Posts with the tag “truth”

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." – Ephesians 2:10    In a world that constantly tells us to perform, achieve, and succeed, it’s easy to tie our worth to what we do. From the time we’re young, we’re conditioned to believe that our value is based on our performance, whether it’s excelling in school, succ...  Read More

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28    We’ve been talking a lot about pursuing the dreams and purposes God has placed in your heart. For some, that idea is exciting. It sparks a sense of hope and motivation for what God can do through them.  But for others, it might bring a sense of guilt or f...  Read More

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6    There are moments in life when everything feels overwhelming, when you hit rock bottom and don't know what to do next. In those times, it’s natural to reach out to family, friends, or anyone who will listen. We seek comfort i...  Read More

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28    One of the biggest misconceptions people have about God is thinking they need to get their life together before coming to Him. Maybe you’ve been there—feeling like you have to fix your mess, clean up your mistakes, and get your act right before God will want anything to do with you. But here’s the truth: ...  Read More

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28   Life has a way of presenting us with circumstances that seem impossible to overcome. There are moments when it feels like everything is against us and there’s no way out. But the good news is that God can turn your circumstances around in an instant, no matt...  Read More

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"- Matthew 19:26   Are you waiting for a miracle? In a world often filled with doubt and uncertainty, it's easy to lose sight of the miraculous power of God. Yet, He is still in the miracle business, working wonders in the lives of those who have a radical faith in Him. Perhaps you're facing a situa...  Read More

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6   God, in His infinite wisdom, has given each of us unique gifts and talents. We are all distinct, created with a specific purpose, and equipped with the abilities neede...  Read More

"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."- Revelation 3:16   Jesus's words in Revelation 3:16 are a stark reminder of the danger of being lukewarm in our faith. He desires passionate devotion from His followers, not half-hearted commitment or indifference. Yet, all too often, we find ourselves straddling the line between fervent devotion and apathy,...  Read More

"For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." - Romans 8:13   Sin is a formidable foe, not to be underestimated or taken lightly. It gives us false promises of pleasure and satisfaction, but in reality, it leads only to destruction and death. If you don't take decisive action to confront and overcome sin, it will ...  Read More

"For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"- 1 Corinthians 4:7   Arrogance. It’s something that we are all turned off by, but rarely see in ourselves. It is a subtle yet dangerous trap that we must guard against as followers of Christ. It creeps in quietly, whispering lies of self-suffi...  Read More

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16   Have you ever considered the depth of God's love for you? It's a love beyond measure, beyond comprehension—a love that surpasses human understanding and defies earthly logic. And yet, it's a love that is freely given, unearned and undeserved. In a world that ...  Read More

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:26    The word "hate" can be jarring, especially when we hear it in the context of our relationships with others. But when Jesus tells us to hate our family members and even our own lives, He's not advocating for actual hatred....  Read More

"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." - Proverbs 22:3   In life, there are moments when we stand at a crossroads, facing choices that have the power to alter the course of our lives forever. It's in these critical moments that guardrails become essential—a safeguard against veering off the path and plunging into irreversible consequences. While Go...  Read More

"And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: 'If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.'" - Judges 11:30-31   Have you ever found yourself in a desperate situation, bargaining with God, promising to fulfill a vow if He comes through for you? It'...  Read More

"Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." - Isaiah 64:8   In the shadows of Tob, away from the spotlight and the noise of the world, God cultivates and shapes us into the people He has destined us to become. Just as the potter molds clay on the wheel, God refines us in the quiet moments of our lives, reworking and sculpting us according...  Read More

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." - Genesis 50:20   Life's journey is a winding road, filled with peaks and valleys, victories and defeats. There are moments of joy and moments of pain, times of celebration and times of sorrow. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is a profound truth to hol...  Read More

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3   When we choose to veer away from God's intended plan and follow our own will, it often results in brokenness and the aftermath of misguided decisions. Yet, in the midst of our shattered choices, God reveals Himself as the Master Redeemer, turning our brokenness into a beautiful masterpiece. The narrative of life often unfolds ...  Read More

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28    In the midst of difficulty, God invites us to see a profound truth, He doesn't desire for us to merely "try harder" in our struggles, but to surrender them to His unwavering strength.  Often, we fall into the trap of attempting to navigate difficulties in our own strength, believing that trying harder wi...  Read More

"For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1   In the ebb and flow of life, change is a constant companion. Our present circumstances, no matter how challenging or joyous, are not etched in permanence. Ecclesiastes 3 beautifully captures the essence of life's seasons, reminding us that change is not only inevitable but also a source of hope. Look n...  Read More

"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth." - Deuteronomy 28:1   Your obedience is a pathway to blessings. Throughout Scripture, God has illustrated the profound connection between obedience and His abundant favor. Let's explore two biblical examples that showcase the blessings tha...  Read More

