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“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25 I was surprised recently to learn that there are 7,500 different varieties of apples around the world. There are at least 100 varieties of apples being grown and produced commercially right here in the U.S. And that’s just one type of fruit! The fruit industry as a whole is a $25 billion industry in just the U.S. alone. Wow, that’s a lot of fruit!  Paul gives us the secret to being big-time fruit producers ourselves. No, not from the[…]

“But Jesus said, ‘No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been’.”  Mark 5:19 Mark chapter five tells the story of three different people with four different needs. The man from the region of Gerasenes had been bound and tormented by a legion of demons for years. He was undoubtedly the worst possible case around and no one could do a thing for him. That was until Jesus stepped onto the shore and brought instant deliverance to this man, forever changing his life. This man encountered the pure grace[…]

“Anyone who does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:31 In Numbers 14 through 16, the rebellion of the Israelites had reached a new watermark. From their refusal to enter into the Promised Land; to the outright rebellion led by Korah, Dathan and Abiram; the Children of Israel were pushing God to His limit. If it had not been for the constant intersession by Moses, the entire camp would have been utterly destroyed. There was, however, a remnant of followers who were willing to do exactly what God commanded and go where He would lead. That[…]

“Do not include the tribe of Levi in the registration; do not count them with the rest of the Israelites.” Numbers 1:49  Because of his amazing talent on the field and his ability to lead his team to an NCAA National Football Championship, Freshman quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been described by many in the sports world as a “Special Class” of player. Others have called Lawrence a “special person,” not because of his athletic ability, but because of his rootedness in his faith and outspokenness for Christ.   Of the twelve tribes of Israel, the Levites were placed in a special class[…]

“For you are to be his witness, telling everyone what you have seen and heard.” Acts 22:15  According to the History Channel,“a prolific hit man, Salvatore ‘Sammy the Bull’ Gravano rose through the ranks of both the Colombo and Gambino crime families in the 1960s and 1970s. Promoted to underboss in the late 1980s by the infamous Gambino kingpin John Gotti, Gravano was arrested alongside his boss during a raid on the Ravenite Social Club, their hangout in New York City’s Little Italy neighborhood. The next year he cut a deal with the government and testified in court against Gotti in exchange[…]

“Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.”  Acts 13:39  What was once so pristine, shiny and beautiful was now splattered and covered in blood. The Alter and Ark of the Covenant had the blood of sheep, goats and birds on them. It was a bloody mess, but that mess was necessary and saved lives. Hebrews 9:22 says that, “In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” All of this would change one day in the future[…]

Exodus 3:14 God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” Have you ever been on a mission to do something you know God has called you to do, but instead of things going along as planned they seem to go in the wrong direction? Such was the case with Moses. He was just doing what God had called him to do, yet things went in the wrong direction fast.  Instead of Pharaoh receiving Moses’ request to let the Children of Israel go worship the Lord, Pharaoh[…]

Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:30 Yes, I was a little surprised. I wasn’t expecting it to by quite as cold as a frigid -1 in Eastern North Carolina. Maybe in a place like Pittsburg, but certainly not where I live. I’d never experienced temps that cold anywhere in my lifetime. When I stepped outside I thought “Wow, this is what -1 feels like.” Just because we’ve never experienced something before doesn’t mean it can’t happen, though circumstances seem impossible. Such was the case for Sarah. She was well beyond childbearing years, but God had made a promise[…]

“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! Luke 1:30 Doubt and fear swept the hearts of both of them, Zechariah, who would become the father of John the Baptist, and Mary, who would become the mother of Jesus. This fear was evident in both of their responses to the Angel Gabriel at the announcement of these two unexpected births. Zechariah expressed his doubt by saying “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.” Mary’s response was similar; “But how[…]