Stand // Isaiah 7:9

Wow! You know how sometimes a verse jumps out and snags you? Well, today’s did that to me. It reminds me of the quote oft attributed to Alexander Hamilton, “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.” So, for what do you stand? In what, or whom, do you place your faith? As we march…

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Seek F.I.R.S.T. // Matthew 6:33

Today’s verse is so important for the Jesus follower. Jesus said we are to seek God’s Kingdom first, and then the other things we tend to worry ourselves over — like food, clothing, and shelter — have a way to work out for us. This is because God is a generous provider and empowers His…

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Choose Faith // Psalms 56:3

Did you know fear and faith are processed in the same place in the brain? It comes down to a choice. What interests me is the reality that we can’t choose the physiological responses that cause us to feel fear, but we can choose our behavioral response. Courage is not the absence of fear, but…

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From First Steps to Giant Leaps // Hebrews 11:6

Today’s verse is one that sticks with me. Hebrews 11:6 teaches about how faith is required to please God. It goes on to say that, “Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” We don’t often start with the first step of…

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Faith, Hope, & Love // 1 Corinthians 13:13

Few verses form my thinking like today’s. The combination of faith, hope, and love are common in Paul’s writings. Take note that isn’t just to be a coffee cup verse or something that fit well on a bumper sticker; no, it is to be a way of life. Breaking down these concepts, faith is believing…

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Timing is Everything // Isaiah 60:22

Timing, as they say, is everything. Comedians, athletes, musicians, and acrobats among others know how crucial timing is to success. Let me assure you God does, too. There might be times when we wish God would act according to our timing, but God is not slow in keeping His promises. As today’s verse promises, God…

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James 1:2-3

Today’s verse is one I don’t particularly like; not because I disagree with what James wrote, I just wish it wasn’t true. I would much prefer my faith life get developed in ways other than hardship and challenge. As I look back over my life, I see that my darkest moments helped shape me into…

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Spirit Gifts

2 Timothy 1:7 There is a lot to unpack in this short verse. What does it mean for you when you read that God did not give you a spirit of fear? Fear is a human defense mechanism that helped us survive as a species. It is powerfully programmed into us, but note how the…

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Moving Past Natural Devotion

“Natural devotion may be all very well to attract us to Jesus, to make us feel His fascination, but it will never make us disciples. Natural devotion will always deny Jesus somewhere or other.”–Oswald Chambers I reminded of the early feelings I had when my faith began. Those feelings do not show up as often…

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Miracles

I am currently reading Miracles by Eric Metaxas. I highly recommend it if you have ever thought about or considered miracles. Eric Metaxas defines miracles as “any time or place that God injects Himself into time and space to communicate with us.” There are many categories of miracles: healing, angelic appearances, visions, etc. Some miracles…

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