In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well. Genesis 32:7 NIV

I have been wrestling with a question lately. Could my greatest fears being God's greatest opportunity to express His glory through me?

As I read the stories of the characters in God's story, I

He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."

Genesis 3:10 NIV

Fear, apart from the holy fear of God, entered the world at the fall of man. Prior to the sin of Adam and Eve they had no fear. They didn't fear for their safety, or for how they would provide for their family. They trusted God because

Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh." But he said, "Yes, you did laugh." Genesis 18:15 NIV

Sarah couldn't believe God's plan for her life was to have a child. She was so old. It had been so long. Could God even use someone like her?

Sarah's probably not alone in her fear. I've had those kinds of fears. Chances are

He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." Genesis 28:17 NIV

There is something about fear and faith working together that intrigues me. It seems, at least in my life, that the times of greatest fear are the times God is calling me to display the greatest faith.

"I am God, the God of your father," he said. "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 46:3 NIV

Throughout Jacob's life he allowed God to speak truth into his life that kept him from allowing fear to control him. Jacob was obedient to God because he shifted from fear to faith.

All of us

And the word of the Lord came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9 NIV

Elijah had witnessed God do some amazing things. God had allowed him to stop the rain at his word. The famine came, but Elijah was kept fed. In fact, birds from the air were his waiters; morning and night.

Elijah went to the widow and her child to show

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your sons will be like olive shoots around your table. Psalm 128:3 NIV

The role of a father is so important in the home. God bless the fathers of the world today!

I have shared this story before, but a friend told me once about an incident at her daughter's house. Her son-in-law is really

Elisha died and was buried.....Once while some Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a band of raiders; so they threw the man's body into Elisha's tomb. When the body touched Elisha's bones, the man came to life and stood up on his feet. 2 Kings 13:20a, 21 NIV

I wonder what would happen if someone threw a dead body next to yours or my

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." John 5:8 NIV

In order to appreciate the value of Jesus' command here, you really need to think about the culture of the day. Today, although some may feel we don't do enough, there are limited opportunities for the physically handicapped to work and lead productive lives. In Christ's

'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the Lord Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the Lord Almighty. And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the Lord Almighty. Haggai 2:8-9 NIV

Solomon's temple, with all of its splendor, was the most magnificent structure

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV

The Bible is a relevant book. Within the pages of God's Word we have practical, relevant teachings which we can use and apply to our daily life.

When we read that Abraham believed God, even

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

Reading the Bible helps you get to know the God who made you! It helps build a relationship with your Creator.

Many years ago I went through a very difficult time in my life. I received lots of advise, but

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:21 NIV

God's Word is meant to be understood. He is not trying to hide something

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22-23 NIV

The Bible is meant to change your life!

Let me "cut to the chase". I don't want to waste your time as you read this. It's one thing to have good intentions about reading God's Word. It's another to actually do it. My prayer is that you and I would

I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3 NIV

This week I am going to share with you comforting Scripture. These are some of the verses that put smiles on our face, offer encouragement, and are also handy to place at the bottom of birthday, anniversary, or graduation cards. Actually, the idea for this series started because

being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV

God never starts a project that He doesn't complete. He doesn't have to! God has plenty of time, all the resources He needs, and God always keeps His promises. If you are a Christian, God is conforming

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV

There are more in

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. 2 Timothy 4:22 NIV

Paul is not trying to be confusing. If you are a Christian, Jesus does live in you through the Holy Spirit. The Lord is with you. God's grace has been extended to you. The question is: are you with God?

God wants to bless you beyond what you can imagine. He wants to extend His

Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:24 NIV

I believe Paul is helping to separate the haves from the have nots. Do you love Him, or do you not?

Theological debate has always been among some of my fellow Christians. The issue is over salvation. What is required? There is no debate that salvation is by

He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer." Mark 9:29 NIV

The disciples had tried to drive out the demon. They had watched Jesus many times before. It didn't seem like something they couldn't do. Jesus had said, "If you have faith...."

Everyone was watching, too! What would they think if they weren't able to get rid of this evil spirit?