GOD IS SPEAKING CAN YOU HEAR HIM

He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 NIV https://john.bible/john-3-30

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.  Teach me your way, Lord , that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.  I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.  For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Psalms 86:10‭-‬13 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.86.10-13.NIV

Alone. A word that can invite doubt or fear into the bravest soul. Isn’t it just like God to take a word that has one meaning on earth, and give it a life-changing meaning in the heavens?!  Let’s think about it: ‘Alone’ in earthly terms, brings to mind words like solitude, darkness, or even rejection. Maybe you have experienced these realities before in your own life and being alone is something you try to avoid at all costs. That may look like constant movie marathons, social media binging, or doing anything that can fill up spaces of uncertainty in your life.    BUT in the heavens, the word ‘alone’ becomes a powerful word of declaration, because when we say phrases like ‘JESUS YOU ALONE’, we are surrendering our very lives to declare that nothing else matters but Him! Those feelings of solitude, darkness and rejection are replaced with the Father, His light and being aware of His presence when we worship.  Today, as you listen to the song Jesus You Alone, let that phrase

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Romans 10:17 NIV https://romans.bible/romans-10-17

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV https://hebrews.bible/hebrews-11-6

Wouldn’t it be amazing if faith could be boxed up and passed out like presents at Christmas? Just think of it: You and your loved ones all cozy, safely waiting around the sparkling tree, expectant for what’s coming your way.  While that seems a little outlandish, it’s often how we view faith in times of struggle. As adversity strikes, if our faith hasn’t been developing in our relationship with God, we can find ourselves trying to 'open our gift of faith’ and use it as needed. So how do we strengthen and deepen our faith in God so that we aren’t shaken by adversity? When we come into relationship with God, it happens by faith (Rom 10:9) – but it doesn’t stop there. Romans 10:17 is quite clear: Faith comes by the Word of God. Knowing who God is and who He wants to be in your life can radically change your outlook and quite possibly the trajectory of your situation. God proves to us in His word that He can do anything where there is faith (Heb. 11). Our faith is strengthene

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. Psalms 40:3 NIV https://psalm.bible/psalm-40-3

We live in a noisy world. Every day we are bombarded by social media, opinions of others, and the pressures of life. The world is constantly talking to us, and it is easy to let those voices dictate our day. Maybe a coworker has discouraged you or a friend has disappointed you. Life can certainly fill our hearts with many voices.   As Christ followers, it is important to cultivate God’s truth in our hearts. Psalm 40:3 says that God places His praises in our mouth. He gives us an internal ‘soundtrack’ of His grace in our lives, and it’s up to us to make sure that this is louder than the noise of our daily lives.  Don't miss the opportunity to worship each day. Meeting with God one-on-one, through daily prayer, reading, and worship will ultimately bring us closer to Him. Being close to Him means knowing His voice, His ways, and His truth. It's much like a true friend: the more you meet, the more familiar you become.  Where do you find yourself today? Are you only meet

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes  so that it will be even more fruitful.  You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.  Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.   “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.  If you keep my commands, you wi

In John 15, Jesus shares that He is the vine, and we are the branches; we can do nothing apart from Him. While this truth is vital to our relationship with Him, Jesus takes it one step further in verse 11 with this thought: “I have told you this so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 NIV) You see, joy doesn’t describe just a feeling - but a truth: Connection to God results in joyful relationship with Him. Joy surpasses what we feel and becomes a gauge that reveals if we are in connection with God. Joy is not predicated on a circumstance but projected through the life of a believer as he or she meets daily with Him.  Reflect for a moment on where joy lies in your life. Is it only in certain spaces or circumstances? Confess the places in your life where you may not reflect joy. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill that place in your life, and begin to walk in faith knowing that as you give every single part of your life to Him, He will, in turn,

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 NIV https://hebrews.bible/hebrews-4-16

Praise the Lord . Praise the Lord , you his servants; praise the name of the Lord .  Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore.  From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.  The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.  Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,  who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?  He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;  he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.  He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord . Psalms 113:1‭-‬9 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.113.1-9.NIV

