Our efforts to control our thoughts without directing our affections is often short lived and unsustainable. Controlling our thoughts begins with stirring our affection and directing our devotion. Where our heart goes, our mind will follow

Both Simon and the woman were in need of a Saviour, as both were sinners who owed what they could not pay. Yet, it was the one who knew she was forgiven much, who loved much.

One thing is needed. It is not an optional extra, a perk for the wealthy, or a bonus for the retired. …It is the anchor we hold to in a hectic world, the strength we draw on when we have nothing more to give, and the peace that we feed off when demands mount and emotions fracture.

It’s hard to believe that only one small boy had food with him that day. Like the disciples, others presumably looked at what they had and concluded that it wasn’t enough.

Why was it easier to tell the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven you,” rather than, “Arise, take up your bed and walk”?

God now speaks to us openly in the language of a Son. What He says is no longer a mystery known by only a few; it is an open revelation of His true nature, and an invite into relationship..

Jesus, who sought for others to watch and pray, has never ceased doing so for us. This comfort becomes tangible and easy to receive when the arms of friends deliver it. Yet even in solitude, He is there.

She was more than a sick woman in a busy crowd; she was a picture of His bride.

Daring to touch Him, healed her body; entrusting Him with her story, healed her soul.

Grace took sinners and made them saints. Grace transformed enemies into friends. Grace took those destined for destruction and gave them a glorious future where they are holy, without blame, and fully accepted. Forever this will be to the praise of the glory of His grace.

Ask, seek, knock is more than a revelation of God’s heart to bless. It is an encouragement regarding the different types of prayer necessary to see breakthrough.

The action of these two birds provide insight into the role of the natural and supernatural within our lives, especially in the area of guidance.

For all of us, the question remains, “What will we see?” Will we see Jesus or the problem we currently face? Will we look at the impossibility, or the One who has conquered all?

Why would Jesus’ resurrected body still carry the scars of the nails that impaled Him?  

Jesus said of Mary that she chose the good part. It was not given to her, forced upon her, or demanded of her. She simply chose. That is the nature of the “good part.” It must be chosen, for it is easily overlooked, often missed, and frequently crowded out by other things.

Worship has a focus. It is centred on His heart, not our reputation or fame. Whether we are known is in His hands. Whether we are willing to break open what we hold, and pour out our lives in worship, is our choice.

What stopped nine healed lepers from returning and giving thanks? What prevented them from coming and being at the feet of Jesus?

The rebuilding process undertaken by Nehemiah provides a picture of restoration. Though we love and serve the Lord, our lives are often full of brokenness and destruction. The Holy Spirit comes to restore and rebuild.

Those who have walked the path of failure, or stumbled in the pursuit of a dream, know the lure of the uncomplicated and the solace of the mundane.

As hard as it is, we need to close the book and stop rereading our stories of heartache and injustice. To close the book is to choose to listen for a voice greater than our own. It is to trust in the One who can rewrite our history.

There is no reason or excuse that can overturn the judgment of God that declares us qualified. The moment we believe, we are deemed worthy. No further questions need to be asked. No performance is required.