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Post 51211·August 29, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Master’s Way of Deliverance
The only model we have is Jesus. When we return to the Master’s way, we rediscover a deliverance ministry marked not by complexity, but by clarity; not by secret knowledge, but by the authority of Christ; not by fear, but by faith.
Post 4139·October 12, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Held Thunder But Chose Silence
Jesus stood before Pilate with thunder in His lungs. He could have spoken storms, summoned angels, shattered injustice with a word. But He didn’t.
Post 4105·January 18, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Lacked Awareness
Was Jesus aware at all times of all things? In other words, since He was fully God and fully man, was He exercising the divine attribute of omniscience? If not, how could He claim to be God? If you said He was fully aware at all…
Post 4098·January 4, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Taught With Riddles
Jesus often spoke in riddles. For instance, what did He mean when He asked the following two questions intended to free us from worry: “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25). Now remember, Jesus…
Post 4089·November 10, 2024·Bill Perkins
He Values When We Do This
Recently while entering Safeway to pick up some grocery items, I held the door for a couple entering behind me. As they walked in the store, they failed to acknowledge my courteous act with a head nod or a “Thank you.” I considered…
Post 4079·October 27, 2024·Bill Perkins
The God of the Gap
The desperate father brought his son to the disciples of Jesus. He pleaded with them to cast out the demon that had tormented his son from childhood. Because the disciples had seen Jesus cast out demons and had done so themselves, I…
Post 4073·October 7, 2024·Bill Perkins
His Temptations
In the Old Testament, Israel, the son of God (Exodus 4:22) passed through the Red Sea and into the wilderness where they wandered for forty years before entering Canaan to reestablish God's kingdom. Why the wandering? Because the…
Post 4059·September 6, 2024·Bill Perkins
“Beloved Son” Means More Than You Think
While compiling The One, a chronological blending of the four Gospels, I had to decide which of the words from the Father at the baptism of Jesus should be included. Mark 1:11 says, “ You’re my beloved Son , in You I’m well pleased.”…
Post 4047·August 29, 2024·Bill Perkins
The Sea and Sky Opened
Since March 2012 I've read the gospels monthly. Plus, I've compiled two blended gospels, The Jesus Story and The One . Editing those two chronological accounts of the life of Christ involved many more readings. I'm unable to put into…
Post 4042·August 11, 2024·Bill Perkins
Lead Through Failure
A lot of people think the best leaders seldom fail. That’s why they desperately work to hide each failure and expose success. And yet, nothing inspires others more than seeing someone overcome failure. We must dispel the idea that…
Post 4035·August 1, 2024·Bill Perkins
Do This To Show Someone Their Worth
As Jesus entered the Upper Room for a final meal with His disciples, He remained silent. No need to speak. His actions would soon say more than words: “You want to see greatness? You want to see power? Look here. I’ve been telling you…
Post 4031·July 24, 2024·Bill Perkins
When Good Men Get Angry
God’s anger is always justified and perfectly expressed. Why? Because He’s able to determine when a wrong has been committed. James said, “The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (1:20). God never gets angry about…
Post 4016·June 27, 2024·Bill Perkins
Lesson From A Man With 2,000 Demons
Two thousand demons had turned the man into a horror-movie monster. To protect themselves locals had shackled his hands and feet and secured him with chains. But "he snapped the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. Night and…
Post 4008·March 26, 2024·Bill Perkins
Ask These Questions When Talking About God
For years I shared the gospel with people in the same way—of course I adapted the illustrations to fit their background. But that “same way” approach ended when I identified three common barriers to spiritual truth. Without an…
Post 3997·February 26, 2024·Bill Perkins
What the Bible Says About Tithing
I've had the privilege of speaking in churches throughout the United States and internationally. I've discovered that many pastors tell their congregation the Bible teaches them to give ten percent of their income to the church. I once…
Post 3992·February 15, 2024·Bill Perkins
How to See Jesus
Several years ago, Cindy and I vacationed on the tiny island of Bonaire. Situated fifty miles from Venezuela it’s known as the scuba shore diving capitol of the world. One evening we sat at a table on a restaurant pier. As the sun set…
Post 3982·December 24, 2023·Bill Perkins
Our Comfort: God Visited A Violent World
Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” If you look at a Christmas card, you’ll see peaceful images of a small shed with…
Post 3976·November 22, 2023·Bill Perkins
Read This on Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, join me in thanking God for something we easily take for granted. In Psalm 139:14-15 David wrote: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and…
Post 3966·September 14, 2023·Bill Perkins
Before Making An Alliance--Do This!
