Pride is NOT the Business

The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done. – Revelation 15:8-11


Today’s Reading: Zephaniah 1-3; Revelation 16


This reminds me of the Pharaoh during Moses’ time. The Bible says that God hardened his heart. This is something that I never really understood until recently. Why would God do that?

Fake It Till You Make It?

Though the fig tree does not bud
  and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
  and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
  and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
  I will be joyful in God my Savior. – Habakkuk 3:17-18


Today’s Reading: Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15


Dear God,

You know the term “fake it till you make it”? This is the first thing that came to mind when I read the words above. How do I even get to this level of faith?

Don't Be Afraid to Turn to God

 The LORD is good,
   a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him… - Nahum 1:7

Today’s Reading: Nahum1-3; Revelation 14

Have you ever felt bad for reaching out to God?

More Like You

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
  And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
  and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8


Today’s Reading: Micah 6-7; Revelation 13


Dear God,

Why is this so hard for us? Why do we fail at justice like your people did in the time of Micah? We strive for ourselves. We maximize our own self interest, and for what? At the end of the day what have we gained?

Would You Die for Christ?

They triumphed over him
  by the blood of the Lamb
  and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
  as to shrink from death. – Revelation 12:11


Today’s Reading: Micah 4-5; Revelation 12


Some friends and I had a conversation recently that is still lingering on my soul. It centered on this question:

Would you die for Jesus?

I was surprised by how quickly so many people responded in the affirmative.

9/11: Ten Years Later

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. – Matthew 5:43-48

Dear God,

Ten years have passed since this fateful day for America. When I look back over this decade I can’t help but wonder how things would have been different if we would have followed your instructions.