What is your first response to the ‘storms’ in your life? Do you look at the ‘wind and waves’ of the circumstance, OR does your mind immediately focus on the One watching over you in the storm?  You see, the perspective of our current situation can only be God-centered when we know who God truly is in our lives. When you have a relationship with Him, He is to be Lord over all. If you are living in that truth, then you also know that He is with you in the storm. You are never left to manage things on your own. You are not forgotten – you are not forsaken.  Psalm 113:5 asks: “Who is like the Lord?” This entire chapter reminds us of the praise God deserves, the position He truly holds, and the power He contains. No matter the storm, He is with us. This promise is enough to strengthen our spirits and allow us to go with confidence to Him and find the mercy and grace we need (Heb. 4:16).   Today, examine your life. Have there been moments where you didn’t see God as Lord over al

I will remember the deeds of the Lord ; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Psalms 77:11‭-‬12 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.77.11-12.NIV

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalms 96:3 NIV https://psalm.bible/psalm-96-3

As children, it’s not hard to generate excitement and wonder about the smallest of things: a new toothbrush or a piece of candy found in a back pocket. Why is it that we lose the wonder of life as we grow into adulthood? Wonder is a component of our relationship with Jesus that allows our hearts and minds to recognize that God does amazing things. As we gain more life experience, it’s easy to misplace, suppress, or even forget that wonder is an actual belief and conviction - not just a perception.  The same can be the case in our walk with God. We start with such a sense of wonder realizing that if He can save us, He can do anything. Then somewhere along the way, we may begin to lose hope that He even hears our prayers.  In Psalm 77, we find the writer questioning everything about his life, down to his very existence. The turning point for him is in verse 11 when he begins to recall to mind all of the things God has done. Even in his despair, he chose to recall the wonders

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalms 23:4 NIV https://psalm.bible/psalm-23-4

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27‭-‬28 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.27-28.NIV

For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25 NIV https://1peter.bible/1-peter-2-25

What comes to mind when you think of a shepherd? It’s easy to picture a beautiful, green meadow with sheep peacefully grazing while the shepherd dozes in the sunshine. In the Bible, a shepherd’s reality consisted of long hot days, cold nights of standing watch, and the constant threat of predators.  In John 10, we see Jesus compare His followers to sheep and Himself to the shepherd. When we examine the role of Jesus as the shepherd of our lives and see ourselves as His sheep, we begin to see Him as the leader, defender, and caretaker of us (Psalm 23).  Peter describes the same role in 1 Peter 2:25, and declares that the people 'have returned to the Shepherd of their souls.' This is a reminder that no matter where we are in our walk as a follower of Jesus, He is a God who is ALWAYS there, ready to receive a repentant heart. He is ready and willing to be the shepherd of our souls! As we journey through these thoughts and songs together, remember that when we allow Jes

But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘ Raca ,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:22 NIV https://matthew.bible/matthew-5-22

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬10 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/1co.2.9-10.NIV

If you Believe, and Faithful you will reap the benefits.   God has Blessed me all this wk. Reaping the Rewards God is working on your behalf, even though His plans for you take time. My prayer for you is that you’ll learn to anticipate His answer—no matter how long it takes—and to do so faithfully, patiently, and joyfully. You’ve invested so much time, energy, prayer, and confidence into waiting for Him, it would be a shame for you to abandon your hope now … especially when you’re on the brink of blessing and when His answer for you is closer than ever before. So don’t ever give up! Be assured God’s actively, powerfully, wisely, and lovingly arranging the circumstances of your life. Even though His activity may not be obvious to you, He’s drawing you closer, refining your character, teaching you His ways, and fulfilling His promises to you. First Corinthians 2:9-10 teaches, “Eye has not seen and ear has not heard … all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” In other wo

 The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord , endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalms 138:8 NIV https://psalm.bible/psalm-138-8

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV https://1thessalonians.bible/1-thessalonians-5-18

