Thoughts on Territorial Spirits

But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. (Daniel 10:13 NKJV)

The Light of the Upright

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. (Psalm 112:4)

A short little verse, but a wonderful promise from God. The upright are protected by God and light comes for them in times that appear dark to others. John…

Losing the Limitations

And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of…

I Tested You

I tested you at the waters of Meribah. (Psalm 81:7b NIV)

The Lord takes responsibility for our testings. To us our lives appear random and our events happenstance, but, as this and other scriptures teach, nothing happens to us in life that does not pass through the permissive…

Search Me, O God!

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! … Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! (Psalm 139:1,23–24 ESV)

Love in Action

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed…

The Battle for Our Thoughts

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans…

A Pastor’s Role

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them — not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing…

Complete Commitment

Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! (Psalm 118:27b ESV)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and…

Be Still and Know

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted in the nations; I will be exalted on the earth. (Psalm 46:11)

There is no more holy duty for believers than to still our hearts — barring worry and anxiety from them — and dwelling on the revealed knowledge of God. There…