The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 Philips Translation…

But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ. Ephesians 4:15 1. PATTERNS FOR GROWTH. As we move into the New Year and do some fresh planning or New Year’s resolutions, I have this simple pattern I have written down in the blank pages of my Bible…

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for…

Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 1 Peter 4:9 1. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS. We love the beauty and togetherness of the holidays, but this time of year can also bring up feelings of loss and lack. Understand you are human and keep everything in perspective. Lift your eyes to Jesus the Rescuer…

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 1. CULTIVATE A HEART OF COMPASSION. Compassion is defined as a “deep awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it.” This…

And He [Jesus] is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:3a Jesus modeled what it could be like for a human being to experience the presence of God in his or her life. Accounts of…

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 1. WE ARE SAVED. God is able to make all grace abound to you in every area of your life (2 Corinthians 9:8). As a Bible student, I was…

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chronicles 16:9a 1. TURN YOUR HEART TO JESUS. As a young couple, Patsy and I had to learn to prioritize going on dates where we focused and loved…

Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.Isaiah 43:19 1. BE ON THE ALERT. I am focusing on the idea of awareness. The word “awareness” means to have sharp…

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. My soul is satisfied. Psalm 63:1, 5a MIRACLE WATERS. Jesus always has been and will be the only true…