From His Heart, by Pastor Jeff Schreve

Sure, Jesus was kind and tender and gentle when it came to broken, repentant sinners. But when it came to unrepentant, religious phonies, Jesus was as tough as nails and spoke directly and bluntly to them.

The Apostle Paul's unwavering faith and commitment to serving Jesus serve as a powerful example of how one can "finish strong" even in the face of adversity. By embracing the Lord's grace and perseverance, individuals can turn their lives around and make it their life's ambition to finish with confidence when their time on earth comes to an end.

When life's unexpected falls occur, the voice of doubt and despair can be overwhelming, but God offers a lifeline of forgiveness and restoration through repentance and confession. By hitting the "LifeCall" button of prayer and seeking His mercy and grace, Christians can rise again, just as Psalm 86:5 reminds us, "For a righteous man falls seven times, and RISES AGAIN."

Martin Luther's painful experience on the Holy Stairs led him to a life-changing revelation that has since been lost by many who still whip themselves over past sins, seeking God's favor through self-mortification. However, this article reveals the liberating truth of God's grace and forgiveness, encouraging readers to put down the whip of guilt and shame and instead receive Christ's sacrifice as their pardon from condemnation.

A well-known Christian leader shares his personal struggle with discouragement and how he overcomes it by sowing seeds of encouragement in others, citing Hebrews 3:13 as a guiding principle. By committing to be an encourager rather than a discourager, individuals can reap a harvest of encouragement and make a significant impact on the lives of those around them.

A chronic complainer's presence can be draining on churches and individuals alike, but one thing is certain: God wants us to rejoice in every day, regardless of circumstances. By choosing to rejoice and be glad, we not only please God but also let our light shine among men, as Psalm 118:24 reminds us.

Steve Irwin's legacy of passion and enthusiasm for life serves as a powerful reminder that true devotion should be characterized by fervent love and excitement for one's faith. By embracing the all-encompassing love of Christ, individuals can ignite a similar fire within themselves, transforming their lives into a passionate pursuit of God's will.

Have you ever brought a friend or a loved one to church who needs Christ? You are so hopeful that person will hear the message of God's great love and give his life to Christ, but, alas, nothing seems to happen.

When life's trials and tragedies leave us questioning God's presence and purpose, it's natural to ask "why." However, the Bible teaches that God's ways are higher than ours, and His responses often require trust rather than explanation. By embracing this mindset of trust, we can shift from bitterness and anger towards God to a deeper understanding of His goodness and love, even in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.

A crippled man lay by a pool for 38 years, yet his desire to be healed was not as strong as his excuses. Jesus' question, "Do you want to get well?" reveals the heart of the issue: are we truly seeking healing or just maintaining our current state?

When life's bitter waters of hardship and struggle arise, as they inevitably will, it is crucial to respond with trust and prayer, rather than grumbling and complaining. By factoring in the transformative power of the cross, where Jesus' sacrifice can turn every negative experience into a positive one, believers can find hope and healing in their darkest moments.

A sudden and unexpected death can shatter a person's life in an instant, as two friends who died of massive heart attacks at 42 and 48 years old tragically demonstrate. Recognizing that our lives are fleeting and tomorrow is not guaranteed, it is crucial to make the most of today and prioritize what truly matters to us.

Delighting yourself in the Lord is a crucial step to fulfilling God's conditional promise of giving you the desires of your heart, but what does it truly mean to be soft and pliable in His hands? By understanding this key concept, you can learn to trust God's will and choose obedience over personal desires.

On Easter Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene's tears of despair were met with a simple yet profound question from the resurrected Christ: "Why are you weeping?" This poignant encounter reveals the power of hope and faith in the face of overwhelming grief, as Jesus asks us to look beyond our pain and see His ability to overcome any challenge.

Grace is so critical in the Christian life. Grace is the unmerited, undeserved favor of God. It is God’s riches at Christ’s expense.