Holy Spirit
-
Competing Thoughts
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. – Colossians 3:1-2 When Paul writes these words, he’s reminding us of a profound reality: in Christ, you have already been raised. Your… Continue reading
-
A Spirit of Belonging
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. – Romans 8:9 Cultivating a Spirit-filled heart and mind takes some intentional… Continue reading
-
Encouragement For the Weary, Clumsy Traveler
The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. – Psalm 37:23-24 These verses remind me of that night in the Upper Room when Jesus prayed what we call “The High Priestly Prayer.” Hours before… Continue reading
-
The Warning Signs of Spiritual Disease
A man once took his car to a mechanic and said, “The ‘check engine’ light on my dashboard is on, and I need you to see what the problem is.” The mechanic connected his diagnostic equipment, ran a few tests, and returned with confidence. “It’s nothing serious,” he said. “This model is notorious for giving… Continue reading
-
God’s Global Positioning System
Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. – Acts 9:43 My wife is currently traveling abroad on a women’s ministry trip. And to be upfront about it, when she first mentioned this to me and where she would be going several months ago, I wasn’t too keen on the idea.… Continue reading
-
Grace Reverses Our Stories
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Acts 9:19b-20 “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.” It would be easy for us to read that and think nothing of it. But those few words say… Continue reading
-
Jesus Didn’t Suffer the Cross Just to Make You Nicer
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17 We live in a world that celebrates self-improvement. Bookstores are lined with shelves of “how-to” guides that promise a better marriage, a better attitude, or even a better you. And the truth… Continue reading
-
God’s Work, Done God’s Way, Requires God’s Spirit
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.– Zechariah 4:6 There have been many times in my life when I thought, “I can handle this. I’ve got the skills, the experience, and the determination.” And sometimes, I did manage to get things done – at least to a point.… Continue reading
-
God Doesn’t Offer a Half-Hearted Salvation
I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:6 What point would there be if scientists found a cure for cancer, in which the cancer itself was removed, but the symptoms of the cancer were not… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!