Category: Family Life

Entering Into God’s Promises

Do you know there are over seven hundred promises from God in the Bible? What’s amazing is that God has kept every one of them. Many of these promises are for you today. Entering into God’s promises takes a step of faith on your part. Are you going to leave what is comfortable and step into the unknown? That is usually what it takes. Today we see Israel was on the cusp of the Jordan river and entering into God’s promises.

Joshua 3:17 “Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.”

This is the second time God has parted the waters for the Israelites. This time they are crossing the Jordan and entering the promised land. They are about to realize all that God has promised them. Notice how it still took a step of faith? Moses was gone, and Joshua was in charge. Can I trust him? On top of that, they had to pass through the Jordan during the flooding season. What if the water breaks away and we drown? When God promises something He will bring it to completion.

Singing a New Song

When you go through a significant change, it produces a profound impact on almost every area of your life. That change often changes your outlook on life and causes you to speak and act differently. Society calls it “Singing a different tune.” When you let Jesus into your heart, and he comes and cleans house and fills it with His Spirit, you start singing a new song. All those old things are in the past, and new life has sprung forth.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭12:2‬

“Indeed, God is my salvation; I will trust him and not be afraid, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.”

Isaiah chapter twelve is a short song that God gave to the people. God wanted to be the strength and song for the Israelites. Isaiah recognized that. Sometimes singing it in a song can help people remember better. That is the case here where Isaiah declares God is his salvation and the source of his strength. Because of this, Isaiah will sing about his trust. Do you have the song of salvation in your heart? Are His praises continually on your lips?

Do It Through Faith

The start of a new year brings optimism and a renewed sense of purpose. You want to put away all of the bad stuff of the previous year and replace it with the good habits that will bring needed change. There may be a list in your mind or on paper of all you want to accomplish. It can be easy to treat our faith the same way. You want to do good works for the Lord, and there is nothing wrong with that as long as you do it through faith.

‭‭GALATIANS‬ ‭3:2

“This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”

Galatia was an area in what we would know as central Turkey today. Several churches were started by Paul and Barnabas that saw both great fruit and brutal persecution. The most difficult challenge wasn’t from the persecution but the infiltration of Judaizers into the church. These men brought heavy requirements like circumcision and following the law. The new converts were starting to abandon Paul’s teaching of being saved by grace and replacing it with works. Paul counters that by asking them if they received the Spirit by anything they have done or faith.

Rebuild Your Life

The word “redeem” in the New Testament is a financial term and means “bill paid in full.” It was often used when it came to slaves debt. When that slave worked off the debt, the creditor would stamp “redeemed” on the invoice, which meant his debts were paid in full. When Jesus died on the cross, he paid the debt of your sin and stamped redeemed on your heart. You’ve been redeemed to rebuild your life.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭78:35

“And they remembered that God was their rock, And the Most High God their Redeemer.”

Israel had a pattern of forgetting God and then crying out to Him when they were in a hole where they couldn’t get out. It usually started with sin but then devolved into idolatry. God would get angry and be ready to judge them, and Israel would beg for forgiveness. God would forgive them in His infinite mercy and let them start fresh. Sadly, Israel could never break that pattern. They were sent off into captivity as judgment, and only a remnant returned to the Lord.

The God Who Works Wonders

Have you heard of the seven wonders of the world? There are two classifications, ancient and modern. The world’s modern wonders include the Great Wall of China, the ancient city of Petra, and the Colosseum in Rome. Millions of tourists visit these attractions each year. Did you know that you follow the God who works wonders? There are no other gods like Him.

‭‭PSALMS‬ ‭77:13-14

“Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.”

Our God is holy, mighty, and works wonders. He makes His strength known by working wonders among His people. There are no other gods like Him. As a follower of Jesus, you can put your complete trust in Him because He is both holy and strong. You can trust His word because His way is perfect, and you can rest in His power because He will protect you. No one can separate you from His love.

Lifelong Commitment

Commitment is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Marriage is a lifelong commitment to one another. The vows that are spoken during the wedding speak of the length, “to have and to hold till death do us part.” It seems like people are more afraid of commitment now than ever.  1 Corinthians 7:10-16 To the…

Walking by Faith

It takes faith to walk with Jesus. Walking by faith is the way that God chooses to bring about growth. It’s where we learn to trust him and where we find him faithful. Faith is an adventure when we step out to be used by God. Hebrews 10:23, 38 “Let us hold fast the confession…

Replenished by Living Waters

Water has the ability to bring us back to life. Just a swallow of a cold glass of water can revive our spirits. We can be replenished by living waters. God can minister to our soul and pour his life into us. Don’t forsake this renewable spring. Nothing you construct in your life will be…

Do Not Deprive One Another

Sexual intimacy within the context of marriage is one of the most wonderful things on earth. That’s why it is so important that we do not deprive one another of that blessing. This something we have to guard and protect because Satan will use it as a wedge. 1 Corinthians 7:1-5 Now concerning the matters…

Encourage One Another

Life is hard for everyone. We need people in our lives who can encourage one another. If we aren’t open to encouragement, then we run the risk of being hardened by sin. Encouragement comes in all types of ways. It can lift us up; it can motivate us, it can also warn us. Make sure…