Power
Names of God: Son of the Most High
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, she was greatly troubled. Imagine her shock and dismay as the angel suddenly appeared and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28). Mary’s fear was visibly evident as Gabriel continued,
Names of God: Immanuel
Ever wonder if God truly cares for you, is on your side, has your best interest in mind, and has your back? Check out today’s passage, where God promised to take care of Israel. They did not have to fear. He was coming to their rescue. He would not allow them to be desolate and helpless like a poor widow. Isaiah wrote,
Names of God: Mighty Creator
The first name that God used to describe himself in Scripture is the Hebrew word, Elohim. This name means “Mighty Creator” and appears over 2,500 times in the Bible. It describes God’s power, sovereignty, and authority over all things.
Fresh Start: Filled with the Fullness of God
I am writing this devo from a packed airplane. It was snowing, windy, and cold when we took off, but we’ll land in seventy-degree weather. After speaking at a church, I’ll get back on a plane and return to the cold. Life is a bit like my travels over the next couple of days. Some circumstances bring the blowing cold; others bring the warm sunshine.
Confronting My Fear - Failure
Sometimes, the fear of failure causes us to freeze. We simply can’t make a decision for fear it will be the wrong one. And sometimes, the fear of failure causes us to take matters into our own hands. No time to wait for God. After all, it’s your job, your career, your marriage, your children. You know what’s best. You say, “I will not fail! Here’s what I must do!” Fear makes us unpredictable. Sometimes, we fight; sometimes, we freeze. That’s what happened to a man named King Saul.
Confronting My Fear - Uncertainty
Uncertainty is the only certainty in our lives. We just don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Money markets rise and fall. Health can take a quick turn. Children make decisions that alter their lives…and ours. One phone call can change everything. Uncertainty around us produces fears within us. But…the fear of uncertainty doesn’t wear well on followers of Jesus.
Promises: The Healer
God stands by the brokenhearted. But he doesn’t just stand by. He is not a passive onlooker. He comes to us in our brokenness as the Divine Doctor, the Sovereign Surgeon, the Holy Healer. He brings exactly what we need at the precise moment we need it, not a moment too soon, not a second too late.
The Spirit of God Rests on You
Our passage today reminds me of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Let’s read the verse and review his story. 1 Peter 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.