“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…

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT) Think about how we feed an infant. Our goal is to provide the healthiest nutrition…

In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence (goodness), and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.…

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV) How do we know God’s will for our lives? Three key words…