As the Day Begins “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” — Jeremiah 23:23–24 There are mornings when God feels very near. Prayer seems easy,Continue reading “Closer Than the Air You Breathe”
Author Archives: Intentional Faith
Still in the Family, but Missing the Prize
Heaven — Loss by Disqualification There is something both encouraging and sobering about watching an athlete prepare for competition. The athlete may already belong to the team, wear the uniform, and have a place in the locker room, but that does not automatically mean he will receive the prize. Participation requires discipline. Victory requires perseverance.Continue reading “Still in the Family, but Missing the Prize”
Today’s Spiritual Disciplines
May the Lord bless your spiritual walk today, giving you an attentive heart, a teachable spirit, and the quiet confidence that He remains at work in you. Scripture assures us that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Our dailyContinue reading “Today’s Spiritual Disciplines”
Becoming What Grace Has Already Begun
As the Day Ends “…our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” — 2 Timothy 1:10 As this day comes to a close, it is worth remembering that the Christian life is not a finished product displayed for inspection. It is a life underContinue reading “Becoming What Grace Has Already Begun”
When the Dots Refuse to Connect
DID YOU KNOW We are remarkably uncomfortable with unanswered questions. Give us a few facts, leave several spaces empty, and most of us will begin drawing lines between them. We do it with relationships, health problems, disappointments, unanswered prayers, and even with God. We would often rather have an incomplete explanation than admit that weContinue reading “When the Dots Refuse to Connect”
When the Battle Is Bigger Than You
On Second Thought There are days when spiritual warfare does not feel theological at all. It feels personal. You wake up already tired. A temptation you thought had weakened suddenly returns. An old fear finds its voice again. Something someone said begins replaying in your mind. A problem you had hoped would resolve itself growsContinue reading “When the Battle Is Bigger Than You”
The God Who Still Says, “Call to Me”
The Bible in a Year “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3 There are verses we know so well that familiarity can sometimes soften their force. Jeremiah 33:3 is one of them. We quote it when we want encouragement toContinue reading “The God Who Still Says, “Call to Me””
When the Messenger Refuses the Spotlight
In the Life of Christ There is something wonderfully refreshing about John the Baptist in Luke 3:15–20. The crowds are beginning to wonder whether John might actually be the Messiah. That would have been an intoxicating moment for almost anyone. Imagine people beginning to whisper that perhaps you are the person God has promised forContinue reading “When the Messenger Refuses the Spotlight”
When the Body Groans but the Spirit Keeps Working
As the Day Begins “The creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” — Romans 8:21 There are mornings when the body reminds us that we are not yet what we will someday be. We wake up tired. Something aches. StrengthContinue reading “When the Body Groans but the Spirit Keeps Working”
Dressed for the Wedding
Why Heavenly Rewards Matter Heaven — Key Questions About Heavenly Rewards When Christians talk about heaven, we naturally think first about being with Christ. We think about the end of sorrow, the absence of death, and the joy of finally seeing our Savior face-to-face. Yet Scripture also teaches that something deeply personal will take placeContinue reading “Dressed for the Wedding”