Abraham fell face-down; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” Genesis 17:17 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12 The word …

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Luke 1:38 (NIV) Sometimes when the word of God comes to us, our response is less than enthusiastic. We get caught up in the details about how and when will God fulfill his promise. We might get intimidated by what we …

18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is too old to give me a child. What sign can you give me to prove this will happen?” 19 Then the angel said, “I am Gabriel. I stand beside God himself. He has sent me to announce …

Peter said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean.” Acts 10:28 (NIV) Sometimes the word of God can be challenging, even objectionable. Peter found himself in just …

Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, I do not run like someone running aimlessly.  (1 Corinthians 9:24 …

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. John 15:5 (NIV) Last week we celebrated the Fourth of July. I enjoy celebrating this holiday that commemorates our birth as a nation and independence from England. The …

One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Acts 19:15 (NIV) When engaged in spiritual battle, it is vital that you know who you are in Christ. Otherwise, you will get your butt kicked. This passage from Acts 19:13-16 tells the story of the seven …

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) Some days I need a break from being me. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy my strengths and interests. But, sometimes, my limitations and shortcomings get the better of me. …

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. 2 Timothy 1:6 (NIV) Some gifts we receive require a bit of work from us to get their full benefit. I learned this lesson years ago after receiving several cookbooks. …

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:3, NIV) James wrote to the Christian community at large to encourage them along the lines of faith.  He observed that many believers were compromised their faith in various ways that …