The Foundation for Our Passion for Jesus
Passion, emotion and zeal will only help us to a certain point. Their fuel is fickle and often mixed with that which can hinder, hurt and hold us back. I’ve been there, what about you? My emotions and experiences used to be the basis for how I perceived my relationship with God and my “performance”…
Key Realizations for When We’re Disappointed with God
Disappointment is a common experience for us all. We will never escape feelings of disappointment in this earthly life. Disappointment can cause us to respond in both helpful and hurtful ways. For example, have you yourself–or do you know someone–who has experienced a disappointment that led them into a major shift in life or even…
A Beautiful Psalm: Psalm 91’s Promises for Believers (Verse Study Series)
Psalm 91 is a beautiful psalm that is beloved by many for the promises it contains for believers in Christ. For this week’s Verse Study Series, let’s look at this cherished psalm. If you need a refresher on Psalm 91, I encourage you to read it before beginning with the article. We’ll only quote a…
Believers in Crisis
On January 6, 2021, something beyond horrendous occurred at the Capitol in the United States. What happened was unthinkable, and it left me wondering if words even exist to describe the ugliness of it. It was chaos, it was violent, and it was wrong. Christ’s name and a truly biblical understanding of Christianity was maligned…
Five Tips to Overcome Distractions in Prayer and Bible Study
Staying consistent in one’s devotional life can be a challenge for anyone. At times, we all struggle to remain focused and steadfast in a daily time of prayer and Bible study. Here are five quick tips to help you overcome distractions in prayer and Bible study. 1. Set a consistent and specific time and place.…
Faith Comes by Hearing… What Does Romans 10:17 Really Mean? (Verse Study Series)
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 (ESV) As we embark on this week’s Verse Study Series post, let’s find out what Romans 10:17 really means based on its context in the Bible. Let’s first look at the words “faith” and the phrase “the word of Christ.” The word…
Why We Must Read the Bible in Proper Context (Bible Study Tips)
Today I want to share one of the most important tips for studying the Bible: reading and studying the Word in its proper context. We must seek God diligently and rightly. Studying His Word in context helps us to know His truth and walk out it as He meant for us to. Most of all,…
The Epidemic of Christian Busyness
The Christian life is often filled with busyness. Activity after activity fills the calendars of churches and the agendas of our lives. More and more we gravitate toward doing, serving and doing some more. Even our times of prayer can veer off into busyness and distraction. Blinded by our many needs and requests, we may…
Is This Conviction or Is It Condemnation?
In our walk with God, we will experience conviction from God when we sin as He lovingly leads us. However, we may also experience condemnation, which—for believers—does not come from God. Conviction and condemnation are sometimes difficult to differentiate. When we mistake condemnation for conviction, it can cause discouragement, shame and guilt to hinder our…
Secret Strength: The True Meaning of Philippians 4:13 (Verse Study Series)
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”Philippians 4:13 (ESV) Philippians 4:13 is a beloved verse for many believers. We see this Scripture on T-shirts and faith-related decor. We see it on framed art, bookmarks and Bible covers. However, though this verse may be well known and often quoted, it is often pulled…
Using Evernote to Supercharge Your Bible Study Time (Bible Study Tips)
Have you ever heard of the app Evernote? Evernote is an app for capturing notes and ideas in print, voice and pictures, while keeping them organized and searchable. Evernote is an app that can supercharge your Bible study time! I’ve used Evernote for several years–ever since purchasing my own laptop in my college days. Back…
Busy Day? Keep Your Quiet Time Simple (Bible Study Tips)
I recently decided to start two series on the IPFJ blog. Every other week you’ll find an article with either Bible Study Tips or a Verse Study. I hope to provide some tips to help you in studying God’s Word, and also look at verses in context with the aim to dismiss any wrong ways…
What Does It *Really* Mean to Be Born Again?
What does it mean—really really mean—to bw born again? To some this question might seem elementary, but I think it is worth review because it has eternal significance. How do we define what it means to be born again? Even for those of us who claim to be born again, we must understand this clearly. And not…
Seven Free Christian Apps for Your Walk with God
Christian apps can help our spiritual life. Though it may seem like a stretch, this can be an incentive to spend more time with God, as well as praying or reading the Bible instead of browsing Facebook or the Internet. Installing apps related to our Christian faith is a good idea for those of us…
Cultivating Relationship with God Through Spiritual Disciplines
Last Updated: July 2, 2020 As people who have taken Christ’s name (Christian), we will desire to know Him more. We will want to cultivate relationship with Him, learning how to live in a way that pleases Him. So how can we grow in our walk with God? First, it requires us to set aside…
The Organized Quiet Time: Preparing Ahead for Bible Study
How we prepare for time with Jesus can affect the quality of that time. It’s important to be organized ahead of our quiet time, otherwise we will more easily be distracted. I know that implementing the tips below has helped me immensely with how easily I can be distracted. Our pre-Bible study preparation matters, both…
Out of Bed and Into His Presence: Seeking God Early
There is a preciousness to be discovered in rising early to be with the Lord. I know it’s not for everyone, but personally I’ve found this to be the best time to spend with Jesus. Before anything else holds me back, I have to awaken my day by spending time with the One who never…
Called to Live in Friendship with Christ
We are called to live in friendship with Christ. We were made for a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ. How can we walk this out day after day? Distractions abound, temptations assail us, the world around makes it hard. Nonetheless, we are not alone: God has given us His Spirit as our Helper.…
God’s Presence: What Is It Really?
The Lord wants companions and friends, not simply distant acquaintances who just want to feel the good vibes in the room because He is there. Jesus wants to be our Best Friend and Highest Priority, just as we are His. He wants to be with us, and He wants us to be with Him.
Are You Afraid of God’s Judgment? How God Shows Us Mercy and Love
Last Updated: June 15, 2020 Are you afraid of God’s judgment or punishment? You do not have to be scared of God’s wrath. He desires to show you His love and mercy, not His wrath. Many believers and unbelievers alike fear that God is an angry entity waiting to strike them down at the first…
Our Last Breath: Destiny and Love
What will happen to you when you take your last breath? Have you ever wondered? This question must be asked of yourself and you must know whether you can live with the true answer. Will you wish you’d done things differently, everything in your life and destiny? Will you find out who God made you…
Connecting with Jesus: Simple Devotion
Relationship with God is so simple compared to what we often make it. Often we make it more complicated than the Lord meant things to be. “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” (2…
Inspiring Passion for Jesus Christ 