May 21, 2026

Jesus’ Incarnation and Our Transformation

TODAY'S READING – Philippians 2

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE – Philippians 2:5-8 NLT Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

God becoming human is the definition of “the Incarnation.” Jesus left heaven because of His great love for all mankind, including you and me. He wanted to become human—God didn’t force him. Becoming human is an unfathomable sacrifice on His part, and equally a demonstration of His unstoppable love for people.

When we learn and embrace a life of sacrificial love, we too go through a transformation. We become more like God. Our “incarnation” is in becoming the body of Christ. The Bible says acts of self-sacrifice, compassion, submission, service, and preference make us more like Jesus.

Jesus became man in order to free humans to become more like God. We are created in His image but live in such a broken environment that reflecting His goodness is difficult. Humans suffer under the curse of sin which, until broken by God’s grace, stunts mankind’s potential and growth.

Receiving Jesus as one’s Savior is the key to unlocking the transformative power of “incarnational” living. Because He became man, we can be re-made to become like Him.

This is the great exchange. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV)

Soon you’ll no longer recognize yourself. The selfish and “me-first” attitudes will be gone, and you will have a great love and compassion for people. That is a beautiful transformation.

May 20, 2026

Unto Completion

TODAY'S READING – Philippians 1

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE – Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Most serious followers of Jesus desire to please God. We watch our language, attempt to be sensitive to other’s needs, choose to be active in church, and are generous with our resources. 

Ultimately, we want to live godly lives that please the Lord. For some, living for Jesus is actually more a lifestyle obligation than spiritual commitment. There’s nothing wrong with choosing to model your life along biblical values, but the Christian life is not as much about effort as it is about trust and flow.

The Old Testament records man’s efforts (or lack thereof) to live godly. Its history reveals the utter failure of humans to overcome the sin nature—that entirely selfish bent to our existence.

When Jesus became man, He did so with the intent to change the essence of man’s problem and set him free from sin’s penalty and its bondage. The Lord, not man’s efforts, accomplished this.

What is started by Jesus cannot be finished by you! The good work in you is the Spirit of God living in you. The only way to become complete or whole is for the Lord to do it. Stop worrying about trying so hard and choose to abide in Him.

Jesus is at work in you! He doesn’t leave projects (people) unfinished.

May 19, 2026

Looking in All The Wrong Places

TODAY'S READING – Psalm 46

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE – Psalm 46:10‍ ‍Be still, and know that I am God.

Most unbelievers want God to do something dramatic and miraculous to prove that He is real. People seek an incredible, creative miracle such as the ending of poverty, hunger, violence, or perhaps for lightning to strike on command. People want to see God's power and then they'll consider giving Him their trust.

Even believers get caught up in the wonders of the Almighty looking sometimes for a sign instead of the “sign Maker.” The Psalmist instructs that we must learn to be still and then we’ll know God.

Here are four definitions of “still:”

1.   Remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary: to stand still.

2.   Free from sound or noise, as a place or persons; silent: to keep still about a matter.

3.   Subdued or low in sound; hushed: a still, small voice.

4.   Free from turbulence or commotion; peaceful; tranquil; 

calm: the still air.

Let me add a few others:

Without phone, tablet, or computer.

Alone, just God and you.

No lists, no messages, no agenda.

The prophet Elijah experienced God as intimately as anybody. Consider the following moment in his life.

1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV - 11 Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

God is easily found if you just look in the right places. How about starting with your heart?

May 18, 2026

24/7 Protection

TODAY'S READING – 2 Thessalonians 3

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE - 2 Thessalonians 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

Paul’s affection for the believers in Thessalonica was precious and profound. He understood the challenges they faced, the persecutions they endured, and the brotherly love they developed in the face of hostility. He was so impressed that they became his example to other churches of how to love and live in a difficult situation.

Opposition is never desired but it is not always a bad thing. It causes people to search their hearts deeply, consider their choices, and discover the sure foundation upon which their life is built. Hostility against Christ and His church may have a short-term detrimental effect, but in the long run it always strengthens the church.

When you face the times that challenge your soul, look up! God is there to keep you protected. When the enemy comes against you like a flood, remember that it is your Lord who calms the seas and splits the waters. The promise here is that He will establish and guard you from the evil one.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

If God be for us, who can be against us?

Now that’s true security!

May 17, 2026

Real Power

TODAY'S READING – 2 Thessalonians 2

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE - 2 Thessalonians 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

There is no doubt that we live in a troubled, cursed world that operates under the influence of the evil one. Depending on your interpretation of end time events, the final chapter of this earth and its inhabitants is complete with conflict and diabolical figures. The “lawless one” or “anti-Christ” is a puppet of Satan empowered by the demonic forces of hell.

But with all this resource, note how dramatically the lawless one will be done away with... "with the breath of His mouth and... the brightness of His coming.”

God exhaling literally blows away the powers of darkness. Jesus’ glorious coming obliterates the enemy.

