But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. Mark 9:27 NIV

In the story from which today's verse comes from, Jesus had delivered a man's son from the indwelling of demons. The crowd believed the man to be dead, but Jesus told the man to get up and walk. And, he did!

This verse struck me recently, not because of

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV

I heard from a dear reader last week. She has been a Christian for a long time, but lately she has been dealing with doubts. She struggles to see Christ for who He is. She believes in Him, but the situations and trials of life has

In a desert land He found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; He guarded him as the apple of His eye, Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV

Everyday, without much exception, I tell my son that I will never leave him nor forsake him. He knows it already, and he often says, "Oh Dad" after I say it, but if I forget, he is the

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31 NIV

Are you ever tempted to doubt?

I remember one time when I was asked to rappel off of a tall training wall as a part of a leadership class I was taking. I put on all the safety gear, went to the edge of the wall, and

Be merciful to those who doubt Jude 22 NIV

Yesterday we looked at the life of Peter, how that even a man of such great faith can have periods of doubt. Today we share another verse about doubt. May I suggest to you that doubt, by itself, is not a sin.

In the book of Jude, we are told to be merciful to those who doubt. Get it? God does provide

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 19:25 NIV

This passage of scripture has always perplexed me a bit. How could they keep praying and singing in the midst of such trials?

As we have looked at the issue of doubting, which I do believe is a part of the normal

At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.

Jeremiah 31:26 NIV

Did you have a good night's sleep? Are you ready for another week? I hope so!

Jeremiah's sleep was pleasant. What was his secret? He had been dreaming about the Lord. Maybe you and I should try that for a while.

Throughout the Word of God we are told to keep

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1 NIV

Abram was faithful to God. God said to go and Abram went. He didn't know where he was going, how long it would take, or what the personal costs would be along the way. He only knew that the God he loved

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV

There is a remnant of God's people spreading Good News around the world. Praise God for such people.

I continue to hear reports of persecution of Christians

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

We tend to want the "peace of God", don't we? I mean, if I were to be able to sell you

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16

"Honey, did you remember to take out the trash?" "Don't forget to pick up your shirts from the cleaners." "What was that telephone number I gave you?" "Can you fit it in your schedule to have lunch with me this week?" We have to remember a

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 NIV

Thank you to the Jews! Through one nation came a Savior, and that Savior's name is Jesus.

I am not a Jew. I am a Gentile by birth. Using the Biblical definition

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14

In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy name. Psalm 33:21

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 NIV

When I was a little boy, air conditioning was a luxury. Most of the schools didn't have it and many of our houses were without it. Still it seems like we spent more time outdoors then than we do now. In the summer, we would go to my grandparents

You came near when I called you, and you said, "Do not fear."

Lamentations 3:57 NIV

I have a friend who is going through a transition in his life. The company he works for is selling and that may mean some major changes in his employment. He has been assured of a job by the new owners, but he just can't seem to trust them. He wants something

"Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice" John 5:28 NIV

One day, maybe not too long from now, but the day is surely to come, when the voice of God will call out for the dead. When that voice comes, the days of grace will be ended for eternity. The line will have been drawn. There

Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6 NIV

Peter had left a profitable fishing business to follow Christ. In Biblical days, to own a boat meant you had at least some stature in the business community. Peter gave up his own interest to become a disciple

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. Acts 3:7-8 NIV

Peter and John had come upon this crippled beggar outside the temple gate. We have been looking at this

When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:9-10 NIV

Are you different? Can people see a change in your life? If people who knew you as a child, or a

While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. Acts 3:11 NIV

Wait a minute, is this the same beggar? What is he doing holding on to Peter and John? Wasn't he just jumping a few verses ago? Didn't the miracle work?

This week we have looked at this