Sozo Today

“For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:5  Two of Jesus’ followers were headed in the wrong direction. Things had not worked out as they had hoped, and now this disappointment had detoured them back to their home in Emmaus. Jesus, however, though He kept them from recognizing Him, came to their rescue as He came and walked alongside them on their seven-mile journey. On the walk, He opened the scriptures concerning Himself as the Messiah to them, causing their hearts to “burn within them.” They begged Him to stay the[…]

“Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” Hebrews 7:25   Shrouded in mystique and exclusivity the US Supreme Court decides cases that impact American’s day to day lives like none other. And, among all this mystique is an exclusive group of about 65 lawyers that are said to be among the top attorneys in the land. Considering that the court only hears about 75 out of 10,000 petitions they receive annually, these “top attorneys” are supposedly at the top of their game[…]

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”  Hebrews 6:18   The salt air and warm sun set the stage for what I was hoping to be a relaxing kayak fishing trip. I knew the area pretty well and figured if I could anchor my kayak near enough to the channel, I would cast into the area with the hope of reeling in[…]

“Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”  Hebrews 4:11 The words “labor” and “rest” aren’t typically associated with one another. Most would consider them two opposite extremes, yet the writer of Hebrews uses these words together to make a life-changing point. In Hebrew, the word “labor” is the word spoudazō, and it means to hasten, make haste, and to be diligent. So, what exactly is the writer hoping we understand? Simply that we are to be quick to “rest” in the finished work of Jesus. We are to[…]

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57   Yes, I must admit I was a little nervous. It was her first volleyball game ever, and most of the girls on her team had played for years. My youngest sitting beside me said, “Dad, you’re too loud,” as a let out a cheer after seeing my middle girl volley the ball. She did extremely well, made some great plays and yes, I was right there cheering her on the whole time.   If I as an earthly dad want my[…]

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5  David wrote Psalm 118 as a song of celebration for what God had done in his life. Experiencing the mighty, saving hand of the Lord put a song in David’s heart, a song that could only be sung by one who knew what it meant to be delivered. Psalm 118:10-14 paints a picture of what it was like for David as he felt like his enemies were closing in on him. He writes, “Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority[…]

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5 Let’s face it, there’s a Simon and a Peter in all of us. There’s that “best side” of ourselves we want everyone to see that represents the Peter in us.  The name Peter means, “rock” which is the steady, honest, trustworthy, and best representation of who we strive to be. Then, there’s the Simon, that shaky, unpredictable, not so easy to get along with, wavering[…]

“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 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: O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. Here is the[…]

“Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!” Psalm 98:4 Darlene Zschech, in her book “Shout to the Lord” writes, “I think God just means some songs to be written. It’s very embarrassing when people expect some big, dramatic story about a song God gave me in a time when I just needed to hear from Him. I was simply in the right place at the right time. It just happened to come out of my personal worship time with the Lord. Desperate for His peace, I opened to the Psalms. I sat at our[…]

“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[…]