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A declaration implies that our statement is very important. When we declare things, we want to be sure our words, our thoughts, and our hearts line up with God’s Word and purposes.

James reminds us that faith without works is dead. What action is the Lord calling you toward today? Be quick to say yes!

Courage is not pretty, and it does not necessarily feel good. But the results of courage are powerful and long-lasting. Move forward today with a hopeful heart full of courage.

No matter how small our efforts to give and care may seem, God does not forget any of those expressions of kindness. Yes, you are making a difference, even in those small gestures of love.

While we love “ease,” God calls us to “effort”! True discipleship is not, cannot be passive. “Take up your cross and follow Me,” was never said by a passive Redeemer to half-hearted followers.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. -Acts 2:4. Ask the Lord to expand your capacity today, filling you with overflowing life. Then pour it out on those around you!

“And the common people heard Him gladly.” –Mark 12:37

People have a lot to say, and we can be overwhelmed with both internal and external noise. Everybody is talking! Take time to listen as God speaks. Let Him have the first and the last word.

How much does it cost? That question pervades our society from everything to dining at a restaurant to purchasing a car. Jesus asks us to consider the cost of following Him, and allow nothing to deter us from giving everything to lay hold on the Kingdom of Heaven.

We give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. –Colossians 1:12, NASB

No matter how intense the chaos and “rubble” in our lives, God is able to bring order, restoration, and liberty. His plans for us are for a future filled with His goodness and hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Often, we miss things because we are just not aware. Isaiah talks of having eyes but not seeing; having ears, but not hearing. May the Holy Spirit help us to be aware, and recognize the signs of the times.

The future is always basically unseen, unless the Lord chooses to show us glimpses into that unknown area of our lives. Abraham went out, not knowing where he was going, and God met him in his future.

It’s easy to want other people to be accountable, but to be lenient on ourselves. God is calling us to be accountable to Him, so that He can form His likeness in us.

We all need help, but sometimes we don’t know how to ask for it. David knew how to ask, and we can learn from his honesty and humility.

Your people will be willing in the day of Your power. (Ps. 110:3) The more intimately we know Jesus and are acquainted with His power, the more willing we are to obey His voice.

“With God, all things are possible.” -Matthew 19:26. The possibilities are truly endless, when we dare to let go of our limitations, and embrace the power of God.

Jesus said, “I have called you friends.” This implies trustworthiness, not just Jesus being trustworthy for us, but in our being trustworthy toward Him. May we walk in the reality of two-way friendship with God.

Some people love challenges and others want to run from them. Jesus lovingly challenges us to follow Him in every aspect of our lives, and allow Him to complete His perfect work in us.

Construction zones are messy and dirty. They slow us down and cause detours. But how we love the end product! Be patient with the construction of God—He is working with an eternal purpose in mind.

Many people want power for themselves, but do not want to share that power with anyone else. Only those who are secure in God are able to empower others and release them into their individual calling. We have been empowered by God—may we be about the business of empowering others.

We tend to see things from our own viewpoint. God calls us into the Heavens, to see even the most unsettling circumstances from Heaven’s perspective.

There are times when truth is difficult to find. We can always rest in the reality that God’s Word is true, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, and Jesus Himself said, “I AM the Truth.”

God loves us enough to stretch us into our calling and destiny. Embrace the stretching even though it’s uncomfortable. Like the rubber band, we are useless until we are stretched for God’s purpose.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. The Lord wants us to use our freedom as a blessing to others, and show them the way to secure their own liberty in Christ Jesus.