Seldom has a leader made a more ill advised alliance than Lot. Initially, the union appeared as harmless as choosing a Coke instead of a Pepsi. I Might Have Made The Same Decision I’m sympathetic to Lot because in his situation I might…
Post 3963·July 27, 2023·Bill Perkins
The Joy of Spiritual Flight
You were designed for commitment just as a plane is designed for the sky. Nobody who tiptoes through life, as though sneaking through a minefield, will become a force for the kingdom of God. The level of your spiritual growth will be…
Post 3943·June 8, 2023·Bill Perkins
What Do You Call Someone Who Betrayed You?
A few weeks ago I wore a Ricky Russ t-shirt to church--the one posted with this blog. As I engaged people in conversation I'd point to the t-shirt and ask, "What do you think of this?" They'd tilt their head to one side and say, "I…
Post 3938·May 25, 2023·Bill Perkins
People Who See Miracles Have This
Since March 2012 I've read through the Gospels every month. And one of the greatest lessons I've learned is this: With Jesus, your expectation will determine his visitation in your life. This isn't a theory but an observable fact…
Post 3903·May 11, 2023·Bill Perkins
Never Dump the Whole Load of Hay?
One cold winter morning the young pastor of a small midwestern church faced his greatest fear. After hours of sermon preparation only one farmer showed up for church. Discouraged, he asked the strong armed man if he should preach or go…
Post 3895·April 20, 2023·Bill Perkins
A Deep Look At God's Holiness
God is the reality I believe people seek in the extraterrestrial. He exists apart from and above His creation. Perhaps that’s why the word “holy” is used more often as a prefix to God’s name than any other attribute. I think most…
Post 3889·April 13, 2023·Bill Perkins
The Key to Success in Everything
Immediate gratification is a driving force in our lives. We expect pain to suddenly vanish. We want quick and easy success. Our expectations are in keeping with what we see on the media—men get sex whenever they want it, relational…
Post 3884·February 16, 2023·Bill Perkins
My Resume of Failure
I've got an impressive resume of failure. Really. It's embarrassing to admit, but it's true. At one time or another I've failed in every area of my life. Seriously. I've broken things I hoped to fix, dropped things I hoped to carry…
Post 3878·February 9, 2023·Bill Perkins
Winning a Spiritual Tug of War
“Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
Post 3874·February 2, 2023·Bill Perkins
Overcoming Three Barriers to Belief
Here’s the situation: You want to talk to someone about the Lord, but you’re not sure how you should approach them. For years I pretty much shared the message with people in the same way—of course I adapted the illustrations to fit…
Post 3868·January 26, 2023·Bill Perkins
Ride Out Your Pain
We’ve all experienced our share of physical, psychological, emotional and mental pain. And when we feel squeezed, like a tennis ball in a vise, we want relief . . . now! Pain's Not Your Enemy At such times it’s important to remember…
Post 3864·January 18, 2023·Bill Perkins
A Lesson Learned From Billows of Black Smoke
You wouldn’t think something as insignificant as a gear-shift indicator could spell disaster for a car. But it could. I used to own an Oldsmobile Cutlass that worked great except for the gear-shift indicator. When the indicator was on…
Post 3862·January 12, 2023·Bill Perkins
Jesus is The God of the Gap
We all face situations where a gap exists between the faith we have and the faith needed to release God's power into a situation. Like the father who begged the Lord’s disciples to evict a demon from his son. The evil spirit would…
Post 3852·December 29, 2022·Bill Perkins
Change Your Spiritual Expectation for the New Year