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4‭-‬5 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.10.4-5.NIV

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV https://ephesians.bible/ephesians-6-12

Surviving the Wait With Courage Continued delays can be disheartening, especially when circumstances don’t go your way or your burdens become too heavy to carry. Most likely, you’ve experienced heartbreaking occasions before—devastating disappointments that have robbed you of the last of your strength and resolve. The days, weeks, months, and sometimes years go by without any answers to your prayers. The illness, financial difficulty, conflict, loneliness, uncertainty, or need persists. You struggle, feeling the overwhelming temptation to give in to utter despair and fall back into destructive habits. There’s nothing that can plunge you into the darkness of despair like a prolonged season of waiting. But this is when you  must  determine to wait on the Lord with courage. The quality that enables us to endure suffering, opposition, and the challenges of life with a steadfast and fearless confidence in God’s provision and protection is  courage . And it’s your courage that’s stret

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35‭-‬36 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.10.35-36.NIV

Claiming God’s Promises in the Delays There’s an important principle in Scripture that will open the door to the treasure houses of heaven for you once you learn and apply it. You especially need this principle during times of waiting because it will keep you steady and strong as the storms of adversity and waves of doubt arise.  What is this crucial precept? It’s the principle of claiming God’s promises to you—helping you persevere with hope as you wait for Him. Many people believe that waiting is passive … but that’s not what the Lord intended for us as believers. Yes, we are  still in the sense that we take our hands off of our situations and allow the Father to work through our circumstances. But we’re also supposed to be  active  and growing spiritually—and we do so by resolutely taking hold of God’s Word. As we discover God’s will, we actively claim His promises and continue obeying Him step by step. Think of it like this: Just as we work on our physical muscles in a gym

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV https://romans.bible/romans-8-28

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord , “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV https://jeremiah.bible/jeremiah-29-11

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. John 10:2‭-‬4 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.10.2-4.NIV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalms 32:8 NIV https://psalm.bible/psalm-32-8

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV https://ephesians.bible/ephesians-2-10

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 NIV https://genesis.bible/genesis-12-2

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” But Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord .’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate.” Samuel did what the Lord said. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled when they met him. They asked, “Do you come in peace?” Samuel replied, “Yes, in peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord . Consecrate yourselves and come to the sacrifice with me.” Then he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things p

God’s Will in Uncertainty It’s safe to say that the questions I’m most frequently asked as a pastor involve the issue of God’s will. People often ask, “How do I know what the Lord wants me to do with my life?” Or, “When I have two options, how can I know which way the Father wants me to go?” I’ve also found that never are believers more concerned about God’s will than during times of waiting—when we desperately want to know what He’s up to and whether He’ll answer our prayers. King David was able to endure through all his adversity because he understood that it was the Lord’s plan for him to be king of Israel (1 Sam.16:1-13). And Abraham was able to be patient because the Father had promised he’d have many descendants and become a great nation (Gen. 12:2). Though I’m sure the delays were extremely difficult for these two men, they could hold on to the Lord’s assurances about their eventual blessings. Unfortunately, the long intervals of anxious anticipation can be even more challe

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17:3 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.17.3.KJV

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.3.5-6.KJV

The Idols That Impede Your Faith    As we direct our focus to the Father and wait patiently for His will to open wide the way in our lives, we may discover that there are many things standing in the way of deepening our relationship with God and exercising our faith in Him.  These strongholds—or idols—are very subtle. They steal into your life covertly, rooting themselves in your emotions and becoming more important to you than God.  No one can identify an idol except the Lord … and He sees your heart clearly. Anything that competes for your total devotion to God is an idol in your life. So what is it in you? What are those things—hidden or known to you—that stand in your way of waiting patiently for the Lord’s will to manifest in your life? Ask the Father to reveal them to you. He’s promised He’ll be faithful to show you if and where an idol exists. But be very careful that you don’t rationalize away what He reveals to you. If the Lord puts His finger on something in your life,

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/jas.1.17.KJV For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.6.23.KJV Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.41.10.KJV

