In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. —Ephesians 1:11-12

Discovering that Jesus is the essential source of spiritual delight is an important part of our progression toward maturity, and the Lord does not want that process disturbed. He leaves us right where we are for a season: growing in the knowledge of His loveliness and faithfulness and feeling increasingly secure and satisfied. { Read More }

These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. —1 Peter 1:7

Everybody is either in a trial now or between trials. You have either just had one, you are going to have one, or you are having one. But why call it a "fiery" trial as Peter does? This is because by its light the fire reveals precisely what we are spiritually.

It is apparent, of course, that this only appeals to those who have a desire to be godly. { Read More }

Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. —Exodus 12:40

Life is a process of exchange. We enter to leave, go up to come down, give to receive, and die to live. God wants to make some exchanges in your life. He wants to lead you out of bondage and into your Promised Land.

The status quo is your greatest enemy of the cause of Christ. The Israelites were comfortable in Egypt and soon begged to go back. But your abundance is tied to the process of exchange. { Read More }

The obstacles in your life are God's opportunities to reveal Himself to you. He turns your mess into a message and your test into a testimony. God never wastes a hurt. Psalm 56:8 (NLT) says, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in a bottle. { Read More }

If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing. { Read More }