As the Day Ends “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14 There is something reassuring about Paul’s words because they remind us that spiritual growth is not automatic. Even the apostle who had encountered the risen Christ still described himself as pressingContinue reading “There Are No Shortcuts to Knowing Christ”
Author Archives: Intentional Faith
When Fear Loses Its Authority
DID YOU KNOW Fear has a way of making earthly power look larger than it really is. A hostile person can appear overwhelming. A threatening circumstance can dominate our imagination. A religious authority, employer, institution, diagnosis, financial crisis, or personal failure can begin to feel as though it has the final word over us. JesusContinue reading “When Fear Loses Its Authority”
When the Battle Is Won by Surrender
On Second Thought There are battles in the Christian life that cannot be won by simply trying harder. We can discipline ourselves, change routines, avoid certain situations, and surround ourselves with better influences, and all of those things can be helpful. But when Scripture speaks about spiritual strongholds, it points us beyond ordinary self-improvement. PaulContinue reading “When the Battle Is Won by Surrender”
When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous
On Second Thought There is a reason Scripture never treats sin casually. Romans 6 does not describe sin as a harmless mistake, a personality quirk, or an unfortunate lapse in judgment. Paul describes it as something that seeks to reign. That word should make us stop and think. “Therefore do not let sin reign inContinue reading “When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous”
Corrected but Not Cast Away
The Bible in a Year “For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee; though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee; but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” —Continue reading “Corrected but Not Cast Away”
Read the Sermon from the Foot of the Cross
In the Life of Christ When I read the Sermon on the Mount, I can easily turn Jesus’ words into a spiritual checklist. Love your enemies. Turn the other cheek. Pray sincerely. Give without seeking recognition. Refuse lust and hatred. Treat others as you would want to be treated. Those commands are so direct thatContinue reading “Read the Sermon from the Foot of the Cross”
Before the Heart Freezes
As the Day Begins “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.” — Hebrews 3:12 There is a dangerous kind of unbelief that does not begin with rejecting God outright. It begins by hearing God and repeatedly postponing our response. A. W. Tozer compared this to becoming spirituallyContinue reading “Before the Heart Freezes”
When Heaven Reviews the Life We Lived
The Judgment Seat of Christ Is Not About Losing Salvation—It Is About a Father Rewarding His Children There is something wonderfully personal about the way Scripture describes our future with Christ. The Christian hope is not merely that someday we will “go to heaven.” Jesus promised something far warmer than that: “I will come againContinue reading “When Heaven Reviews the Life We Lived”
Today’s Spiritual Disciplines
May the Lord bless your walk today and strengthen every step you take toward Him. Scripture assures us that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Spiritual disciplines are not about proving ourselves to God; they are the daily rhythms through which we become more attentiveContinue reading “Today’s Spiritual Disciplines”
Saved for More Than Escape
As the Day Ends “May He equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ.” — Hebrews 13:21 As this day comes to a close, Hebrews 13:21 gives us a larger way to think about salvation. It is certainly true thatContinue reading “Saved for More Than Escape”