“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, He pours new wine into new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22 NIV) Revelation A Bible Study Fellowship question prodded my thinking on this verse a few years ago. The revelation gained has proved to be beneficial. The actual purpose of wineskins is irrelevant. These words spoken by Jesus were meant to help us understand necessary changes that need our attention. We come to Christ with predetermined notions, often reluctant to change our views. We […]
Archive | Spiritual Growth
Good Works: Prepared In Advance
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2: 10 NIV) Christ Image A super sweet verse to begin Motivating Monday. Workmanship is defined as the degree of skill a product is made. When the Bible explains we are made in Christ’s image, then God’s workmanship in us is perfection. This cancels every negative thought or feeling we may have about ourselves. We are a product of Christ designed to be who He created us to be. I love how the book, Invisible by […]
Blood of Jesus Christ Saves
We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those believe and are saved. (Hebrews 10: 39 NIV) Blood pumping? Stand up and give a shout of praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ! If this verse does not get your blood pumping I would be left bewildered. We are not individuals who will shrink back and be destroyed. Someone needs to hear this today. When we have the blood of Jesus Christ running through our veins, we are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. When we are weak, He is strong. Where does my […]
Sins Blur Vision To Confuse
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirt desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. (Romans 8: 5-7a NIV) Change directions It’s Motivating Monday! Being reminded about sin…what a way to be motivated! The exciting part is recognizing sin in our lives in order to turn our mindset around. The minds controlled by the […]
Wickedness Exposed: Delusions and Lies
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. (2 Thessalonians 2: 9,10 NIV) For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. (2 Thessalonians 2: 11,12 NIV) Truth Earlier this Summer, we examined […]
Church Risk Factors
There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4: 4,5 NIV) Motivating Monday! It’s Motivating Monday! Let’s start the week with running shoes on as we cut to the chase. The above scripture settles all discussions. God declares His omnipotent power. I have a hard time with thoughts against Jesus and God’s Word. This is seen quite rapid on social media sights. Where does the breakdown […]
God’s Will: Good, Pleasing, and Perfect
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2 NIV) God’s will I can see a conveyor belt with constant motion between the heart and mind. Thoughts, desires, knowledge, and wisdom pull in their direction. When we become a christian, we are babes in Christ. A new approach to life exist in God’s will. The metaphor used in the Bible during this time is like sipping milk. Up until this time […]
Fire Removes Impurities
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV) Fire I underlined this verse during my days in the big, hot, pot of fire, I now call refinement. Oh! How these days can be dreary. Your life feels like it hit a dead end. God would never have us experience situations against our own will. Would He? Trust me, I have been here. Even when God nudged me with encouragement, I could not believe a word He […]
Running Focused In Our Purpose
Therefore, I do not fight like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it a slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9: 26,27 NIV) Running It’s Motivating Monday! These verses speak volumes to me. Of course, I did just finish off a piece of key lime pie. However, in my own life this is a serious issue. The issue of taking control of our bodies. For me it can be food, for […]
Words Created From Gifts and Talents
Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it out to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV) A poem When circumstances swirl around… news has us in a stare. Take this step of faith, if you’ll dare. Little ones sing “Trust and obey.” Adults sing, “Power in the Blood.” Dead bones rise from decay. Teens cheer somber days are gone. The light draws us near. His radience glistens about. Warmth of His power, His incredible power. A gift we must seek. Seek til we find… Jesus will be on […]