But Daniel resolved… Daniel 1:8 Long before the night in the lion’s den, Daniel made a decision that would define him for the rest of his life. He resolved to obey God’s law and worship Him only, regardless of the consequences. As young men, Daniel and his three friends were taken captive to a foreign land that wouldattempt to indoctrinate their lifestyle, their faith, and their identity. This ungodly nation would testtheir resolve again and again. When jealous men tried to trap Daniel they could find no fault in him. There was nothing they could use against him except his complete devotion to God. They knew he would not compromise…

Your word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my path  it shows how life should be lived. Psalm 119:105 EXB Like many of you, I’m tired of all the dirt, darkness, and lies that this year’s political circus has created. I’ve found myself doubting everything that is printed or broadcast by either side. I can see the pure evil in so many of the issues that face our country and demand our vote. Some are so veiled with misleading words that their true intentions are masked with deception in order to steal support for the promoting parties’ political gain and agendas. Meanwhile, each party is out…

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20 The other day I had a beautiful time of understanding from God. It was one of those moments when my ears were ready to listen and my heart was ready to receive. I was reviewing my week and had listed several situations that had caused frustration in the hopes of writing them out to get them off my chest. Those writing moments often allow me to see the bigger picture and quite frequently, I see that I do the same things that cause me to be…

 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance  and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.  He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?  Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”  Then he…

 For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 At a recent prayer group, a participant mentioned that many believers do not understand, let alone access, the immense power of God that is within them to use for His purposes. I realized that this year’s journal, Christ in Me, is full of instruction on that very topic and sadly, I will admit that I do not access or use the power of God within me as…

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13 Over the last several weeks I have been experiencing a much needed time out with God. In this time He has graciously made me aware of the many issues that I need to address and with each one, He has also shown me what I need to do in order to make the necessary changes in my mind, heart, attitude and actions. There have been many tears, confessions, moments of repentance and forgiveness as well as joyful outbursts of…

Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem,    look around and consider,    search through her squares.If you can find but one person    who deals honestly and seeks the truth,    I will forgive this city. Jeremiah 5:1 Today I read a few chapters in the book of Jeremiah. God called this young man to deliver a powerful message to His people who were living in a way that closely resembles our world today. People were seeking their own interests and had completely left God out of their daily lives. They only listened to messages that supported their lustful desires and they followed leaders who only looked for opportunities for their own financial and social gain. Jeremiah’s message started…

 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,  who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 On Good Friday I watched the movie, The Passion. For years I have chosen to view this movie during Holy Week to be reminded of how much Jesus went through to save me. I loved the compassion He showed to…