Charles Wesley wrote a hymn in 1762 that really should motivate us today: A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage To do my Master’s will!…
James tells us that, “…faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). In Matthew 25, Jesus tells a parable about talents given to three servants and how they used – or didn’t use, those talents. For the two servants that used their talents for work, the master responds with the words, “well done, good and…
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; Psalm 103:10-11 Confession and repentance can be humbling and painful but in order to receive God’s forgiveness, it is necessary. …
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 He certainly meant the works—the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things, in and of themselves. And, of course, he meant the works are good…
God wants to be first priority in our lives. He is either the Lord of All, or He is not. The best test for us is determining what we give back to God. Does He wind up with our leftovers? Is our time, energy, and resources given to other endeavors instead of to Him? In…
When I was a kid I developed a love of reading. I was into the Doc Savage series, sci-fi, fantasy, and then read many books by Alistair MacLean, Tolkien, and others. Of course in high school there was a lot of required readings – especially the classics, that kept my nose buried. But as I…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 When Paul wrote these words, he meant the things we are to do, the ways we are to serve—are good things. And, of course, he meant the works are good for…
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 God gives us natural talents and spiritual gifts and hearts with unique passions. God also shapes us through trials and circumstances in our every day lives. When we are using our…
I’m coming back to the heart of worship, and it’s all about You, Jesus. In the 1990’s Matt Redmans’ pastor, Mike Pilavachi, asked, “When you come through the doors on a Sunday, what are you bringing as your offering to God?” He then removed the sound system and the band from the service because their…
I believe; help my unbelief—Mark 9:24 Have you really thought about what you believe about God? Some givens (I think): We know He is Omnipotent – all powerful. He created everything (Genesis 1; Colossians 1:16). We know He is Omniscient – he sees everything and knows everything and can do anything (Isaiah 55:9; Hebrews 4:13;…