Tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high. Luke 24:49
He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father. Acts 1:4
These waiting days were necessary to enable the disciples to realize their need, their nothingness, their failure and their dependence upon the Master. They had to get emptied first, before they could get filled.
When We Have to Wait Read More »
And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised,
he was able also to perform. Romans 4:21 KJV
It has been said of Abraham that he was a friend of God and the father of many nations, but what impacts me most about this biblical patriarch is that he was “fully persuaded” that God could and would fulfill His promises, regardless of seemingly impossible circumstances.
Are You “Fully Persuaded?” Read More »
“I’m sorry.” Why are those two little words so difficult to say?
I made a mistake. I need to apologize. It’s not that hard.
So why is it so hard?
Maybe there’s a better question. Why is it so hard to say I’m sorry and really mean it? Or even better, what does it mean to really mean it?
That’s the real question: what does “being sorry” really mean?
I know this will shock you, but I occasionally broke the rules as a kid. I recall my mom telling me to apologize to someone. I’d comply grudgingly, and she’d say, “Now go back and say it like you MEAN it.”
Jesus Says “Sorry” Is A Verb Read More »
Question:
Is it acceptable to have or receive a different approach than following the traditional Twelve Steps only?
In Christians in Recovery, the 12 Steps are only some of the tools available to those seeking recovery. The Bible and Biblical principles come first and foremost. CIR is not AA. Our Lord Jesus Christ and God Almighty are our “Higher Power.” The Bible is our handbook. The Holy Spirit is our Teacher and our Guide.
The 12 Steps are just tools. They work for some people and other people simply have no use for them. That is fine. If they work for you, by all means use them. Many people find the 12 Steps bring them into a closer relationship with God.
Are the 12 Steps the Only Way? Read More »
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You look ahead with such despair and feel all hope is gone, for life has been so difficult already you feel worn. But living life in happiness But if you fear rejection The first step is the hardest, |
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Taking the First Step: You Have the Key Read More »
But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves,
not having been baptized by John. Luke 7:30, NASB
We hear a lot about the importance of “purpose-driven lives,” but is it enough to follow any purpose… or does it matter whose purpose we choose to follow?
The above verse in Luke tells us that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God’s purpose for their lives. Why? Because they hadn’t been baptized by John. What does that have to do with it?
Learning God’s Purpose for Your Life Read More »
“Learn from Me”–for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29
We Begin at the Lowest Grade Read More »
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister…This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. Romans 12:9-11
Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Romans 12:9-10 NRS
Is “good” always good?
I’ll bet you received a lot of “year-end” messages from different organizations seeking a final funding push. One that caught my attention was an appeal to join in combating their perception of a growing movement called “good without God.”
I was invited to sign an online declaration—and of course to send some money. I did neither, but I did find myself wondering whether I object to the notion of “good without God.” What do you think?
I recalled a conversation with a close friend (I’ll call him Ben) as he explained why he never took his kids to church.
“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken!” Matthew 12:36
We cannot recall any word we have spoken. It may be a false word or an unkind word–a word which will blast and burn! Instantly after it has been spoken–we may wish it back and may rush after it and try to stop it–but there is no power in the world that can unsay the hurtful word–or blot it out of our life!
Our Words and Deeds are Irrevocable Read More »
