Earlier in Chapter 4 of Gods at War, Pastor Kyle Idleman presented several options that Joshua presented to the people of Israel in his farewell address at Shechem. Pastor Idleman asks us to think of those 4 options (Joshua’s 3 plus Jesus) as compass points, because whatever option we choose will head us in a […]
Pastor Kyle Idleman (Gods at War) concludes his spiritual arteriogram today with Questions 5-7 (the author’s words are in bold type). 5. Where is your sanctuary? In Psalm 46: 1-2 we read: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the […]
In today’s blog, Pastor Kyle Idleman (Gods at War) continues his spiritual arteriogram with Questions 3-4. 3. Where do you make financial sacrifices? As the Bible says in Matthew 6: 21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Pastor Idleman notes that “where your money goes shows what god is winning […]
One test a cardiologist uses to diagnose heart health is an arteriogram. The doctor injects a dye into the blood stream and then X-rays the arteries to locate any blockages. In Chapter 2 of Gods at War, Kyle Idleman presents a spiritual arteriogram, asking 7 questions to test our spiritual heart health by revealing and […]
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”- Proverbs 4: 23 “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”- Proverbs 27: 19 In Chapter 2 (“The Battleground of the Gods”) of Gods at War, Pastor Kyle Idleman notes that our modern society tends to see personality more […]
In his Introduction to Gods at War, author Kyle Idleman relates a late-night conversation with his eight-year-old daughter Morgan that changed his life and his church. During their nightly prayer time, Morgan surprised her father by announcing that she could recite all Ten Commandments. As Morgan finished her recitation, Pastor Idleman sensed a teachable moment. […]
“I waited patiently for the Lord,; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, . . . he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”- […]
Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.”- John 9: […]
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”- Galatians 6: 9 (NIV) “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”- C. H. Spurgeon Laura Story begins Chapter 27 (“Why Not Give Up?”) of Blessings by noting that most of us have […]
“Faith looks back and draws courage; hope looks ahead and keeps desire alive.”- John Eldredge In Chapter 24 (“Finding Peace Amid the Thorns”) of Blessings, Laura Story remarks that it has taken a long time for her ( as well as husband Martin) to be thankful for the thorn (Martin’s brain tumor”) God allowed into […]
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.”- Psalm 94: 19 (New American Study Bible) In Chapter 22 (“Beyond Worry”) of Blessings, Laura Story speaks to our human condition when she notes that deep down in our hearts we know that God will provide and we should trust Him completely, yet […]
“No matter how crazy or nutty your life has seemed, God can make something good and strong out of it. He can help you grow wide branches for others to use as shelter.”- Barbara Johnson In Chapter 19 (“The Hidden Blessing of Affliction”) of Blessings, Laura Story states that when we are devastated by adversity, […]