“There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42  So, what’s on your “To Do List” today? If you’re like most folks, the list is long and continually growing, especially if you’re a mom. At current count, my list stands at 18 tasks and counting. But, of all the things that are on the list of things you need to do today, what is that “One Thing” that you deem most important? What if I told you that there is “One Thing,” that if it[…]

 “The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13  A couple of definitions for the word “associate” are “to connect or bring into relation, as thought, feeling, memory, etc.: and to join as a companion, partner, or ally.”  That’s exactly what Peter and John had done for three and a half years as they had “associated” themselves with Jesus, and it showed. In fact, it showed in such a way that the leading priest and council were “amazed!” They had[…]

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. Isaiah 1:18  A “glimmer” is defined as “a faint flicker, to shine faintly or unsteadily, a twinkle, or a shimmer,” and that’s exactly where Judah found themselves because of their rebellion and sin. The light of God’s glory was almost out over a people who had completely turned their backs on Him. Although their “religious practices” continued, their hearts were far from him and you can[…]

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” Titus 2:11 Do you ever stop, from time to time, and think about God’s vast creation? From the sun, moon, and highest, most magnificent mountain to the depths of the sea, it’s all so truly amazing!  And all of His creation, and every living creature in it, both big and small, speaks to His majesty and glory. Psalm 104:24-25 illustrates this well, stating: 24 O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. 25 Here[…]

 “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7   From the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, Jesus goes to great lengths to express the importance of just how much value our Heavenly Father places on just one. Certainly, he cares about the multitudes, as seen when Jesus feeds the five thousand with just a few loaves and fish, but it seems as though his heart rejoices even as much,[…]

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 2 Timothy 3:14 If you’re a fan, or familiar with the Carolina Panthers then your most likely aware of the team’s rally cry “Keep Pounding.” In fact, just before every home game various guest are asked to pound the “Keep Pounding” drum which is always followed by exuberant cheers from the Panther faithful. What makes this rally cry so special is found in how it all got started. Sam Mills played in the[…]

“For, at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” 1 Timothy 6:15  In 2 Kings 11, we see the story of Joash and how, as just a small child, God hid him and his caretaker away in a room in the Temple for “just the right time.” I can only imagine what it must have felt like in a dark room with no windows for seven whole years. Young Joash and his caretaker both must have wondered, “has God forgotten[…]

“In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.” 1 Timothy 5:25  For most of us, when we hear the phrase, “It will all come out eventually,” negative and fearful thoughts rush through our heads. We usually think of something we’ve done wrong, that we can’t even remember exactly, but are pretty sure we did. But 1 Timothy 5:25 sheds a different light on that phrase. Here, The Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep on doing good things even if others don’t know about[…]

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” 1 Timothy 4:16  When the flight attendant gives the safety briefing just before take-off, most people tend to look at their phone, a magazine, or stare out the window. But something struck me on a flight once that I’ll never forget. When she was giving instructions about putting on the oxygen mask, she said to first put on your own mask before helping the person next to you. The reality is, if you pass out, how can you possibly help[…]