Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion...'"When God created this world, He made it for you. He created all the things you see, feel, touch, and enjoy - the mountains, the oceans, the sand, all the different animals, the beautiful wonders of His creation. He created all these things for man, as gifts for man. Then, finally, He...  Read More

Ephesians 1:19 - "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe..."Just before World War II, in the town of New London, Texas, there was a tragic school explosion that claimed the lives of 295 children and teachers. After the war, when they rebuilt the school, the community was determined that such a tragedy would never happen again. They installed what they believed was t...  Read More

“[Jesus said] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” - John 14:12 What could be greater than healing the sick or feeding thousands? Jesus was pointing to the work of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, the door was opened for people to experience the new birth, to be t...  Read More

“And she said, ‘I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.’”  -  Genesis 24:19Rebekah is a great example of diligence and a servant’s heart. When Abraham’s servant asked for a drink of water, Rebekah didn’t just stop there. She offered to draw water for his camels as well - his was no small gesture. Drawing water for a group of camels likely took an hour or more of ...  Read More

"And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'" - Luke 24:32 (NKJV)Paul also prays for "revelation" (Ephesians 1:18), or what we might call spiritual sight. This is the ability to see when others are blinded. Second Corinthians 4:4 tells us that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of those wh...  Read More

“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”  -  Proverbs 10:4A man went to his doctor, complaining that he was constantly tired, lethargic, and unable to work like he used to. He said, “Doctor, please check me out. I just don’t have the drive I once had.” The doctor examined him, ran some tests, and found nothing physically wrong. Finally, the man said, “Give i...  Read More

"And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power" - Ephesians 1:19 (NKJV)When God answers this prayer for spiritual wisdom, spiritual sight, and experiential knowledge, what happens? Paul describes the "victorious power" that becomes available. In verse nineteen, he speaks of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who be...  Read More

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”  -  Proverbs 6:6-8The Bible often uses practical and vivid illustrations to teach us spiritual truths, and the ant is one of the most powerful examples of diligence and hard work. Ants are tiny creatures, yet their beh...  Read More

"Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints" - Ephesians 1:15 (NKJV)In Ephesians 1:15, Paul gives us what I call the visible proof of our Christian experience: "Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints..."He gives two specific tests to show whether you are one of God's children. I'm so g...  Read More

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”  -  Colossians 3:23Does God care about how we work? Absolutely! As believers, we are not just working for a paycheck, a promotion, or even our boss - we are working for the Lord Himself. Imagine if every task, no matter how small or mundane, was done with the awareness that God is watching. When we work diligently, we reflect Hi...  Read More

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him" - Ephesians 1:17 (NKJV)I was reading about blue whales the other day. For many years, we thought that blue whales were mute - that they just didn't make sounds. But sure enough, we found out through new instruments and technology that they were making sounds all...  Read More

"The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" - Ephesians 1:18 (NKJV)Sometimes we just don't see what's right there in front of us. Our physical senses in the natural world are limited. I was thinking about how many stars there are in the sky. For many years, throughout much o...  Read More