Directing Our Focus to God Do you know  who  it is you’re waiting for? Someone may say, “I’m hoping for an employer to notice my resume.” Another person might add, “I’m waiting for a spouse,” or, “I’m anticipating having a child.” We tend to focus on the  object  of our desire, rather than the Provider. But really—no matter who or what the subject of your petitions— the One you’re actually waiting for is God.  You’re hoping He’ll answer your prayers. You’re expecting Him to supply the solution to your problems. You’re awaiting His intervention. After all, the reality is, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights,” (James 1:17). It’s the Lord Himself who provides all things for you.  Waiting signifies an expectant endurance that’s demonstrated by a directed, purposeful, active, and courageous attitude of prayer. That expectant endurance means we won’t make a move without the Lord’s guidance. And that first characteristic o

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8‭-‬9 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1pe.5.8-9.KJV

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Isaiah 64:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/isa.64.4.KJV

How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord ? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? Psalms 13:1 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.13.1.KJV

How Long, O Lord? No one likes delays. And nothing diminishes the pain we feel as the days pass and we continue to struggle with our hopes and fears. Whether it’s the hours that throw off our plans, the days and weeks that cause uncertainty, or the years we spend wondering if God will ever fulfill His promises to us, it’s human to feel frustrated, anxious, and as if our hopes are dying within us. Why? Because we lack control over our circumstances. Someone else seems to be impeding our progress—deciding how the scant moments we’ve been given in this life will be spent and preventing us from enjoying the one thing we think will truly make us happy. Like David, we cry out, “How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?” (Ps.13:1). I don’t know what it is you’re hoping for, but I do know that you’ve subscribed to this reading plan for a reason. I also know firsthand that waiting on God is one of the most difficult lessons to learn. I imagine that, like David, there’s a lot of pai

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV https://deuteronomy.bible/deuteronomy-31-8

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV https://deuteronomy.bible/deuteronomy-31-6

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:9 NIV https://2corinthians.bible/2-corinthians-1-9

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. Isaiah 64:4 NIV https://isaiah.bible/isaiah-64-4

New Bible plan: Waiting on God (Day 1) The "Nevers" of Life Never. It’s the word that can stir the deepest fear in the bravest heart. “I’ll never find a job.” “This will never get better.” “I’ll never get married.” “I’ll never have the child I long for.” “He’ll never come home to me.” It’s the lie that originates with our sinful nature, and it insists on putting a decisive end to all of our hopes. Don’t bother to dream, it whispers cruelly. You don’t deserve it. Stop wishing for what can never be. And so we continue to drive the nails into the coffin of our dearest longings. “The Lord will never answer my prayers.” But this is the challenge of waiting on God. It’s the ability to keep hoping when the nevers of life bombard us—when the minutes, hours, days, and years tick away without any answers to our most passionate pleas at the throne of grace. It’s the faith to hang on to the Father on the long road when human reason tells us to give up. If the nevers of life

During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. Exodus 2:23‭-‬25 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.2.23-25.NIV

God Hears Our Cries The promise of food had encouraged Jacob and his family to leave their famine-stricken land and relocate to Egypt with Joseph. For a time, everything was terrific, but their experience took a turn for the worse when a new king came into power. He didn’t like the idea of Israel’s people growing in stature and number, so he put them to work, ruthlessly enslaving them. Their lives were filled with tears and bitterness.   The people of God still had His promises, but those promises seemed empty. It was easier to trust God when they were receiving the benefit of food than when they were enslaved. In the long years of oppression, some must have said to themselves, “I think God’s forgotten His promise. I wonder if He’s really going to do what He said.” Despite their doubt, they called out to God, desperately seeking rescue. God had not forgotten, and His answer came. God heard their cry, He heard their groaning, and in response, He introduced a rescue operation. God

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:6‭-‬9 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.5.6-9.NIV

