“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” Psalm 119:32 So many demand freedom, but don’t understand its meaning. Freedom means to be at “liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint; exemption from external control, interference, regulation; the power to determine action without restraint.” — Dictionary.com When the founding fathers spoke of freedom, and carved it into parchment, their freedom was from the control, interference and regulation of the throne of England. They were not slaves, but already free men, who wanted to govern their own lives and families. But in their success, they formed a government that now intrudes in…

Does God ever give us more than we can handle? No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 But the context of this passage is in reference, rather specifically, to the reality of temptation and our ability to overcome it. While this is an awesome promise, and an important thing to understand and live in, this is not the answer to the original question. The answer to the question,…

“Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:45 I just finished watching the animated film, “Joseph: King of Dreams”.  I have read the story of Joseph a dozen times, and each has revealed new and deeper understanding, and new lessons. God spoke to Joseph through his dreams, and through them Joseph ultimately gained great power and great responsibility.  God’s glory spoke loud and clear to Pharoah and the people of Egypt through Joseph’s integrity and spirit.  Through him, God saved Joseph’s family as well as the whole country…

Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive [the demon] out?” He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:19-20 Faith IS small. We shouldn’t compare ours against His. The several times Jesus uses a mustard seed as a comparison for faith, he demonstrates that faith always starts small. But it will grow if you nurture it. And more importantly, no matter how small our faith may be, it…

Dear Father in Heaven, holy is your name. May your kingdom and righteousness come here into my life and into the lives of all who trust in you. And may your will be done through me as I pursue your righteousness and walk alongside you. Thank you for today and everyday, as I know you have and always will provide just what I need, and for the needs of my family, however great or small they may be. Because I understand the forgiveness you’ve given me and the mercy I continue to receive through the blood of Jesus Christ, it is easy for me to be forgiving to others, regardless…

You know, sometimes I really struggle in prayer.  I don’t always feel like my words have validity, and so I feel disconnected.  I may go through the motions anyway, but I don’t always feel that God wants to hear what I have to say at the moment.  As a result, it’s difficult to pray on others’ behalf, let alone for myself. And at those times when I don’t feel connected to God, I’m typically in a place where I’ll decide to come back when I’m ready. But I’ll never be ready if I’m without humility.  Being humble before God is a key component to our relationship.  If I act casually…