Will your expectations of what Jesus can do limit or release his power in your life this year? A Hometown Visit When Jesus visited his hometown, Nazareth, his childhood friends and neighbors were initially impressed. But then they…
Post 3846·November 10, 2022·Bill Perkins
Rebuke With Wisdom
Sometimes an exhortation works like a chisel that chips off a rough edge. While the process is painful, it may be necessary. That’s why the Apostle Paul urged Timothy to not only “correct” and “encourage” but to “rebuke” as well. Even…
Post 3839·November 2, 2022·Bill Perkins
Change How You View Adversity
Why? It’s the question that hits first and lingers longest. Why me? Why now? Why this? Most people don’t even try to answer such questions. How could they? That’s what makes the words of James, the half-brother of Jesus, so unexpected.…
Post 3832·October 27, 2022·Bill Perkins
Do This Before Every Decision
If the greatest leader of all time—the only man who lived without sin, who never made a bad decision, who lived in perfect harmony with his Father—if that man needed to discuss decisions with God prior to making them, how much more do…
Post 3828·October 20, 2022·Bill Perkins
When You Don't Know What To Do
Moses, one of history’s greatest leaders, couldn’t solve every problem by himself. And neither can you. Fortunately, Moses had what we need. He possessed the wisdom and humility to allow others to provide him insight and guidance.…
Post 3822·September 29, 2022·Bill Perkins
"I Never Saw It That Way Before"
When placed under oath a witness swears to, “Tell the truth, the whole truth , and nothing but the truth.” The middle phrase is a problem if someone wants to minimize what they’ve done. Most of us are okay admitting we did something…
Post 3817·September 22, 2022·Bill Perkins
To Serve Others Best, Do This First
Dale Carnegie once said, “No man gets rich without enriching others.” Carnegie lived that philosophy, as evidenced by the 43 millionaires who worked for him. One day a reporter asked Mr. Carnegie how he was able to hire so many rich men.
Post 3807·September 7, 2022·Bill Perkins
Take the Leap . . . Be Spontaneous
Spontaneity is crucial to emotional well being. A spontaneous person responds quickly to what he or she is feeling and to what's happening around him. Some people flee spontaneity. At times they feel like letting go. They want to…
Post 3800·August 24, 2022·Bill Perkins
Was Jesus Superman?
It’s understandable to think we could no more emulate Jesus than we could Superman. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stairs, but we’re not going to follow the Man of Steel off a tall building. Likewise, most people figure they…
Post 3792·July 28, 2022·Bill Perkins
Why Are You Discouraged?
When you're discouraged, find out why. During a time of despair, the author of Psalm 42:4-5, wrote: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”…
Post 3784·July 20, 2022·Bill Perkins
The Cure for a Competitive Spirit
Comparisons are odious. If we compare ourselves to someone higher on the food chain we feel inadequate. If we gaze at someone who has less money, education, power, good looks or toys, we feel superior. Let’s not kid ourselves, we all…
Post 3778·July 7, 2022·Bill Perkins
Leading When You'd Rather Hide
Leaders sometimes face intractable opposition. The resistance seems too strong, too entrenched and too organized. Resources seem too limited. That’s how Moses felt when God appeared to him in the burning bush and said, “I am sending…
Post 3769·June 23, 2022·Bill Perkins
Leap Into God's Grace
Jesus performed amazing miracles. He opened the eyes of the blind, healed lepers, cast out demons, and raised the dead. In each case, Jesus did for others what they couldn’t do for themselves. At its core, that’s what Christianity is about.