Casting All Your Cares Anxiety is a strange thing, creeping up at times when we least expect it and quickly overwhelming us. When we think about it, though, we realize that anxiety’s causes are generally the same for everyone. They may take on a different face, they may be propelled by different circumstances, but the issues themselves are remarkably similar.  When we face anxiety, we often try to ignore it by distracting our minds: “Let me listen to some music. Let me go for a drive. Let me run a mile. Let me do  something  … just let me run away!”  Notice, though, that in this verse, Peter does not say we are to deny, ignore, or flee from anxiety. Instead, we should be  “casting all your anxieties on him.”  The Greek word for “cast” here is a decisive, energetic action word. It might just as well be used to describe throwing out a bag of trash. We don't take a painstaking effort in moving it; we simply grab it and hurl it into the bin. Likewise, instead of going through ou

Finding God at Rock Bottom After Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him, Joseph hit rock bottom … again. Once more the recipient of undeserved hatred, he found himself condemned—not to a pit this time but to his master’s dungeon. The bottom had dropped out of his world.  And yet, as a man of principle, Joseph displayed enduring patience. He had fled the seductive temptation from Potiphar’s wife on the strength of his convictions, making his decision on the basis of purity and rightness. Indeed, Joseph feared God more than he feared a dungeon. He couldn’t sin with Potiphar’s wife because to do so would have been to sin against God.  Such a view of sin will keep us, too, on the narrow way. True faithfulness comes not from pragmatism but from principle. It is the forming of decisions in the quiet place, without all of life’s fanfare going on so that when everything comes crashing down on us, we will know how to respond. As Joseph endured wrongful suffering, Scripture tells us, God d

Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.”  His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Genesis 37:5‭-‬8 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/gen.37.5-8.NIV

God Is in Control Joseph was known for his dreams—and his dreams were far from ordinary! As he dreamed, it became obvious that God was involved, that his dreams were signs of what God would yet do.  Joseph’s dreams hinted at the fact that he was the object of God’s special favor, the servant of His divine purpose. These truths only increased his brothers’ hatred. Eventually, even the affection of Jacob, his father, began to cool (see Genesis 37:10). Joseph became, in a sense, an isolated young man with no one to talk to or identify with.  We might have expected Joseph to withdraw into himself, avoid the pain in his life, and hide from a world that hated him—a world that was alien to him, full of discord and fractured relationships. But that wasn’t his response! Instead, we find that he remained steady and focused, with a clear vision of the future.  Joseph’s resilience is striking. How do we explain such a response in the life of a seventeen-year-old? In the very center of J

Verses 23, 25 - 26, are Written in Red. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”  Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”  Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;  and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:21‭-‬26 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.11.21-26.NIV

Preparing for Death None of us knows what a day will bring. Indeed, we all live with a measure of uncertainty; we cannot be prepared for every trial that comes our way. Yet, we also live in a fallen world, and we know the sting of sin is death. Dying, therefore, is one reality for which we  must  prepare.  Any consideration of death and dying that doesn’t pay careful attention to Jesus’ words is incomplete. A great place to start, then, is the solid instruction Jesus provided just after his friend Lazarus’s death.  Lazarus’s mourning sisters were deeply concerned about what had happened to their brother. In response, Jesus said that Lazarus was going to rise again. Martha, misunderstanding this declaration, said,  “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”  Jesus then took the conversation one step further, saying,  “I am the resurrection and the life.” Our answer to Jesus’ following question—“Do you believe this?”—affects both how we live and how we

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”— before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain; when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim; Ecclesiastes 12:1‭-‬3 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/ecc.12.1-3.NIV

The Brevity of Life Life passes us by a lot more quickly than we imagine. I vividly remember the birth of my first child—and then, it seemed he was a teenager only a few weeks later. Suddenly, we wake up older and we realize that any given moment may be the only moment we have left to live for Jesus Christ because life is very brief.  As we age, our physical and mental abilities fade, old friends pass away, familiar customs which have been routine disintegrate, and our long-held ambitions lose their potential. These realities, though, shouldn’t drive us into despair but stimulate us. There is an opportunity in every day! As Derek Kidner writes, “Death has not yet reached out to us: let it rattle its chains at us and stir us into action.”[1] With the minutes that remain in our lives, we can lift up our eyes and look on the fields, because, as Jesus said, they’re already “ white for harvest. ” (John 4:35) The Bible doesn’t encourage us to wait until we graduate or get married or s

