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…
Come to the Table
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17 (ESV) Most people…
Close Is Not the Same as Confirmed
“And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’” Revelation 19:9 (ESV) You have been present…
He Does Not Begin What He Will Not Finish
“His Bride has made herself ready. It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure — for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” Revelation 19:7b-8 (ESV) Leaving things unfinished is something we…
The Feast Is Future but the Blessing Is Now
“For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come.” Revelation 19:6b-7a (ESV) Waiting teaches most of us to lower our expectations. We stop…