For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a  resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NLT) Faith is not mental assent. Mental assent is agreeing with something in your mind, but you can’t depend on your mind alone. Your mind relies on reasoning, which will try to talk you out of your miracle. When you decide to believe, reasons why you think things can’t change will pop into your head. For example, if you’re diagnosed with cancer, you might justify that you somehow had it coming because it runs in the family. If your teenagers are struggling, you might reason that you deserve to get a taste of what …

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT) If a 14-year-old girl holding a little baby stopped you on the street and asked you for money to buy milk for her baby, what would you do? If you could afford it, you’d probably buy her supper as well. And if she were homeless, you’d likely call the nearest shelter to find her a place to stay. Just meeting one small part of her need wouldn’t feel like enough when you have more to offer. In other words, you would meet her need according to what you had to give. God also meets your …

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11 (NKJV) Many people think that Christians are supposed to just accept the lot they’ve been given in life. They would argue that it’s God’s will that some are poor and others are sick, so we just need to learn to be content. Sometimes they use today’s scripture to justify this belief, but I want you to notice the word state. Paul was referring to a timeframe—a period or season of life. Other translations use the word circumstances instead, and circumstances change. They are not locked in for life. Of course, you need to be content in every season. If you’re going through a …

Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 (MSG) Religion is stifling. Religious people will try to make you feel guilty for every bit of increase you gain. Meanwhile, God is all for you experiencing more. I had an epiphany a few years ago when Zach and I were skiing on a mountain. On my day off, we headed …