“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” – Psalm 126:5 Psalm 126 describes an interesting process that goes against our natural tendencies when we are taken into a difficult period in our lives. Whenever we are hurled into a crisis that brings tears, our tendency is to retreat or recoil in

…”Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” – John 21:6a The disciples were fishing. It was after Jesus had been crucified. Peter had gone through his most agonizing moment in which he had denied Jesus three times. He had lost a friend. No doubt he probably wondered

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 This is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible related to gaining wisdom and direction from God. Yet I have never heard one teaching on this passage that teaches what I believe the psalmist is

…”My grace is sufficient for you….” – 2 Corinthians 12:9 If you are older than 35, you may recall the early days of the space program. I remember the early spacecraft launch with John Glenn. One of the most exciting and tense moments of his return to earth was his reentry to the earth’s atmosphere.

Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. – 1 Corinthians 12:1 In First Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, the apostle Paul is teaching us about the role of spiritual gifts in the Church. He correlates these gifts to a human body, telling us that each person’s gift helps the

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all. – Exodus 5:23 Have you ever felt like you have been obedient to the Lord for something He called you to do and all you get are more

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest. – Proverbs 14:4 When Jesus came into this world, He chose to be born in a most unusual place-a manger. It was no more than a livery stable with goats, oxen, and other livestock animals.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 A friend of mine tells the story of an encounter he had with a very important government official – the head of

The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day?” – Numbers 22:30 Most workplace believers I know tend to be task – oriented, motivated visionaries. And they will do just about anything to make their projects successful. This great strength can, if not properly bridled

…”I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” – 2 Samuel 24:24 One day I was having lunch with a man who had a certain amount of notoriety in his life. After a time of getting to know each other, he said, “How can I help you?” Those

…but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and cruel bondage. – Exodus 6:9 It is very difficult to lead when those you are leading believe they have been mistreated and have lost all hope. Such was the case when God called Moses to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt.

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. – Joshua 1:7 In sports, there is a term known as “in the zone.” It is a description

So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead. – 1 Chronicles 21:14 When was the last time your overconfidence cost the lives of 70,000 men? That is exactly what happened to David. David made what might appear to be an innocent request of his general, Joab. But

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord…. – Psalm 107:23-24a When you were a child, perhaps you may have gone to the ocean for a vacation. I recall wading out until the waves began crashing on my knees. As long

The Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors – to David.– 1 Samuel 28:17b When God anoints a person, a pattern of testing appears to take place at specific times in the leader’s life. God often takes each leader through four major tests to determine

Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. – Exodus 2:12 Moses saw the pain of his people. He saw the bondage and the injustice. His heart was enraged, and he decided he would do something. He would take matters into his own hands.

But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” – Acts 16:28 Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It’s Paul and Silas’ opportunity. “Deliverance! Praise God!” might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul and Silas did. In fact,

…”Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you”…. – Joshua 5:9 Joshua and the people had just crossed the Jordan River. They were camped at Gilgal. But before they could proceed they were required to circumcise all the males, because a whole new generation had grown up while living in the desert.

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. – Psalm 127:1a Imagine spending years building an expensive home with the finest materials and craftsmanship. It is a work of art, and the project is almost complete. As the day arrives to move in, a building inspector arrives and hands you a notice

Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men. – Proverbs 22:29 The Lord has called each of us to be excellent in what we do. Those whom God used in the Kingdom as workplace ministers were skilled and exemplified excellence in their

…”Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit”…. – 2 Kings 2:9 The first requirement to move in greater power and authority in God is to hunger for it. Yet even this hunger is born from God. Elisha hungered after God. Elisha saw many miracles as Elijah’s servant. But he wanted more. He wanted

The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. – Proverbs 17:3 This proverb describes one of God’s strangest mysteries. It is a description of God’s formula to refine the human heart in order to bring out its finest qualities. The significant leaders who make the greatest mark for

I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. – Ezekiel 22:30 The people of Israel fell into sin when they worshiped the golden calf. It would

But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth. – Deuteronomy 8:18a Pride is the greatest temptation to a successful workplace minister. When we begin accumulating wealth, managing people, and becoming known for our workplace expertise, we are most susceptible to falling to the most devious

…”What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father, that he is trying to take my life?” – 1 Samuel 20:1 The cost of being one of God’s anointed can be great. Those whom God has anointed for service and influence in His Kingdom go through a special preparation. David

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle. – 1 Chronicles 14:15a The Philistines were attacking. David wanted to know how to respond. His first inquiry of God revealed that he was to attack the Philistines straightaway and God would give him victory.

…”Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on.” – Exodus 14:15 Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh’s pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after ten plagues God had inflicted on

I desire to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. – Psalm 40:8 How would you describe the process by which you find and do God’s will in your life? For some, finding God’s will is like playing bumper cars. We keep going in one direction until we bump into

The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. – Genesis 32:31 Jacob was a man who was a controller. He connived and manipulated his way to get what he wanted. It was a generational stronghold passed down through his mother, who encouraged her son to play

Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all. – Exodus 5:23 Have you ever felt that the more obedient you are to following God, the more adversity there is? Moses had been instructed to go to

When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. – Matthew 14:26 Have you ever had some unexpected event happen in your life that caused great fear? Sudden calamities can result in great fear unless we know Who is behind the event.