Posts Tagged ‘Equipped’
We Are at War
The warfare we’re engaged in, you see, isn’t against flesh and blood. It’s against the leaders, against the authorities, against the powers that rule the world in this dark age, against the wicked spiritual elements in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (BFE) Jesus told us that in the last days we would hear of wars…
Read MoreConformed or Transformed?
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) As Christ-followers we should be different from the world, but in reality, it can be uncomfortable…
Read MoreBe Accountable
The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT) What is accountability, and why are people averse to…
Read MoreNo More Excuses
Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’…
Read MoreBright Lights
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14–15 (NLT) As I write today, millions eagerly anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse. The bright light of the sun will…
Read MoreRunning to Win!
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT) What Paul says in this verse could be challenging or discouraging, depending upon our perspective. What is our goal, and what is the prize? Nothing of significance is accomplished without a…
Read MoreThis Is a Test
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) The apostle John warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” False…
Read MoreRestored!
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life. Job 22:23 (NLT) Restoration is big business. People spend countless dollars restoring antiques, fine art, vehicles, homes, and much more. In the end, however, there is often little practical value. For example, certain restored antique cars are valued at millions…
Read MoreRedeemed
They will be called “The Holy People” and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12 (NLT) When I was a boy, “trading stamps” were a big deal. I remember my mom and grandma collecting S&H Green Stamps and pasting them into books. When they accumulated a sufficient quantity, they brought them to the redemption…
Read MoreSanctified!
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV) “Saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost!” It was not unusual in the churches I grew up in to hear people begin a testimony with that declaration. Is sanctified a word that has, for the…
Read MoreDetermined
Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 27:6 (NET) Determined is a good word. Some synonyms for determined include decisive, purposeful, resolute, steadfast, and even tenacious. Determination begins with a decision that we resolve to follow through to completion. The Bible gives us examples of determined people.…
Read MoreGot Hope?
Where then is my hope? Can anyone find it? Job 17:15 (NLT) The Associated Press reported last week that the number of suicides last year in the United States reached an all-time high of 49,500 people. While other factors may be involved, hopelessness was undoubtedly a significant factor. Is there anything that we can do…
Read MoreTest Me
The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:3 (NLT) Does anyone enjoy being tested? In the previous article, “Test Everything,” we saw the value of examining preaching and prophecy to ensure they align with God’s word. But we start to feel…
Read MoreTest Everything
Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 (CEB) It is common for people to say that they dislike tests. People really mean that they have no desire to undergo testing themselves, but most assuredly, they are glad that…
Read MoreGod’s Purpose: In and Through Us
But you are a ‘chosen race; a royal priesthood’; a holy nation; a people for God’s possession. Your purpose is to announce the virtuous deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. 1 Peter 2:9 (BFE) The challenge of identifying God’s purpose for us is daunting. Also, how does…
Read MoreBe Like Andy
Andy was a nice enough guy, but he never seemed to stand out from the crowd. Andy was very insightful but not very vocal. He was a hard worker but not perceived as a leader. He demonstrated great care and concern for the well-being of other people. Perhaps what we notice most about Andy is…
Read MoreImpartation
To be “anointed” and to have the ability to “impart” are different, but they relate and work together. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor….” Luke 4:18 For us to be anointed means that a “divine enabling” rests upon us. Whatever we…
Read MoreHave Faith in God
“Have Faith in God.” These words from Jesus follow immediately after observing that the fig tree that Jesus had cursed earlier in the day had indeed withered and died. They immediately precede the statement by Jesus in which he said, “I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted…
Read MorePrepare to Engage
Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:18 (NLT) Last week, we began to examine our options as we confront the forces of evil comprised of the world, Satan, our adversary, and our fleshly nature. In last week’s article, Resistance Is Not Futile, we learned that…
Read MoreDealing with Criticism
“To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer for that person.” Luke 6:27–28 (The Message) Recently I was in conversation with several pastors. One of…
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