When it comes to the fire, we can do one of two things: We can either RECEIVE it or REJECT it. However we respond to it determines how difficult this will be for us. By willingly receiving God's fire and cooperating with His sanctifying grace, we yield ourselves to God's process and stay submitted to Him. On the other hand, if we choose to reject the purifying work of God's fire, we are actually fighting against the Spirit of God and resisting Him! That's not a good place to be in, because the Bible tells us that God resists the proud -- or those that resist Him. The way will be very difficult and destructive for those who choose not to surrender to God's purifying process.

If you were to take a walk around your town, sit in your local coffee shop, eat out at your favorite restaurant, and even meet up with church friends, chances are the conversations will touch and linger on the many pressing current events. But the Bible instructs believers to keep their conversation focused on something else entirely—God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

The Bible has a lot to say about wisdom, but only those who know what wisdom looks like and sounds like will ever be able to find her or know what to do once they’ve encountered her. If we want to successfully locate wisdom and engage her, then we need to know her. We need to understand how she functions, what she looks like, what she says, and how to respond to her. Only then will we be able to hear her voice above the crowds.

A godly home that flourishes doesn’t come automatically. Here are five principles that will unleash God’s power and cause your home to flourish and abound.

Although Ezra retains a special place in my heart because of his writing gift, it is his love for God’s Word that trumps all of his accomplishments. Because he greatly honored God’s commands, he found favor with both God and men and became a highly influential leader in his time.

The Bible reveals to us there are appointed seasons and times in life. And just like the lilac bush represents—after long winter seasons of dormancy and pruning—there eventually comes a resurrection and rebirth. It’s the season for new life!

Hydrangeas constantly need a delicate balance of water and sunlight for sustained and healthy growth. Similarly, we as believers must be constantly watered by God’s Word in order to flourish. As we stay connected to the Vine and keep our hearts full of Truth, we will blossom through every season of life.