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." - John 15:19   God often reminds us that we are not meant to conform to the patterns of this world. Instead, He commands us to be of Him: set apart, distinct, and aligned with a higher purpose. The words of Jesus in John 15:19 illuminate this divine callin...  Read More

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16   As we approach the Christmas season, our hearts naturally turn to thoughts of gifts. We make lists, exchange presents, and delight in the joy of giving and receiving. While this is a beautiful aspect of the holiday, it's crucial to remember the most exc...  Read More

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9   Have you ever prayed for something and wondered why God didn't grant your request when you wanted it? It's a common experience that often leaves us questioning His timing. The ...  Read More

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." - Romans 5:20   Have you ever questioned whether your sins are too great, whether you've strayed too far from the path of righteousness? It's a struggle many face, feeling that they've fallen beyond redemption. But today, be reminded that you can't “out-sin” God, for His grace is always greater than your sins. Romans 5:20 speaks of a profoun...  Read More

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!" - Romans 11:33    In the grand tapestry of life, God weaves every thread with precision and purpose. His perfection knows no mistakes, and in His infinite wisdom, He orchestrates every event and circumstance for a reason. It is easy to become disheartened when we face...  Read More

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV)   As followers of Christ, we carry a responsibility to set an example for those watching us. Whether young or old, our lives can be a powerful testimony of God's love, grace, and transformative power. In a world that often lacks genuine role models, ...  Read More

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will." - Romans 12:2 (NIV)   If you desire God to take you to the next level in your spiritual journey, be willing to allow Him to change your thinking. Our minds are powerful battlegrounds, and God's transformati...  Read More

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)  Today, let's talk about taking our faith to the next level. As we continue to walk with Christ, it's essential to elevate our faith, not only individually but also as a community of believers. Faith is like a seed planted in our hearts. It ...  Read More

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."   In the kingdom of God, everyone has a unique role to play. While not everyone is called to be a pastor or a full-time minister, God can...  Read More

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." - Ephesians 1:7   Have you ever felt like you're beyond repair? Like no matter what you do, you'll never be good enough? We've all been there, but the good news is that we don't have to stay there. As believers, we are redeemed through Christ. His blood shed on the cross paid the p...  Read More

"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon their faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." - 1 Timothy 4:1-2   As we look at today’s key verse, we learn about how we can guard against false teachings. In this passage in 1 Timothy, we read about how some ...  Read More

"I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am." - John 13:19  Did you know that God's truth can reveal what is to come in your life? It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles of life, but when we tune in to God's truth, we can gain a clearer perspective on what the future holds.  In John 13:19, Jesus says, "I am telling you no...  Read More

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32   I want to challenge you with a question as we dive into today’s devotion: What truth would set you free? Think about it for a moment. Maybe it's a truth about yourself, about your past, or about the world around you. Whatever it is, the truth has the power to set us free. In John 8:32, Jesus says, "Then you will know th...  Read More

"God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" - Numbers 23:19   Today we're talking about the truth of God. There are a lot of voices out there in the world today, and it can be hard to know who to trust. But let me tell you something, friends: God only speaks the truth. Numbers 23:19 says,...  Read More

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down are acquainted with all your ways.” – Psalm 139:1-3  How much do you trust God? You might say, “Pastor, I’m a person of faith. I trust God with my life.” And while that is true, do you trust Him with your day-to-day life? Do you trust ...  Read More

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” - John 13:34  When you serve others and put others first, God changes your heart. I have seen this happen so many times. It is amazing how people’s lives change when they step out and realize the world isn’t all about them. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we n...  Read More

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” - 1 John 3:17-18  Yesterday, I asked this question: What is happening around you? Do you know what’s going on in your kid's lives? In your best friends’ lives? What about your aunt that liv...  Read More

“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” - Romans 11:36  If you have followed along with us the last few days, you have been reminded of the awesomeness of the God we serve. He sent His Son, Jesus, to lay down His life for us. He saved us, He forgives us, and He continues to bless us. This is not because we deserve it, but because it’s who He is...  Read More

“Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.” - Proverbs 12:22  Have you ever heard the phrase, “The truth hurts?” While this can be true, I’d argue the truth doesn’t hurt...at least not as bad as the lie, especially after it has been uncovered. If you read the Bible, it won’t take long for you to find out that God hates a liar.  Proverbs 12:22 says, “L...  Read More

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” - Proverbs 18:10  As a child of God, there are things God actively does on your behalf. Sometimes, we make the mistake of thinking He is just some distant deity that is up on His throne waiting to reign down judgment on all that do not live up to His law.  But that couldn’t be further from the truth. While there ...  Read More