Post 3761·June 16, 2022·Bill Perkins
Five Keys to Conflict Management
Conflict is unavoidable. If you’ve got two people on a team and they never argue then one of them isn’t needed. Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, faced conflict among his disciples, between the disciples and himself, and between…
Post 3756·May 25, 2022·Bill Perkins
A Purpose for Human Suffering
Why? It’s the question that hits first and lingers longest. Why me? Why now? Why this? Most people don’t even try to answer such questions. How could they? That’s what makes the words of James, the half-brother of Jesus, so unexpected.…
Post 3748·April 7, 2022·Bill Perkins
You Were Made for This
God designed you for commitment just as surely as an engineer designs a ship for the open seas and a plane for the sky. A man or woman lacking commitment lives like a clipper ship tethered to a dock or a jet tied down in a hanger. All…
Post 3740·March 31, 2022·Bill Perkins
Do This To Make Good Decisions
Values aren't practices. A practice is an activity or action. A practice that works in one situation may not work in another. Why? because practices apply to specific situations. Since my second son, David, loved hanging out with…
Post 3729·February 24, 2022·Bill Perkins
One Thought Will Heal Your Mind
I used to ruminate on negative thoughts for days, weeks, or longer--like years or decades. Over time they shaped my identity. Or, part of it. And then one night . . . Winter in Oregon I was thinking about winters in Oregon. Since I…
Post 3725·February 10, 2022·Bill Perkins
Jesus Gave One Commandment Ten Times?
Confused and afraid, the disciples left the upper room and stepped onto the narrow Jerusalem street. The frigid air–just like their growing fear–surrounded them, nipping at their faces and cutting through their robes. Holding their…
Post 3717·December 30, 2021·Bill Perkins
This Guarantees You'll Smile in One Year
Stretching before you, further than the eye can see, lays a New Year--365 Days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536, 000 seconds. Over that time, you’ll take around 8,000,000 breaths, blink over 11.5 million times, and spend over 100…
Post 3710·December 16, 2021·Bill Perkins
Touch God This Christmas
M any people fear God. They believe he's as approachable as King Kong. It's no wonder. After all, they recall the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai where God revealed himself with, "thunder and lightning…
Post 3703·December 9, 2021·Bill Perkins
The Three Dreams of Joseph
In Matthew’s gospel, attention is fixed on Mary, Jesus, the star, the shepherds, the manger, and the magi with their gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold (I think the Magi came two or so years later to Nazareth, not to Bethlehem at…
Post 3697·November 25, 2021·Bill Perkins
Be Thankful For This
In my lifetime I remember no other occasion when I questioned the veracity of so many people and organizations. Who can we trust? Politicians? The media? Scientists? Military leaders? Medical professionals? I don’t completely trust any…
Post 3690·October 21, 2021·Bill Perkins
This Danger Lurks Nearby
In a scene from the television show, Animal Planet , a compelling image shows a herd of gazelles grazing in the middle of a meadow. The golden grass is two, maybe three-feet high. The sky is heavy and gray, with hot clouds hanging…
Post 3682·September 30, 2021·Bill Perkins
How the Humble Handle Power
Humility is measured by how we handle losses. Humble people avoid excuses and finger pointing. They accept that even a valiant effort may fail. Humility is also measured by how we handle victory—or potential victory. Humble men and…
Post 3675·September 23, 2021·Bill Perkins
Hard . . . But Not Impossible
As God has forgiven you, so must you forgive others. “But I can’t,” you might say. “You don’t understand what they did to me.” You’re right. I don’t. Ultimately, only your heavenly Father understands because he watched as the Romans…
Post 3665·August 26, 2021·Bill Perkins
Getting Past Spiritual Barriers
Here’s the situation: You want to talk with someone about the Lord, but you’re not sure how. For years I shared Christ in the same way while adapting the illustrations. And then I discovered three spiritual barriers that prevent people…
Post 3654·August 19, 2021·Bill Perkins
A Thought: On My Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary
Saturday, my wife Cindy and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage. Prior to our wedding we dated a year-and-a-half. On our second date, a day after our first date, a day after we first met--although she says we met a year earlier at…
Post 3647·August 5, 2021·Bill Perkins
Overcoming Your Greatest Fear
Had you sat beside Jesus in Gethsemane, and known what he would face, you might have questioned his resiliency. If the thought of crucifixion affected him so dramatically, would he cower before the Cross? Those closest to him that…
Post 3636·July 27, 2021·Bill Perkins
To Avoid Comparisons Do This
Compare yourself to someone with more feel small. Compare yourself to someone with less feel big. For awhile. Comparisons are odious. The tiny pebbles and white shells of the Galilean beach crunched under the feet of the two men as…
Post 3628·July 15, 2021·Bill Perkins
Spontaneous Jesus
Spontaneous: Coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation; natural and unconstrained; unplanned. Spontaneity is crucial to emotional well being? Why? Because spontaneous people respond to…
Post 3613·July 8, 2021·Bill Perkins
Completely Ruined!
