Everything that is done in this world is done by hope. – Martin Luther What is hope? Hope is the driving force that motivates our actions and reveals our desires. For the believer, hope is a vital part of the Christian life. When we find ourselves in difficult circumstances, hope is where we turn. As… Read More »

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Luke 9:23 The cost of discipleship is high. Jesus revealed this when He taught on the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 13:44 states, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden… Read More »

All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them. – Matthew 13:34 What is a parable? And why did Jesus teach with them? Well, the word parable comes from the Greek words parabole (n.) which means a placing of one thing by the side… Read More »

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 Have you ever really needed rest? I know I have. Maybe you have been really busy and going nonstop. Maybe you were up all-night studying for a test or working the night shift. Or maybe you just… Read More »

When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered,… Read More »

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 Looks can be deceiving. Did you… Read More »

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” – Matthew 14:31 “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This is the question that Jesus asked His disciple as Peter began to sink toward the bottom of the sea. Though Peter saw Jesus… Read More »

Loving imperfect people can be very messy. We live in a world filled with so much hate and division. One cannot go on to Facebook or Twitter or watch the news without encountering political debates, personal attacks, as well as content lacking real substance. If you are like me, you might find yourself getting frustrated… Read More »

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. – John Wooden Are you a friend of sinners? This question may initially shock you. When we think of those who sin against us or when we think… Read More »

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:26 Do you ever get angry? I know I do. But did you know that there are appropriate times to be angry? It’s true. Anger can be good or bad depending on the context. In fact, Jesus demonstrated righteous indignation many times throughout His ministry. John… Read More »