Seasonal Lives, Eternal Love
Psalm 103 compares human life to the fleeting beauty of grass and flowers, emphasizing that while our lives are brief, God’s steadfast love endures forever and gives eternal value to our actions aligned with His purposes.
Rooted and Grounded in Love
Paul highlights that true comfort comes from being "rooted and grounded in love," and that such a foundation requires intentional prayer and an understanding of the expansive love of Christ.
Balancing Routine and Renewal
While some people thrive on constant change and innovation, others, including myself, find comfort in maintaining consistent daily routines, particularly when it comes to balancing personal and spiritual practices.
Going Deeper in Prayer
Consider the prayers of Paul and other prayers in Scripture; be bold enough to go deeper in prayer and see what God will do in your life and in the life of others.
Chosen and Blessed
Paul’s message in Ephesians reveals that God’s love and grace extend to all people, assuring us of a divine plan that promises redemption and restoration beyond earthly divisions.
Navigating Dual Roles
Just as we desired inclusion in our childhood, we continue to seek acceptance and belonging, while also navigating our role as ambassadors to those still in darkness.
Make a Joyful Noise
Psalm 100 begins with these instructions: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” You can make a joyful noise even if you can’t read music or carry a tune. So, what about the duet?
Why Walking with God is Essential Before Running the Race
Just as runners need to pace themselves and rest, spiritual growth involves periods of steady, deliberate practice, ensuring we are well-prepared for the more demanding aspects of life and faith.
Navigating Your Spiritual Struggle
Our struggles are often perceived as conflicts with others, but the deeper struggle may be with ourselves and our understanding of God's plan for us.
The Fall Fashion of Faith
The practice of layering in fashion, which offers warmth and style, does not translate well to spiritual maturity, where the Apostle Paul advocates for a complete change in our spiritual “wardrobe.”
Confession Time: Prayer
Reading the first chapter of Colossians gives us a beautiful and powerful model of how to pray and what to pray for as we consider those in our lives and our co-mission of sharing the good news and the goodness of God everywhere we go.
Continued Prayers
It has been a joy and a privilege to serve God through my work at Point over the last two decades, so this announcement is bittersweet. But after a time of prayer and reflection, my wife, Penny, and I believe now is the right time to make this move.
From Drought to Daily Bread
As Elijah experienced worsening conditions despite his obedience, God’s provision for both Elijah and the widow demonstrates that faithfulness and trust in God’s promises can lead to miraculous outcomes.
Affliction as Opportunity
By bringing our struggles to God and focusing on His promises, we can transform our suffering into an opportunity for spiritual growth and greater joy in our relationship with Him.
Recognizing the True Devil's Advocate
Ultimately, Paul encourages us with the assurance that God’s peace will triumph over the enemy’s efforts, empowering us to resist division and uphold unity in the body of Christ.
Why Choosing to Follow Jesus Means Accepting Suffering and Affliction
Paul’s experience teaches that a life with Christ surpasses all worldly gains and comforts. His willingness to endure suffering reflects a deep understanding that the eternal worth of knowing Christ far exceeds temporary afflictions.
The Golden Rule of Wisdom
True wisdom begins with listening; without this foundational practice, speaking wisely becomes impossible and impulsiveness often prevails.
Owe No One Anything
Paul's directive in Romans 13:8 is not a shift to financial advice but a continuation of his focus on love as the fulfillment of God's commandments, emphasizing that we are always in debt to love others.
Endurance, Encouragement, and the Mind of Christ
Endurance is not merely about waiting but is a transformative process that, according to Paul, increases our confidence in God’s promises and leads us to embody Christ’s attitudes and actions.
Benefits of Choosing God Over the World
Drawing from the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Paul emphasizes that true faith involves presenting our lives to God, trusting in His provision and embracing His perfect will.