Steve's Blog
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
As Christ-followers we should be different from the world, but in reality, it can be uncomfortable to be a nonconformist. Yet, it is the only way for us to be able to test and approve “what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Various translations shed even more light o...
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It is important to have role models in our lives, but we can also learn from people in the Bible, and in history. Peter is someone to whom we can relate because even though he failed at times, he kept on going. He wouldn’t give up.
Peter was at the center of everything. The first one to speak up to respond. He did things that no one else dared to do. Peter did nothing small. He had big wins and big losses. Still, we should desire to be like Peter.
Peter Responds to Jesus
One day as Jes...
You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Hebrews 5:12 (NLT)
When babies are born, parents have expectations about their development. For example, babies can walk as early as 9 months, and most are walking by 16 months. According to experts, most children start to say their first words around 12 months, and typically by ag...
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So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:6–7 (NLT)
It is probable that John 3:16 is the most familiar verse in the Bible. It has been memorized and loved by countless people for centuries. Accordingly, "Amazing Grace" is the most widely known and loved hymn, at least in the English-speaking world. PBS broadcast a show...
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Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (NIV)
Have you been confirmed? No, we are not talking about the religious ceremony where young people are admitted to Communion. Peter is asking us to confirm our calling and election. Why is this important?
The Word of God is the seed w...
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The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT)
What is accountability, and why are people averse to being held accountable? Deuteronomy tells us that we will be accountable for everything that has been revealed to us.
The dictionary defines accountability as “the obligation to report, explain, or...
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)
Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Acts 15:39 (NLT)
The apostle Paul made a wonderful appeal to the Corinthian church. Their objective is to live in harmony with each other, and that there be no divisions in the church. As Christ-foll...
So, he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. John 13:4–5 (NLT)
Do we ever get to the place where we are too important or big to do certain jobs for the cause of Christ? Do we refuse to get our hands dirty? At times we may not be the most suitable person, but it should never be because we are too proud, and the job too humbling.
Any tim...
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Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16–17 (NLT)
Getting older should change our perspective on life. When we are young, and the majority of our life is still in front of us, the value of time can be lost to us. One of my favorite quotations is from missionary C. T. Studd: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Whether we are young, or older (please not...
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)
June is the month when people speak of pride as though it were a good thing. The Bible paints a different picture concerning pride. Pride may actually be the deadliest of the seven deadly sins.
An attitude of pride was associated with the fall of Satan (Ezekiel 28:14–15; Isaiah 14:12–15). King Solomon in Proverbs repeatedly addresses the dangers of pride. Pride comes before disaster, and arrogance before a fall....
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Isaac dug out again the wells that were dug during the lifetime of his father Abraham. The Philistines had closed them up after Abraham’s death. Isaac gave them the same names his father had given them. Genesis 26:18 (CEB)
It is noteworthy that two essential elements of life, breath, and water, are symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Understanding this relationship, the enemy of our souls seeks to disrupt our supply. In Isaac’s day, the Philistines, (representative of this world) sought to cut off t...
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
What causes anxiety? Living is the simple answer. Each day we are confronted with potential sources of anxiety. There are things we have no control over, but we can have anxiety over things that we “think” we have a measure of control. We can even have anxiety, but not know or understand the cause.
Regardless of the cause, anxiety is not good for our health, or well-being. Anxiety can cause elevated heart rates, high b...
Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ Luke 14:16–20 (NLT)
Making excuses is a...
You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:19–20 (NLT)
Faith and belief are closely interrelated in Scripture. At times, the words are used interchangeably in various translations. Jesus talked about “little faith.” Some people, along with demons, have enough faith to believe that there is one God, but “saving faith” must go f...
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:22–24 (NKJV)
We see an echo in this passage with what Jesus experienced...
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Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you...
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Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14–15 (NLT)
As I write today, millions eagerly anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse. The bright light of the sun will be momentarily dimmed or obscured. The sun is usually the brightest light in our sky, illuminating the natural world. Specific cultural or entertainment centers...
As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He ...
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I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:14–16 (NLT)
Jesus prayed for his disciples and us before he went to the cross. In preparation for his departure, he tells the Father that he has prepared the disciples by giving them the words of the Father. He a...
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1 (NLT)
As Christ-followers, we have dual citizenship. Peter tells us that we are citizens of heaven and earthly countries. As believers, how should we perform our civic duty? Some of them are prescribed to us by the country’s laws, but we also have responsibilities beyond those because we represent our Lord and Savior as his ambassadors...
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT)
What Paul says in this verse could be challenging or discouraging, depending upon our perspective. What is our goal, and what is the prize? Nothing of significance is accomplished without a goal. To compete as an athlete in the Olympic Games requires dedication and sacrifice that does not occur accidentally or casually. The same thing is true of our spiritual lives.
At...
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12–14 (NLT)
Am I my brother’s keeper? Ever since Cain posed the question to God, humanity has wrestled with th...
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Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (NIV)
The apostle John warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” False teachings frequently sound enticing and even close to the truth. Someone remarked, “Satan will use an ocean of truth to hide a teaspoon of poison.”
It may be true that some people will fall for any...
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground… Ephesians 6:10-11,13-14a (NLT)
The thought of boot camp provokes a variety of reactions. The reaction can range from satisfaction to horror. We need spiritual Boot Camp....
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33–34 (NLT)
Every generation faces challenges, but it is hard to imagine that life has ever been as hectic and fast-paced as it is today. For me, the weeks seem to fly by. Someone once said, “Time flies by when you are having fun.” But it passes by fast whether we are ha...