“What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead.” (Hebrews 11:1, Living Bible) Read full chapter REFLECTION  I find that when overt outcomes don’t match my effort… Continue reading What is Faith?

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heartAnd do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” (Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  There have been times when I’ve felt wonderfully inspired and connected to… Continue reading The Only Omnipresent One

“Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].” (1 John 5:21 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Idolatry takes many forms. When I was much younger, I was more focused on (seen) things than on the (unseen) reality of our Maker and… Continue reading Guard Yourselves

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NET) Read full chapter REFLECTION  “The Bible is great literature and the all-time number-one best-seller. It contains history,… Continue reading The Best Book

“As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other [sharpen their friends].” Proverbs 27:17 EXB Read full chapter REFLECTION  One of my young students seems to get taller every time I see him, and he currently towers over other students in the class. I noticed him boastfully comparing his height to another student, and… Continue reading Better Together

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NLT) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Comparison robs us and others of due delight. When we compare ourselves, our… Continue reading Cancel Comparison

“Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with… Continue reading Love Each Other

“In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don’t feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline,    but don’t be crushed… Continue reading Divine Discipline

“Why are you discouraged, my soul?Why are you so restless?Put your hope in God,because I will still praise him.He is my savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:11 GW) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Have you ever envisioned a prayerfully prepared plan, only to find yourself deeply discouraged in the unfolding reality? Yup, I’ve been there and… Continue reading Detach from Discouragement

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’All the Law and the Prophets hang on these… Continue reading Training & Teachability