When I became a dad, I made an important decision — I was not going to say certain things that my parents had said to me. Things like, “Because I said so,” “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” and “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about.” And the classic, “If Jimmy jumped off…
Read MoreCategory: Bible Study
Lessons and studies from the Bible
Quick Fix Faith: When We Want God’s Help Without Holiness
One of mankind’s greatest inventions is duct tape. Nothing breaks that can’t be fixed with good old duct tape. I’ve seen water bottles sealed, shoes fixed, cell phone screens repaired, and even side-view mirrors held onto cars by duct tape. Don’t knock that last one until you try it — I know from experience. Deep…
Read MoreGod Still Speaks: Will You Listen?
The third chapter of 1 Samuel marks a turning point in the history of Israel. God had not spoken to his people for a very long time. Sin was so rampant among his people that he chose to remain silent: Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of…
Read MoreWhen Sovereignty Meets Prayer: The Faith of Hannah
We worship a sovereign God. That’s a heady way to start a post, but it’s a truth many of us need to hear more often. God is in absolute control of his entire Creation, from the largest galaxies to the tiniest microorganisms. At the same time, God tells us to pray. We should exercise the…
Read MoreI Will Boast in the Cross: Easter 2025
As Easter Sunday approaches, I’m reminded of something the Apostle Paul said in his letter to the Galatians: But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14, CSB) A…
Read MoreThe Holy Spirit and Our Glorious Future
My first post in this series on the Holy Spirit was on November 3, 2024, and I started writing in late September/early October. I had no idea it would take 18 posts to cover the subject, and there is much more we could study on the topic. Thank you for sticking with me all this…
Read MoreUnwrapping Your Spiritual Gifts: Embracing God’s Unique Call for You
Here’s a little tidbit about me: I love receiving gifts! It doesn’t matter what the gift is, just being given something makes my day. I tell people that while my wife has the gift of giving, I have the gift of receiving. Maybe some of you are like me. If so, you’re in luck, because…
Read MoreThe Holy Spirit: Our Constant Intercessor and Comfort in Prayer
Prayer is such an incredible gift from God. We’re invited to come before the Creator of the universe at any time, and when we do, we receive his undivided attention. Even if millions of people pray to him at the same time, his focus is on each of us simultaneously. What a blessing. Prayer is…
Read MoreBatteries Included: Embracing the Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
When I was a child, one of the worst things that could happen at Christmas, even worse than getting clothes, was unwrapping an awesome toy, only to discover on the box those dreaded words, “Batteries Not Included.” On any other day of the year, there would have been batteries in some drawer somewhere, but not…
Read MoreWalking in the Spirit: Following God’s Leading
If you’re a Christian, the Holy Spirit took up residence in you when you believed. He lives in you now with all his power. He doesn’t come and go based on what you do or how you live. The Holy Spirit lives within you and does so permanently. One of his purposes, one of the…
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