A Firm Foundation

These things I command you, that ye love one another.

- John 15:17

In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus said: “Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.”

That’s probably a familiar scripture to you. But

...

Heart to Heart

For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart.

- 1 Corinthians 2:16, The Amplified Bible

Isn’t it exciting to realize that you can hold the thoughts and feelings and purposes of God’s very own heart in your heart? Isn’t it thrilling to know the Creator of heaven and

...

Don't Underestimate Your Prayers

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

That verse is clear, isn’t it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God’s guidance, most of God’s people don’t do what

...

Evidence of a Miracle

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

- Hebrews 11:1

Don’t ever short-circuit a miracle by trying to see it in progress! So many believers do that. They’ll lay hands on someone and pray for healing or deliverance and then, when they don’t see any immediate, outward change take place, they’ll withdraw their faith and assume nothing happened.

The Lord taught me an unforgettable lesson about that once when I was in

...

—Leviticus 19:18Why is it easier to see someone else’s faults than to see our own?I can think of several reasons—but one of the strongest is because we naturally love ourselves more than we love other people. And because we love ourselves, we don’t like to criticize ourselves or admit our faults—because that can be painful, and we don’t like pain.But the Bible tells us to love others just as much as we love ourselves. Jesus, in fact, taught...

A Supernatural Cycle of Blessing

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.

- Ecclesiastes 11:1

One of the most exciting things I ever discovered about God’s law of sowing and reaping was the fact that financial harvests are not seasonal. If you plant year round, you can be receiving year round.

Don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying your harvest will come instantly. It usually won’t. You may have to wait for it for several months. What I’m saying is,

...

The Deeper Problem“From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.”—Mark 7:21–22Few words of Jesus were more blunt—and few were less likely to win Him the affection and praise of those who opposed Him. They saw themselves as holy and pure, but Jesus cut through their veneer of “righteousness” to reveal the inner pride and evil that...

Meditate on the Word

And [God] brought [Abram] forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

- Genesis 15:5-6

Do you ever have trouble believing the Word of God? Not just agreeing with it mentally, but really believing that what it says will work for you?

I do. There are times when the promises in the Word st

...

Put Your Imagination to Work

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

- 2 Corinthians 9:8

If you have a desire to give, yet financial failures keep holding you back, you may be surprised to learn that what you need is not more money. What you need is a spiritual breakthrough. You need to take the Word of God and shatter the images of poverty and lack within you. You need to replac

...

Do you really believe that you need to watch over your mouth? Most believers don’t. You can tell that just by listening to their conversations. They profess, for example, to be trusting God concerning their health. But you’re likely to hear them say something like this: “I’m just sure I’m going to get the flu. I get it every year. I’ll be sicker than a dog too, you’ll see....”

Do people like that have what they say?

Oh yes! Check with them a few weeks later and they’ll be qu

...

Possess God's Rest

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

- Hebrews 4:9,11

God’s rest. Considering the hectic, busy lives you and I live that sounds like a pretty good thing to have, doesn’t it? But exactly what is that rest? And how do we enter it?

The third and fourth chapters of Hebrews compare God’s rest with the children of Israel taking possession of

...

The Promise of Blessing“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord!”—Psalm 119:1These words from the Psalmist’s pen present a view of life that is the exact opposite of what the world around us promotes—through advertising, the media, entertainment, even the lifestyles of the rich and famous. “Live for yourself,” the world proclaims. “Have a good time; indulge your senses; pursue every pleasure; strive for success. And if you do,” these voices ad...

A Living Example of Love

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

- Romans 5:5

Don’t ever worry about not having enough love inside you. The Word says God’s love is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost. God’s love is in you. What you need to do is make a decision and let it flow.

Pray this prayer today.

In Jesus’ Name, I make a fresh and strong commitment today to live the life of love, to

...

Let Your Life Begin Again

Behold, now is the day of salvation.

- 2 Corinthians 6:2

Did you know that Jesus has unlocked the prison doors of guilt that have kept you captive? It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve been. I don’t care if you’ve been a prostitute, a murderer, a thief, a drug dealer or a churchgoer who’s never made Jesus Christ Lord of your life. The Bible says that today is the day of salvation.

A new life is only a prayer away.

Gloria and I discovered that f

...

Making Godly Decisions“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”—Proverbs 3:6Are you facing a significant decision? Then look again at these words in Proverbs 3:6. Implicit in this verse is the truth that God knows what is best for us and that He wants to guide us so we will make right, God-honoring decisions.When you face a decision about your future, seek God’s will above all else. Make your decision a matter of prayer, and ask Him to guide you. ...