Nikao (verb)/nik-ah'-o/ (Greek) To conquer, triumph, overcome, to be victorious
Deaths like Kobe and Gianna Bryant jolt us into the reality that life happens unexpectedly. It seems unreal that Kobe has passed away, and there are no words for moments like these. Death can be numbing. Death can be shocking. Death can be sickening. Even though we may not have known Kobe personally, it can…
“Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to…
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV) When life hits hard, I…
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:14-30 God has entrusted you with a particular purpose according to your ability. No, it will not be fulfilled perfectly or painlessly. But, with faith and consistency, it will be worth it. The world is waiting earnestly for you to just be you. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing…
Here in Wisconsin, as the snow makes its arrival, I’m alarmed that it is already Fall. With each passing day, I find myself increasingly aware that one day I won’t experience these seasons any longer. My clock will stop ticking, and what I have done up until that point will be all I have to…
If you’re reading this, God loves you. Yes, even the parts you deem irrelevant, irreparable and/or irritating. God made you – all of you. Your strengths have purpose. Your flaws have purpose. Your experiences have purpose. So, don’t hide who you are from the world (Luke 8:16). Be authentic with God and with those around…
Imagine the evening of Labor Day has just rolled around. The third serving of barbecue has commenced, and then it’s on to the homemade ice cream topped with fresh fruit. Immediately as you finish, someone arrives with McDonald’s and offers you french fries. With that offer, you may feel inclined to smack the fry out…
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 NIV Jesus, I pray each day I gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be loved by you. I know I will never fully grasp that kind of love, but I pray my understanding of…
Scripture Reading: Esther 2 Life seems to deal a great amount of competition and growing up my world was no different. Whether it was sports teams, college admissions, grades, internship offers, job promotions, etc., with each year of my life, competition increased. Esther also knew all too well the competition that looms behind every door.…
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and…