Friend, don’t be dismayed at the apparitions of power reflected by the world’s systems. Real power is in God alone. He breathes and we are set free. He turns His face towards us, and the enemy melts like wax. He twitches a muscle and hell is crushed. He lifts His hand and the curses against you are vaporized.

All you and I need to do is to stay close to God. His power takes care of everything else.

May 16, 2026

The Following Message is Brought to You by “Grace!”

TODAY'S READING – 2 Thessalonians 1

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE - 2 Thessalonians 1:12  Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Grace is not merely a gift given, or a passive reality. It is a powerful force that affects lives and nations.

Water in a bucket has negligible impact. It can be poured out, splashed, scooped, or dipped; but we don’t normally look at a bucket of water and think, “Oh my, look at that amazing water.” However, when we go to a waterfall, or a river gorge, or watch the waves of the ocean we are compelled by its power and beauty. 

Grace is similar. It is non-threatening, even refreshing to the soul. Additionally, the Word indicates that it is also the power of the Holy Spirit in action. The angel speaking to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:7 proclaimed that the mountain shall be removed with shouts of “Grace! Grace!"

Grace is an irrepressible force, not a fragile flower. Yes it is beautiful in its effects, but it is also the workhorse of God.

The next time you think, “well, I’m so thankful for God’s grace” remember not just its result, but also the tremendous muscle of its reality.

May 15, 2026

TRUE NORTH

TODAY'S READING – Proverbs 11

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE - Psalm 11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

Noun: true north

North according to the earth's axis, not magnetic north.

The explorer understands clearly the critical distinction between “true north” and “magnetic north.” It’s essentially about the shifting iron in the planet’s core versus the geographical designation for the North Pole. A compass will lead you north (magnetically), but is not reliable towards a specific designation. If you want to arrive in a precise location you must know how to identify true north.

What is the “true north” of the soul?

The Psalmist says here that integrity is our internal compass and guide. It is by one’s personal veracity that choices are gauged as to being either on or off course. Have you discovered and committed to “true north” in your life?

The individual with a definite internal value system possesses a way to measure their actions and choices. Decisions that are off course are easily identified and immediate course correction is an option.

Some might think that wandering, or even being off course, is really not that big of a deal. Others don’t want to be limited in their options and reject the idea of true north. The Bible calls such people fools, and such ideological perversity will most certainly lead to destruction.

For the wisdom seeker, here are a few principles to assist you on a successful journey in life:

1.    Discover and embrace your true north based on the timeless values and principles of the Word of God.

2. Make a resolute commitment to live by these values.

3.  Course correct quickly when you wander.

4. Forgive yourself and others immediately and graciously. If you want your life to count for something, then learn the non negotiable realities of true North living.

God’s ways are always better.

May 14, 2026

Favor is Better Than Self-Confidence

TODAY'S READING – Psalm 44

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE - Psalm 44:3   For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.

This verse reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures, "...Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." (Zechariah 4:6) These words are inscribed in Hebrew on a ring I purchased in the Holy Land, and I wear it as a reminder that God is always with me and can do what I cannot nor should not attempt. Living a life of faith means depending on God to do what you cannot do. That is His favor in one’s life.

This entire Psalm is a desperate petition for God’s protection and deliverance, which seemed as if it was never going to arrive. The opening verses are a remembrance of His mighty hand in providing for the patriarchs.

It is always important to start your requests, or needs, with gratefulness. When we stop and appreciate all that God has done in our past, it immediately positions us in a posture of faith. Regardless of the opposition, God can and will do amazing things! Encourage yourself in the Lord, not in your own strength.

When His favor comes upon you, others think you’re smarter, more capable, or more resourceful than you really are. Enemies will scatter, and intimidation reverses.

And if His favor requires you sacrificing, then rejoice because Christ Himself is the ultimate sacrifice. There is a grace beyond human understanding awaiting us in every circumstance, and every outcome.

“Not might, nor power... but Spirit!”

May 13, 2026

The Sovereignty of God And You

TODAY’S READING – 1 Thessalonians 5

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In the midst of these three short verses with practical advice is the profound reality of what God’s will looks like, and it looks like us doing our part in conjunction with Him. It’s only in reading the Bible regularly that you break away from the misconception that the will of God is unaffected by man. Too many hold the belief that God independently does what He wants to do regardless of our participation. While He most certainly can do that, this is not what the Word says. The will of God is accomplished in partnership with believers.

The great revivalist John Wesley said, “God does nothing except in response to believing prayer.” When we rejoice, pray, and are constantly thankful, we position ourselves in the flow of God’s will, and Christ is exalted. This is His will.

Some might contend the will of God in a person is much different than His will demonstrated in history. Maybe...but it seems to me that the pattern of Scripture is that He always works in and through mankind. He created a man, Adam; He called a man, Abraham; He protected the human race through a man, Noah; He delivered a nation through a man, Moses; and He saved mankind by becoming the man, Jesus. God’s will is accomplished as we yield our will to His. We do this through a hopeful attitude—rejoicing; an active intercession—praying; and, a trusting thankfulness. We are partners in His Divine plan.