Search 10 years of Reflections on Jesus.
God is the Deliverer
Joshua had already been anointed by Moses in front of the people of Israel, at God’s direction. But here God is giving Joshua His commissioning, His strategies, His marching orders.
Joshua fell on his face because he knew . . .
The Crux of the Gospel
I chuckle every time I read this verse. The Roman governor, Festus, was perplexed as to what to do with the apostle Paul, who had been left in prison. When Festus assumed command, he expected the Jewish leaders to accuse Paul of some vicious crimes. Instead, they argued about “their religion” and about some dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I chuckle because this Roman governor unknowingly speaks the crux of the Gospel in one sentence. . . .
Love Notes
Most young children struggle with fears. Mine certainly did. In this time of worldwide pandemic, in which the children’s world is dramatically upset, I imagine those fears are at a panic level. I empathize with the parents who are trying to calm and reassure their children.
Let me share with you . . .
Experiencing God Through Prayer
Last year One Million new books were published, in the US alone. Yes, One Million! Even before the proliferation of self-publishing, over 300,000 new titles were printed each year. That seems like an overwhelming number to me. Of those hundreds of thousands of books, how many new titles do you read and recommend each year? How many will be remembered and reprinted in 100 years?
Jeanne Guyon’s books are still being reprinted after 500 years! . . . .
I Choose Joy
I am re-posting this devotion about Choosing Joy because I think we need it!
The Joy of the Lord is a life-giving force! Choosing to set our minds on the things of the Spirit is Life and Peace! What we choose to think on, really IS live or death.
I choose Joy!
My life radically changed the year that I learned not every thought that passed through my mind, was “my” thought. Movies, books, people - even the enemy! - can plant thoughts . . .
My Recipe for JOY
I live in the Seattle area, the epicenter of the coronavirus in the US. The Care Center that everyone is talking about is only 15 minutes from my home. Public gatherings are prohibited; schools are closed. Each new day seems to bring more bad news. Yesterday all dine-in restaurants were ordered to close. Yet in the midst of it all, I have peace and JOY!!!!
How do I keep my JOY? I am diligent to guard my heart (Pr. 4:23).
Here is my recipe for having JOY in any and all circumstances:
Authority of the Believer
God gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1:28). Unfortunately, Adam yielded to the enemy and gave his authority over to Satan. You do not have dominion over the one that you yield to. That is way God tells us to resist the devil, and he will flee from us (James 4:7). In other words, exercise your authority over him, and he must flee.
It is still God’s plan for the people of His creation to rule and reign over the earth . . .
Following the Holy Spirit
The pillar of cloud by day and fire by night is what captured my attention in Numbers chapter 9. I noticed that the text reiterated the same information 7 times! Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. Clearly, this was important to the Lord. So I paused to wonder why . . .
Carriers of God's Presence
As priest of the Most High God (1Pet 2:9), I pay close attention whenever priests are mentioned in the Old Testament. Those references give valuable insight or instruction. In this reference from Numbers 4:16, God is telling Moses which parts of the tabernacle the various sons of Levi will carry as they march through the wilderness.
Eleazar, the priest, has the responsibility of carrying . . .
Marching Orders
One of the organizational details is the Marching Order of the tribes. When the pillar of cloud and/or fire would lift from the Tabernacle, the Israelites were to break camp and follow. God gave specific instruction about the order in which they should march.
I began to wonder if there was a significance to our Christian walk in their Marching Orders. And I believe I have found one. . .
In the Wilderness
The book labeled “Numbers” in our Bible has a couple different names in Hebrew. The most common Hebrew name is “bemidbar” which means “in the wilderness.” “In the wilderness” is a much more befitting title because the wilderness wanderings . . .