“Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation” (Proverbs 14:9)

April 28, 2012

Psychologists tell us we shouldn’t feel guilty, saying, “Guilt is a relic of religion.” But the Bible says they are fools. Do you know why we feel guilty? Because we are. Rather than denying or medicating our guilt, why not acknowledge it and let the blood of Jesus remove it?

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)

April 27, 2012

I wonder how many of these prayers Jesus has prayed for us? How many times have we attacked or defamed His body without knowledge? Even more troubling, what about when we have knowledge and know better?

“Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves” (Psalm 96:2)

April 26, 2012

Plan for today: 1) Sing to the Lord. 2) Praise the Name of the Lord. 3) Proclaim the Gospel News that Jesus saves. 4) Repeat.

“Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest” (Proverbs 14:4)

April 25, 2012

Do you want a church or home that stays clean? Or one so filled with children and new believers that there’s always a mess to clean up? Healthy homes and churches are messy, loud places, where someone is always shoveling and sweeping to keep it clean. But they are full of life and beauty at harvest-time.

“I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32)

April 24, 2012

That Jesus prays for us should not be underestimated. That the One who died for us also lives to continually advocate for us should give us unbelievable joy and confidence. So, repent quickly and return.

“Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them” (Proverbs 13:24)

April 23, 2012

Stop trying to be your toddler’s big sister or best buddy and be their Mom and Dad. Don’t bargain with your 2 year old. Make your “No” mean something. Your discipline becomes their self-discipline later. Loving parents discipline their children. Lazy parents don’t.

“The people of Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him—those who had personally experienced all that the Lord had done for Israel” (Joshua 24:31)

April 22, 2012

The time of the Judges followed the passing of this great generation. This reminds us that we are always only one baton-pass away from apostasy. Teach your children.

“Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord” (Psalm 89:15)

April 21, 2012

Worship is not for us. It’s for the Lord. Yet, to those who answer the call to worship, God Himself inhabits their praise.

“Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness” (Proverbs 13:16)

April 20, 2012

Do you leap before you look? Do you speak before you listen? What decision is before you today that needs more thought and counsel before you act?

“So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” (Luke 19:32-34)

April 19, 2012

If the Lord needed your never ridden donkey, would you let Him use it? Or would you suggest the old broken-in one? Or perhaps that He come by at a more convenient time? Or that …