Too Good to Keep to Yourself
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NIV) Most of us think telling requires courage we lack.…
Rodney Garcia
Fully Himself Again
“They found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.” Luke 8:35 (NIV) He used to be the man nobody could hold. Chains had failed…
How Much God Has Done
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’” Luke 8:39 (NIV) Somebody reading this has a story they keep small. You have one true thing God has done in your life. You mention it briefly, if at…
He Crossed the Lake for One Man
“They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes, which is across the lake from Galilee.” Luke 8:26 (NIV) Some journeys only make sense for one person. Nobody sails toward a storm just to reach one man. Yet that is exactly…
The God Who Doesn’t Negotiate with Chaos
“The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake…
The Spirit Was Enough for the Weak
“Then they gathered around him and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’” Acts 1:6 (NIV) Some of you are still waiting to feel ready. You have watched this whole week unfold…
Do Not Fear the Silence After You Speak
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) Silence after you…
Slow of Speech Was Never the Problem
“He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.’” Acts 1:7 (NIV) Moses stood before a burning bush and argued with God. God sent him back…
God Uses the Ones Nobody Expected
“And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8b (NIV) One small word in that promise is easy to miss. Jesus was speaking to fishermen, not…
Power Comes Before You Feel Ready
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” Acts 1:8a (NIV) You think confidence comes before the calling starts. Most of us wait to feel sure before we speak up. We assume power is something we…