For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.  Psalm 18:29 (AMPC) Following a dream is easy when things are going well. But what about when you meet obstacles? Unexpected delays, distractions, opposition, relationship challenges or financial strain cause many people to quit.   When people ask me how I’ve gotten through setbacks, I simply tell them, “I asked God for guidance, used the best wisdom I could find—and in the end, I made sure to keep my passion up.” To pursue a dream through tough times, you need to have a passion for it—because passion produces perseverance.    And this passion and inner strength you need comes from Holy Spirit working within you (Ephesians 3:16). As …

So God replied, “Because you have asked for wisdom in governing my people with justice… I will give you what you asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has had or ever will have!”  1 Kings 3:11–12 (NLT) If you study the first few kings in the Old Testament, you’ll find important leadership qualities that we should all develop in our own lives. Let me show you three of them today.    Saul was the first king to lead God’s people. Although he made plenty of mistakes later in life, one of the first things you’ll notice at the beginning of his leadership was humility. He wasn’t seeking fame or royal status. In fact, the prophet Samuel had to …

Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”  John 2:17 (NKJV)  One of the greatest tricks of the enemy is to lull you into a state of apathy.    Apathy, or indifference, is dangerous. When a couple goes for counselling, anger is actually a good sign. It means they still care about the relationship—and those strong emotions can be redirected in a healthy way. But if they are long past caring, there is very little anyone can do for their marriage.    When it comes to the things of God, the Bible describes indifference as “leaving your first love” (Revelation 2:4). Revelation 3:15–16 (NKJV) paints an even more vivid picture: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you …

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31–32 (NKJV)   One of the most common responses I hear after I preach is, “Great reminder, Pastor!” I’m glad that people are reminded of truth, but I hope they don’t stop there. Simply knowing what God’s Word says does nothing for you. You need to put that knowledge to work.    In fact, this is what it means to be a disciple—a disciplined follower of Jesus. When you look up discipline in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, you’ll find words like “obedience, order, self-control and training.” As you train yourself in the Word, obey God’s teachings and walk in …

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 (NKJV)  Why do Christians live according to their fleshly, selfish desires, even though they’ve been made new in Christ? According to today’s verse, it’s because they set their minds on the flesh. But the good news is we can live according to the Spirit by setting our minds on the things of the Spirit!  What does this mean in the context of everyday life? Well, in every situation you can choose your focus. No matter what you’re facing, you can choose to set your mind on God’s Word, His promises, His presence, and …