“You can’t pay God back with your good deeds, you can’t scam the heavenly ledger, and you sure can’t escape the death sentence delivered. It’s hopeless. But then Jesus rescued us! He said, “I will pay the sin debt for you; you just need to give your old life to me in exchange for a new one that comes without a death sentence.”
Read MoreAbout six months ago, I noticed one of my pavers popping up higher than those around it. I thought it might be an anomaly, but it kept getting worse and eventually became a tripping hazard. I didn’t know exactly what was under the paver causing it to pop up, but I suspected it was an evil root plotting to destroy my cool sidewalk. Yesterday, I decided to find out.
This operation required the right tools to remove the pavers and cut out the evil root. Then I had to bring in fresh soil to replenish what the root had displaced and carefully put the paver back in place. After I did all of that, I again have a beautiful sidewalk.
This is so much like life as a Christian!
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit moves into our hearts.
Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you…?”
And as the new resident, the Holy Spirit has the ultimate goal of perfecting us – of getting rid of the tripping hazards in our hearts. However, to do so, he has to cut out all the evil that has rooted itself inside and which plots to destroy our lives.
Read MoreIt always amazes me how two people can experience the same situation and see things so differently. Take, for instance, the recent weather we had in Florida. I was grateful for the rain to fill our pond, but I know others were upset because the storm interfered with their outdoor plans. That same storm can improve business for the screen repair company and grocery stores while hurting business for the landscaper or outdoor sporting event.
We have a choice to make about our perspective for 2020. We can wish it away so we can start 2021, OR we can use the opportunity for change to take us from who we are to who God can use more effectively.
Read MoreWhen you left your home for work today, if you left at all, did you do so with excitement and exhilaration or with dread and depression? Do you ever ask - what's the point of work? Many see work as a necessary evil used to get what we want. Is it the same in God's eyes?
Read MoreAre you stressed? Are financial pressures causing you to eat too much? After watching the evening news do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? When you look at your calendar of video meetings, are you burdened by the unending tasks? Maybe it’s the uncertainty of the future that keeps you up at night.
Read MoreHave you ever had such a bad day at work, that you just want to quit your job and walk out? You know, just pack up your stuff and leave?
Read MoreOne of my favorite memories as a young mom occurred on May Day. My best intentions actually materialized when the kids and I created little May baskets full of flowers and successfully delivered them to our neighbors. I always loved May Day because it was like playing “legal” ding-dong-ditch. We would put the basket of flowers on the porch of a neighbor, ring the doorbell, and then run away. The kids would giggle as we hid, trying to watch as the door opened to find a fresh surprise on the doorstep.
Read MoreHave you ever noticed how certain words or themes show up over and over again during particular seasons of life? You hear them in a song, on a podcast, or a meme on social media. Well, a couple of different words keep surfacing for me lately, would you like to hear more about them? You’ve probably been hearing these words too – I just feel like they’ve been in bold font so I would notice them.
Read MoreIn times of crisis will you be remembered for your panic or your peace. Your wise cracks or your wisdom. Your hoarding or your helping. Your isolation or your love. Your rebellion or your flexibility. Your pride or your kindness. Your greed or your generosity. Your false strength or your God.
Read MoreIt used to be that absenteeism was a problem in the workplace. But today, it’s the opposite: It’s called “Presenteeism”. A company’s leadership cannot spend all day ministering to their employees; So, what’s the answer?
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