Our true characters burst forth when we’re pressured. But God can transform our characters as we learn to follow His ways. God’s commands can bring joy under stress because they make the path clear.

We are God’s masterpiece, both individually and as a community of believers. The church is God’s ongoing 24/7 project to reshape the world to resemble His beautiful kingdom. The church is not a location or time of worship but a diverse community of believers living in unity.

If I do nothing else in life, I want to please God.
So each day I remind myself of Psalm 19:14 – May my words and thoughts be pleasing to you, O Lord.
What can we do to please God? The verses in the Psalm just before this one give us an idea. Let’s look at them on the blog.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug deep down and laid the foundation on…

What really matters in life? How do we know? Do our actions match up with what we believe is important? I am praying along with the Apostle Paul for deeper understanding to know what matters.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. John 14:23 (NLT) God will make His home with us – each of us. Doesn’t that sound good? Because homes are never perfect, ‘home’ doesn’t always evoke…

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT) I’m steeped in 3rd century church history right now and learning how monasteries got started. I’ve always found this simple life of devotion appealing. Had I been Catholic, I’d have considered becoming a…

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will…

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. Philippians 1:29 (NLT) Are we privileged? No matter our position in this world, as believers we are distinctly privileged to trust Christ and claim all God’s promises. Do we forget our place in God’s…

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Ephesians 5:1(NLT) I’ve been told that I’m becoming like my mother. As a teenager, this was an offensive statement, but now I consider it a compliment. As is bound to happen in a church community, I often teach my friends’ children and…