A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. A good man produces good out …
Mentoring Series
When Pride Rules
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (1 Corinthians 13) If you were to ask me if I struggled with envy, boasting, or arrogance I would immediately say no. Those words are so ugly and …
Loving the Destructive
While reading a post on my friend Samantha Koivisto’s blog, BecomingEllipsisMark, my heart jumped. Sam wrote about going to church early and discovering vandalism. As she tried to scrub away the graffiti, she prayed for the vandal. Her sweet spirit showed the love of Christ as …
Are You a 1 Corinthians 13 Friend?
When was the last time you sat down and just thanked God for the friends He has given you? Friends are kind of like spouses, they can become so familiar that we take them for granted Few people get to truly know your heart. First Corinthians 13 describes …
Steadfast Love
O My Strength, the God who shows me steadfast love . . . “O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you O God, are my fortress. . . But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast …
Love @ Full Strength in Christ
First Corinthians 13 is one of those Bible passages many Christ-followers know by heart and all others recognize easily. From music to movies, we’ve all heard, read, and recited these powerful words. When it comes to living the love chapter out in real life, it …
Tips for Prayer: Guard your Heart
Note: Tips for Prayer is adapted from Richard Baxter’s Practical Religion, Chapter 23. Richard Baxter was a prolific writer and a prominent pastor in the 1600s. The Practical Works of Richard Baxter is a treasure trove of almost 1,000 pages, covering many useful topics relating to Christian …
How to Begin A New Day
Want to know how to begin a new day? Begin by praying the Word… “ . . . Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of …
Be Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might
“My brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10 Gracious Heavenly Father, as this new day unfolds, I willing place my faith in You. I know trusting You brings godly confidence which empowers me to live as You intend. I …
Confident and Courageous about the Future
I opened my January calendar page to read, “I will go before you” (Isaiah 45:2 NIV). How comforting to know that whatever I face this year, God promises to go before me. He will be there first to prepare the way every day of the …