How long, Lord ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?  How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Psalms 13:1‭-‬2 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.13.1-2.NIV

The Lie of Isolation People say time flies when you’re having fun, but when things shift into a minor key, life seems to move in slow motion. We often find ourselves thinking, “I don’t know if I’m ever going to get out of these circumstances.” This verse contains a recurring question: “How long? How long?” David’s circumstances aren’t described, but he clearly feels forgotten and forsaken—a feeling we all can relate to. It’s akin to what we feel when we lose a loved one.   To be isolated from human relationships is, without question, crushing, but what David writes of here is even more significant. He’s expressing a feeling of isolation from God, Himself. In his emerging depression, we discover that his perception, as is often the case with our own, does not reflect reality. What he  feels  to be true does not align with what he  knows  to be true.  The psalmist’s sentiment is shared by many of God’s people throughout Scripture. In Isaiah, God’s exiled people cry out,  “The Lo

Sorry I haven't posted any new Bible plans but I  had to wait for my phone data to re-up on my phone.  I needed to be able to watch my church services instead. I WILL BE POSTING A NEW BIBLE PLAN TODAY.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34‭-‬35 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.13.34-35.NIV

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—  the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be  in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” John 14:16‭-‬21 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.16-21.NIV

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23 NIV https://matthew.bible/matthew-1-23

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform 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 12:1‭-‬2 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.1-2.NIV

What if there’s more to following Jesus than we think?  We have a tendency to put things in our lives into categories. And it can be a helpful way to go through life. But sometimes we think that following Jesus is just another category of our lives instead our entire life focus. Think about it. When you think of following Jesus, you might think about things like going to church, reading your Bible, praying, serving others, or worshiping. And those are definitely a part of it!  But what if following Jesus is way more than that list of things we think about? If Jesus is who He says He is, then wouldn’t it make sense for our whole lives to be about following Him? What if our everyday lives, our ordinary routines, and our normal decisions are more spiritual than we think? What if we allowed the God of the universe to be not only a part of our lives but an integral part of our day?  Jesus came as Immanuel—God With Us. Jesus is with us every second, and the Holy Spirit lives withi

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, Romans 1:18 NIV https://romans.bible/romans-1-18

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrews 12:1‭-‬4 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/heb.12.1-4.NIV

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23‭-‬24 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/col.3.23-24.NIV

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV https://1corinthians.bible/1-corinthians-10-31

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”  Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34‭-‬40 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.22.34-40.NIV

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.28.18-20.NIV

Purpose isn’t out there waiting to find you—God already gave it to you.  At some point, we’ve all been plagued by the question, “What are you going to do with your life?” It’s a big question, and it’s one that doesn’t always have a clear-cut answer—though we often wish it did. This idea of purpose is something we wrestle with our whole lives. From the time we’re kids, it seems like everyone wants to know what your life plan is. And when you don’t have an answer, you start feeling a little lost.  Somewhere along the way, many of us started to believe a lie that purpose is out there waiting to find us. We also tend to believe that purpose is about what we do instead of about who we are—which often leads to disappointment when the job we have isn’t the job we want or the one we feel called to.  So what is purpose?  Purpose isn’t out there waiting to find you. God already gave it to you. God created you in His image with good works for you to do and spiritual gifts to use. And the

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35‭-‬39 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.8.35-39.NIV

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.  I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  Praise be to you, Lord ; teach me your decrees.  With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.  I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.  I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalms 119:9‭-‬16 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/psa.119.9-16.NIV

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.  Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8‭-‬9 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.31.8-9.NIV

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:21‭-‬25 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jas.1.21-25.NIV

Do not conform 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 https://romans.bible/romans-12-2