Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. Psalm 42:11 Why is it so important to praise God? Praise is like a magnifying glass.

Pope Francis’s talk from Palm Sunday 2014. He encourages us to identify with one of the characters in the passion narrative, to know ourselves better and to have a deeper encounter with Christ.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.   Galatians 6:7 Gardens take a lot of time and energy. A good farmer cares for his crops. How much more should parents care for their children. Whatever we sow in our homes,

“…God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4 God hates sin because it puts distance between us and Him. God cleanses us of our sins in different ways: Hardships and trials – peo...

“You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Rev. 2:4 Jesus tells the church in Ephesus that they have worked hard, served Him well, been patient and enduring. But He has this against them – they have fallen from their first love.

Jesus wants us to be in conversation with Him — talking and listening. 3 Simple Ways to Pray Everyday Morning offering – offer your day to God, all that you are, say, think and do. That makes your day a prayer.

I will give you a heart of flesh and remove your heart of stone. Ezekiel 36:26 Jesus said, “Do not pour new wine into old wineskins.” Leather can be soft and pliable, or rigid and crusty. The tendency of human beings is to get rigid and inflexible.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  Phil. 4:13 God often speaks to us in parables. He spoke clearly during my son’s championship little league baseball game many years ago. Here are 10 things I learned: Takeaways This game was import...

“Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” 1 Kings 19:11 Elijah was a tremendous prophet, serving the Lord 100%, but he got discouraged and gave into despair. This is a word for us — we can be serving the Lord...

 Why can’t we hear God? Did He quit talking? Is it God’s fault that we can’t hear Him? No, it’s not His fault. He hasn’t stopped communicating with us. How can we hear God when everything is turned on? The devil works hard to fill our minds with stuff....