As believers in Christ, we should define success differently than those in the world. Yet in Christianity, success is often seen in very much the same way as the world. It should not be so, but we find ourselves feeling that our impact has to be big. We must have these big, measurable successes for … Continue reading True Success in God: Don’t Underestimate Your Impact
How often do we ask the Lord to search our hearts, to reveal the motives behind what we do? How often do we ourselves seek to know the motives driving us? It’s important for us to ask the Lord show us these things. Even when it’s difficult to ask Him to shine the Light of … Continue reading Searching Out the Motives of Our Hearts
Recently I have embarked on another level of spiritual growth on the issue of being versus doing. God has shown me how often I was grading my relationship with Him based on how I feel or what I accomplish. Likewise, I have realized the Body of Christ as a whole tends to struggle with this … Continue reading Results and Relationship: It’s Time to Abide in Christ
Have you ever wondered how we are supposed to renew our minds in God’s Word, as the Bible says to? Read on to find out how to do your part in this process. First, we must know that the journey of renewing our minds is a process. It doesn't occur in a moment or two. … Continue reading Renewing Your Mind in God’s Word
God has made many beautiful promises to the ministry I am a part of. However, for a while now, things in the natural have looked very different from what He has said will come to pass. Regardless of what it looks like, we continue to press into His heart and stand firm because we know … Continue reading Choosing to Remain Steadfast in the Waiting
Sometimes our journey of friendship with God isn't all roses. Roses are beautiful and lovely in appearance and fragrance. They are given to show love, that we are held dear to the heart of the Giver. But roses also have thorns. When we pick up a rose, we are careful to avoid grabbing the stem … Continue reading Roses Have Thorns: Allowing God to Refine Us
In today's world, we see much about humanity's strength. We hear about the power of humanity, the inventions of man, the wisdom of man and more. We live in a world that values self-sufficiency and independence. Nonetheless, God's kingdom is must different. Strength is found in weakness. The weak things shame the strong; those who … Continue reading Dependency on God: Your Greatest Strength
We want to grow in love and passion for God as we pursue a relationship with Him. Do you know how to grow in passion for Jesus? If you want to know more about this topic, read on. I pray that each of us will increase in passion for Jesus, who Himself loves us so passionately.
As believers, our journey on earth is a journey into eternity. Because of this, we are called to live with eternity in mind. It is a journey into knowing the heart of Jesus. It is an adventure, discovering what it means to live as if we will never die, to love as if we will … Continue reading Living with Eternity in Mind
In Part 1, I spoke of what having a consecrated heart means. In Part 2, we covered how Jesus sympathizes with us in weaknesses and trials. In Part 3, I want to share some keys walking all this out. Key #1: It's a Choice and Desire Romans 12:1 says, "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, … Continue reading How to Have a Consecrated Heart, Part 3: Walking It Out
Part 2 of The Consecrated Heart. At times we may struggle with living lives of consecration before the Lord. Our emotions or flesh may want to take us in other directions, or our own desires may not be aligned with God's Word. Nonetheless, as our hearts grow in love for God, we will continue to fight the good fight of faith, wanting God's will and not our own.
Today I want to explain what it means to have a consecrated heart for the Lord. "Consecration is the total abandonment of our will to God's." - Unknown The above quote perfectly defines consecration. Living a life that is consecrated before the Lord means we have no agenda but God's will. It means that we want His will above our own. One who desires to live a life of consecration will find that the above heart posture will greatly affect their relationship with God. It is a posture of humility and love that wants God's desires above one's own which says, "Father, it's about Your heart desires above everything else."
The fall season is a wonderful metaphor that I believe God has given us to teach us about the beauty of living a life crucified to Christ. Look at the leaves. In the spring they are green and bright, but after summer, the season of autumn comes and the leaves begin to die. They are … Continue reading Dying to Ourselves: See the Beauty in the Process
How do we live from the right perspective as believers in this world? First, we must be reading, studying and applying God’s Word. This is a daily endeavor. We must think on the things that please Him. We must aim to turn our focus away from that which is worthless, instead focusing on that which … Continue reading Live from the Right Perspective
Chai latte in hand, I strolled through our local bookstore, browsing the titles and beauty of books, journals and stationary. I recalled the former days when I was drawn to the bookstore like a moth to a lighted lamp nearby. I would longingly look at the books, not realizing that the longing I felt would … Continue reading The Root of All Our Longing and Wanting
