This is what Jesus says in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth... But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Recently I was reading a word by John Chrysostom that is over 1600 years old. It’s a beautiful commentary on … Continue reading The furniture of our lives
Jesus Christ
When you feel defeated
I think there can be a darkness within each one of us that loves to reach up, take hold of our confidence, and pull it down into an abyss of self-pity. You know the days. The bad thoughts or feelings start to steamroll. It’s the opposite of positive momentum. You feel deflated. Then you catch … Continue reading When you feel defeated
The distance you’ve already come
Yesterday I talked about the fruit of the Spirit that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (CSB): “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As a follower of Jesus, these traits will start to grow in your life. If you’re like me, you’ve probably looked at that list and scratched your head in … Continue reading The distance you’ve already come
The future you
Many people are confused about who the Holy Spirit is and what he does. That’s partly because they’ve been given confusing information. I remember a school dance in grade 7. A teacher told us that we needed to “leave room for the Holy Spirit” between dance partners. So whoever the Holy Spirit was, he was … Continue reading The future you
The roar of the Spirit
This week I’ve been answering questions about the Holy Spirit. (To see devotionals you may have missed go here and search by date.) Today let’s keep at it. After giving some significant insights about the Holy Spirit, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). But why … Continue reading The roar of the Spirit
But what does the Spirit actually DO?
This week I’m answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. So far we’ve talked about whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who,” on whether the Spirit makes you “feel” different, and what holiness means. Here’s today’s question: What does the Spirit actually DO? After all, if the Holy Spirit dwells inside of us … Continue reading But what does the Spirit actually DO?
Earmarked for God’s purposes
This week I’ve been answering some questions about the Holy Spirit. On Monday we explored whether the Spirit is an “it” or a “who.” On Tuesday we asked if the Spirit makes you “feel” differently? Here’s today’s question: What does it matter to you that the Spirit is “holy”? First, we need to understand what … Continue reading Earmarked for God’s purposes
Your future in the Spirit
A lot of people have questions about the Holy Spirit. And I’m going to address some of them for you over the next few days. I think it will help clarify our thinking, and encourage us for living. First, is the Holy Spirit an “it” or a “who”? The Holy Spirit is not some random … Continue reading Your future in the Spirit
The burden shifts to Christ
Do you carry around a burden? Some invisible thing with difficulty or obligation? -Maybe it’s a draining responsibility that only falls to you. -Maybe it’s an internal and unhealthy drive to continually prove yourself to others. -Or maybe it’s a pile of problems you think only you can solve. Psalm 55:22 (ESV) says, “Cast your … Continue reading The burden shifts to Christ
You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
Many of us have memorized the Lord’s Prayer, including this line: “And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The original Greek word for “trespasses” is epheilemata which could also be translated as debt, or sin. But what I want to emphasize today is how the entire sentence should actually … Continue reading You’ve ALREADY forgiven them, right?
