Identity is critical for living the victorious Christian life. Our identity in Christ defines who we are. Our identity in Christ empowers us to minister.
Jesus needed three things before He could minister to others (see Luke 3:21-22). And we need those same three things before we can minister: . . .
Read MoreLet’s get practical here. What does that look like? How does one “forgive?”
Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. We make a decision to forgive and declare it OUT LOUD! Again, there is great power in the words that we speak.
That’s all well and good. But what do we do with those negative memories and emotions . . . .
Read MoreI wrote this devotion 5 years ago. And I discovered it just when I needed hope in the waiting. Thank You, Lord! I’m sharing it with you in case you need some hope in the waiting. . . .
Read MoreI would inwardly groan every time someone wanted to study the poem of the Proverbs 31 woman. I felt exhausted and overwhelmed at just the thought of trying to emulate that superwoman. That should have been my first clue that this proverb is a prophetic picture of the Bride of Christ. . . .
Read MoreA deep longing for God throbs throughout this poetic song. The “beautiful temple” that the psalmist praised was an actual building. The building was grand in size and ornamentation, but that is not why he praised it. The “beautiful temple” represented the “Beautiful One.” To the Old Testament believer, the “beautiful temple” was the very presence of God.
Fires of sacrifices and offerings (passion for God) burned 24/7, . . .
Read MoreHur is of the tribe of Judah. This struck me as significant because Hur, along with Aaron, held up Moses arms during Israel's first ever battle as a Nation.
After the Nation of Israel passed safely through the Red Sea, the Amaleks came and fought against them. Moses told Joshua to choose men to fight the battle, and he (Moses) would station himself . . .
Read MoreRomance and redemption are the themes of Hosea. And, yes, there is even a happily ever after!
Hosea’s two marriages are a picture of Israel and the church, both are “brides” of God. Israel as the unfaithful wife and God as the Faithful Husband is a familiar allegory in the prophetic books. The prophet Hosea lives out that allegory . . . .
Read MoreMy spiritual journals over the years are peppered with pleas that I would not deny Christ, like Peter did. And that I would not depart from the Lord in my old age, like Solomon did. Especially this last year, I have had many conversations with the Lord about “finishing well.” . . . .
Read MoreApparently there are whole armies of war-faring angels. I have read over Jesus’ reference to “twelve legions of angels” probably hundreds of times without wondering why. Why does heaven have armies?
Heaven doesn’t need defending. . . .
Read MoreWhen my children were young, I would tell them that God’s rules are our umbrella of protection. If we follow God’s rules, then He covers us. But if we step out from underneath His umbrella of protection, then we make ourselves vulnerable.
These verses from Proverbs are even better imagery. When we follow God’s ways, He becomes our Personal Bodyguard. He is protecting and guarding us as we choose what is right. . . .
Read MoreGod pierced Adam’s side to give him a bride. And the Last Adam - Jesus Christ - His side was pierced to give Him a bride!
Blood and water came out of our Lord Jesus’ side. It was His redemptive blood and the water of His Word that gave us life – spiritual life. I have a fresh understanding . . .
Read MoreAs others are making New Year’s resolutions, I am making New Year’s declarations.
Declarations speak the promises of God as fact in our lives, no matter how things look or feel. Speaking declarations is how we partner with the will of God to see change our lives.
Speaking declarations is an excellent way to overcome anxiety and produce joy (Pr. 12:28). Speaking declarations releases life wherever we go (Pr. 18:21). And declarations are essential to entering our “promised land” (Joshua 1:8).
So here are the declarations that I am going to speak over my life this year: . . .
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