double Jeopardy – Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. I’m not really sure what the legal term 'double jeopardy' specifically means; however, the phrase in general has a ring about it that describes these so called religious leaders, the Saducees. It also seems to clearly … Continue reading Double Jeopardy – Matthew 22:29
Deceiving Ourselves – Jeremiah 2:32-35
Can a young woman forget her jewelry or a bride her wedding sash? Yet My people have forgotten Me for countless days. How skillfully you pursue love; you also teach evil women your ways. Moreover, your skirts are stained with the blood of the innocent poor. You did not catch them breaking and entering. But … Continue reading Deceiving Ourselves – Jeremiah 2:32-35
Delivered from Fear – Jeremiah 1:8
“Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. Jer 1:8 How often in the midst of speaking or living God’s truth has a look from another person sent fear through our bones? Much evil can be communicated through a look on a face. It doesn’t … Continue reading Delivered from Fear – Jeremiah 1:8
Please Leave – Matthew 8:34
At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region. Author’s note: It is a convicting thing to read an article that I myself wrote years ago and have it leave me feeling somewhat desperate. This article was written over three years ago and … Continue reading Please Leave – Matthew 8:34
Who Is This? – Matthew 8:27
The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” This is the question all men must ask, “What kind of man is this?” Who is this Man who can speak the sea calm? Who is this man who can exorcise demonic powers? … Continue reading Who Is This? – Matthew 8:27
How He Loves Us – Deuteronomy 33:3
Indeed He loves the people. All Your holy ones are in Your hand, and they assemble at Your feet. Each receives Your words. This truth of God's love for His people is the fundamental difference between the Judeao-Christian faith and every other known faith system in the world. The One of whom the Bible speaks … Continue reading How He Loves Us – Deuteronomy 33:3
Turning – Isaiah 59:20
“The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression.” This is the Lord’s declaration. As much as The Lord turns from those who rebelliously seek iniquity and evil so He turns toward the one who will leave the lifestyle of evil. He comes to the one who will repent … Continue reading Turning – Isaiah 59:20
Hunger – Matthew 4:4
But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In the midst of His physical hunger and the temptation specifically tied to this need, Jesus redirects His focus to the spiritual companion of this physical hunger - the spiritual hunger … Continue reading Hunger – Matthew 4:4
Turn and Walk – Matthew 3:8
Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. Repent - turn 180 degrees and walk. The turning is crucial. The walking is key. To simply turn and stand is only the beginning. True repentance produces fruit that speaks of its authenticity. True repentance will bring good works that clearly display the change that has occurred by the … Continue reading Turn and Walk – Matthew 3:8
The Faithful Word – Isaiah 55:11
"...so My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do.” This is truly the power of the Word of God. The truth of this verse explains why the Psalmist in 119 sought God's Word … Continue reading The Faithful Word – Isaiah 55:11
Begin With God – Psalms 119:33-40
Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand Your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart. Help me stay on the path of Your commands, for I take pleasure in it. Turn my heart to Your decrees and not to … Continue reading Begin With God – Psalms 119:33-40
