Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. (Luke 22:31–32) Satan wants to separate you from Jesus. (To sift means to separate.) Since Jesus will never let you go…… Continue reading Jesus prays for you
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Ask and you shall receive
Everyone who asks receives. (Matthew 7:8) Someone once said, “Christians, like slaves and soldiers, don’t ask questions.” In other words, do what you’re told and don’t make trouble. “How dare you question God?” But Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive.” Asking questions is healthy. It’s how we grow. When we stop asking, we stop…… Continue reading Ask and you shall receive
How to find comfort in the story of Job
Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God. (Job 1:22, MSG) There are two ways to read this passage. DIY religion says, “See Job. Study Job. Be like Job.” But that way lies self-trust and disaster. Job wasn’t the self-made hero religion makes him out to be. It’s important…… Continue reading How to find comfort in the story of Job
You are a priestly-king
He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to his God and Father—to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:6) The word for kingdom here is better translated as kings. A literal translation: Jesus Christ “did make us kings and priests to his God and Father.” Heaven regards…… Continue reading You are a priestly-king
What you heard from the beginning
As for you, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. (1 John 2:24) As new Christians, we are experts on grace. We sing, “Amazing grace that saved a wretch like…… Continue reading What you heard from the beginning
Who do you think you are?
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession… (1 Peter 2:9a) You belong to the God who called you. When God called you, he did not negotiate with the powers of darkness to secure your release. Nor did he engage in some kind of prisoner…… Continue reading Who do you think you are?
How to take communion
A man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28) What’s the proper way to take communion? Should we remember our sins and examine our shortcomings? No. When we come to the Lord’s Table, we are to remember Christ and what…… Continue reading How to take communion
How do I know God loves me?
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) God loves you like crazy. “But does he love me when I sin?” Haven’t you seen the cross? You need to settle this in your heart: God loves you. Period. Whether you’re in the…… Continue reading How do I know God loves me?
How do I trust the Lord?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5–6) The operative word in this proverb is acknowledge. Acknowledge does not mean tipping your hat to Jesus whenever you go charging off on a scheme…… Continue reading How do I trust the Lord?
Why did God do that?
By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent his only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through him. (1 John 4:9) God does not love us merely with words or positive thoughts. His love is demonstrated with actions and in the sending of his only…… Continue reading Why did God do that?