HOPE

Hang Onto Possible Endings

Faith over Fear

What kind of soil is in our heart? I once heard a Bible teacher suggest we may have a combination of soils. Various seasons of life produce trials and tests resulting in a composition of different soils. Scripture tells us that God has given us everything we need for a life of godliness. Do we believe it? Or are we searching for significance in wrong relationships, positions of power and authority, and good works done with wrong motives? Are we "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps" ... continue reading...

Bold Faith and Worship

One of my favorite stories of the New Testament is found in Luke chapter seven. But first, let's look at the bold faith of a Roman centurion. Hearing that Jesus was in town filled him with hope that his dying servant might be healed. Going courageously to the Jewish elders, who traditionally hated the Romans, he asked them to approach Jesus on his behalf. Believing Jesus had the power to heal, he lacked confidence in bringing his request to Jesus personally. Ever feel like the centurion? ... continue reading...

The Measure of Mercy

Whether you're familiar with the gospel of Luke, or this is your first time to read through it, I imagine like me, you are challenged as we pray about it's message. Like, when was the last time we asked God to show us if we are a hypocrite? Um, how about never? Hypocrisy breaks fellowship with God and ruins our witness. How is it that we have been so deceived into thinking that what we do matters more than what we think? As I type, I can see the most glorious sunrise. A beautiful reminder ... continue reading...

When God Asks the Impossible

Have you heard the saying, "If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat?" Although not recorded in the book of Luke, the other gospels tell the story of Jesus asking Peter to push past fear, uncertainty, and most likely anxiety to do the impossible; walk on water. Perhaps his earlier encounter with Jesus in his own boat prepared him for this future courage. After a long hard night of fishing with nothing to show for it, Jesus tells Peter to do what probably seemed ... continue reading...

Amazed and Awed

If temptations, trials, and tests came to Jesus, we can be sure they will come to us. Our reaction says a lot about our spiritual condition, growth, and expectations. The way we walk through the dark valleys and wander in the deserts reveal our depth of love, trust and faith in God. Luke 4 also points out they have the power to prepare us for ministry. If we want to be more like Christ, we must be willing to surrender our will to the Father. It's hard, isn't it? I don't know anyone who ... continue reading...