Powerful Words from the ProphetsThis is what the LORD says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in t...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief. Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why is there no healing for the wounds of my people?” – Jeremiah 8:21-22 (NLT)“The Doctor Is IN!” I read a sad but interesting article not long ago. It was about how a surprising number of young men are dying. Not because there is some...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.” – Jeremiah 3:15 (NLT)“Start with the Heart” I recently met with a young pastor who is dealing with some of the real-world challenges of leading people. He’s finding out what many of us have already discovered: Leadership is not for the faint of heart. Many people...

Powerful Words from the ProphetsDuring the reign of King Josiah, the LORD said to me, “Have you seen what fickle Israel has done?...Israel has worshiped other gods on every hill and under every green tree. I thought, ‘After she has done all this, she will return to me.’ But she did not return, and her faithless sister Judah saw this. – Jeremiah 3:6-7 (NLT)“Learn and Live!” A couple of weeks ago, a...

“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” – John 8:36 (NLT)“True Freedom” Today we celebrate our 250th birthday of independence as a nation. We often forget how blessed we are as a country. In fact, hosting the World Cup soccer event here in the U.S. has made many from around the world appreciate this great country of ours. Simple things that we take for granted, like air conditioning, ic...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“Has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet my people have exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols!” – Jeremiah 2:11 (NLT)“No More Idols” There was a bizarre story in the news a couple of years ago. It seems there was a couple in Arkansas who were trying to trade their two-month-old child for a six-pack of be...

Powerful Words from the ProphetsThe LORD gave me another message. He said, “Go and shout this message to Jerusalem. This is what the LORD says: “I remember how eager you were to please me as a young bride long ago, how you loved me and followed me even through the barren wilderness.” – Jeremiah 2:1-2 (NLT)“Light the Fire Again” Several years ago, I was on a trip for about a week and was getting re...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“Get up and prepare for action. Go out and tell them everything I tell you to say. Do not be afraid of them, or I will make you look foolish in front of them. For see, today I have made you strong like a fortified city that cannot be captured, like an iron pillar or a bronze wall. You will stand against the whole land—the kings, officials, priests, and people of Jud...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!” Then the LORD reached out and touched my mouth and said, “Look, I have put my wor...

Powerful Words from the ProphetsThe LORD gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NLT)“What’s Your Calling?” One of the pieces of theology that I think we’ve lost along the way is the idea that we are all called by God for service in His Kingdom. That means th...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“The LORD first gave messages to Jeremiah during the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah. The LORD’s messages continued throughout the reign of King Jehoiakim, Josiah’s son, until the eleventh year of the reign of King Zedekiah, another of Josiah’s sons.” – Jeremiah 1:2-3 (NLT)“Relentless” One of the things I spent time thanking God for...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.” – Isaiah 66:2 (NLT)“The Incredible Power of the Humble Heart” I recently read one of the most inspiring books that I’ve ever read. It’s called “The Shining Light, the Man, Mission, and Movement of the YMCA.” It’s the story of how God used a 19-year-old young man named George Williams t...

Powerful Words from the ProphetsThis is what the LORD says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the LORD, have spoken!” – Isaiah 66:1-2 (NLT)“God’s Bigger Than Our Box” When Wanda and I were touring Spain a couple ...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” – Isaiah 65:24 (NLT)“Before You Can Ask, He’s Answering!” One of my favorite stories I love to tell is one time several years ago when Wanda and I went to a restaurant with several people from our church. It’s one of those place...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“The LORD says, ‘I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that did not call on my name.” – Isaiah 65:1 (NLT)“When You’re Ready, God’s Ready” One of the things I love about scripture is how the grace of God comes pouring through from cover to cover. We see it...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“In all their suffering, he also suffered, and he personally rescued them. In his love and mercy, he redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.” – Isaiah 63:9 (NLT)“God Suffers With Us” God suffers. That seems like a strange concept, doesn’t it? Since God is All-Powerful, you’d think that He couldn’t suffer. But He does. He suffers for ...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray day and night, continually. Take no rest, all you who pray to the LORD.” – Isaiah 62:6 (NLT)“The Watchmen” Some years ago, one of our dear saints and I were talking after a service. She commented about how much she enjoyed the service and how good God had been to her. Then she looked me in the eye an...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“Never again will you be called ‘The Forsaken City’ or ‘The Desolate Land.’ Your new name will be ‘The City of God’s Delight’ and ‘The Bride of God,’ for the LORD delights in you and will claim you as his bride.” – Isaiah 62:4 (NLT)“From Trash to Treasure” On September 26, 1989, a little boy named “Freddie” was born in Quincy, Florida. No one is sure exactly where t...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“The LORD will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God.” – Isaiah 62:3 (NLT)“Significant and Priceless” In October 1988, John Barrier walked into his bank in Spokane, Washington, to cash a check. He parked in the bank’s parking lot while he tended to some business that day in the downtown area, and the bank was his last stop. After th...

Powerful Words from the Prophets“The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the LORD’s own mouth.” – Isaiah 62:2 (NLT)“What’s YOUR New Name?” Several years ago, I was the speaker at a leadership conference. The worship leader was leading the group in a song just before the prayer that preceded my message. It was a song ...