In the Life of Christ Matthew 9:1–34 moves rapidly from one human need to another. A paralyzed man lies helpless on a mat. A tax collector sits isolated at his booth. A grieving father pleads for his dying daughter. A suffering woman reaches anonymously through a crowd. Two blind men cry for mercy, and aContinue reading “When Jesus Reaches the Deeper Need”
Author Archives: Intentional Faith
The Fragrance of a Holy Life
As the Day Begins “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” — 1 Peter 1:15 Peter’s command begins with God’s character rather than our effort. God is holy, and the One who calls us intends His character to become increasingly visible in us. TheContinue reading “The Fragrance of a Holy Life”
When Faith Refuses the Palace
By His Word “By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” — Hebrews 11:24–25 Every life eventually reaches a moment when faith must become more than something weContinue reading “When Faith Refuses the Palace”
Today’s Spiritual Disciplines
May the Lord bless your spiritual walk today, steady your heart through His Word, and draw you nearer to Christ through each reflection. God remains committed to completing the gracious work He has begun in everyone who belongs to Him. Today’s Spiritual Discipline Theme: Choosing the Life That Reveals Our Allegiance to Christ Today’s devotionalContinue reading “Today’s Spiritual Disciplines”
When Truth Becomes Light
As the Day Ends “That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:5 As this day ends, I am reminded that knowing about God is not necessarily the same as knowing God. Theology gives us words for understanding His character, works, and purposes,Continue reading “When Truth Becomes Light”
When God Roars, Faith Moves
DID YOU KNOW God does not reveal His truth merely to satisfy our curiosity. He speaks so that His people may understand His character, recognize His activity, and respond faithfully. Amos heard the Lord’s warning like the roar of a lion. Philip received direction toward a lonely desert road. Saul was interrupted on his journeyContinue reading “When God Roars, Faith Moves”
The Freedom We Give Away
On Second Thought “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” — Matthew 6:14 Forgiveness sounds beautiful until someone gives us something painful to forgive. It is easy to praise forgiveness when speaking about minor misunderstandings, accidental offenses, or wounds that have already healed. The command becomes much moreContinue reading “The Freedom We Give Away”
One People Under One Shepherd
The Bible in a Year “And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.” — Ezekiel 37:24 Ezekiel 37 is best known for the valley of dry bones, but the chapter does not endContinue reading “One People Under One Shepherd”
The Man Jesus Saw Differently
In the Life of Christ “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.” — Mark 2:14 When I read the calling of Levi, I am struck by the way Jesus saw people. TheContinue reading “The Man Jesus Saw Differently”
When Fear Looks Up
As the Day Begins “Look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” — Luke 21:28 The world awakens each morning beneath a cloud of uncertainty. News of violence, illness, loss, and instability can make fear seem reasonable—even unavoidable. Jesus did not deny that frightening events would come. In Luke 21, HeContinue reading “When Fear Looks Up”