Did Jesus teach that people who build their life on the foundation of his teaching would be spiritually impregnable? I've taught that many times. And it makes sense. But as I've been examining these verses more closely I've changed my mind.
Post 3606·July 1, 2021·Bill Perkins
God Gave You The Gift of Anger
Where does such a powerful emotion as anger come from? It may surprise you to know it’s a gift from God. In his excellent book, The Other Side of Love, Gary Chapman notes that, while anger is not an essential part of God’s nature—it…
Post 3598·June 24, 2021·Bill Perkins
Jesus Placed This Above Mission
Confused and afraid, the disciples left the upper room and stepped onto the narrow Jerusalem street. The frigid air—like their growing fear—surrounded them, nipping at their faces and cutting through their robes. Holding their…
Post 3585·June 17, 2021·Bill Perkins
I've Got the Boat. Who's Got the Gas?
Jesus often spoke in riddles. For instance, what did he mean when asked the following two questions intended to free us from worry: "Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" (Matthew 6:25). The correct answer…
Post 3571·May 27, 2021·Bill Perkins
An Audience of One
Jesus exposes the hidden hunger for applause and invites us to give in secret—for the Father’s eyes alone.
Post 3551·April 29, 2021·Bill Perkins
This Makes a Winning Team
Meism says “Me first.” It stands in opposition to weism that says “Team first.” The threat of meism prompted Jesus to remove it from his team. When the mother of Zebedee’s sons, James and John, asked Jesus if he would grant her sons…
Post 3539·April 15, 2021·Bill Perkins
Who's Playing You?
The great composer Mendelssohn visited a cathedral in Europe that housed the most magnificent organ in the world. The German composer quietly sat in a pew and listened as the cathedral organist prepared for the Sunday mass. When he…
Post 3519·April 8, 2021·Bill Perkins
Need Hope? Read This
Nobody invites discouragement for dinner. But he needs no invitation. He slips past the door with the silence of a cat. Or, he knocks down the door with the rage of a bull. Once inside our head, like a squatter, he refuses to leave.…
Post 3504·April 1, 2021·Bill Perkins
Why did Jesus First Appear to a Woman?
The risen Lord first appeared to Mary Magdalene (Mk.16:9, Jn. 20:15-17). He next appeared to: “Joanna and Mary, the mother of James, and the other women with them” (Mt. 28:9-10). Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t first appear to…
Post 3491·March 25, 2021·Bill Perkins
How to Choose an Ally
Sometimes the appeal of a bad alliance leads us down the wrong path. Maybe Bonnie and Clyde should have dated someone else. Erick and Lyle Menendez were brothers but should have parted company when they first started talking about…
Post 3476·March 4, 2021·Bill Perkins
Jesus Got Angry Four Times
James said, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20). Why? Because God’s anger is perfectly justified and expressed. He alone knows, without error, how to identify and deal with wrongs. Real or…
Post 3464·February 11, 2021·Bill Perkins
The Night My Life Changed
Since I moved to Oregon I’ve enjoyed reminding myself how much I detest the wet, cloudy, miserable winters. Did I say wet? Did I say cloudy? Did I say miserable? I have a special dislike for dark, depressing winters because I grew up…
Post 3454·January 28, 2021·Bill Perkins
"Get Behind Me Satan!"
Recall the Lord’s wilderness temptation. After the last test, we’re told, “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time ” (Luke 4:13, italics mine). Satan didn’t give up on his plan to bring down Jesus.
Post 3449·January 21, 2021·Bill Perkins
How to Correct Without Crushing
Jesus struck at the root of pride with a sharp ax. He said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the…
Post 3438·January 14, 2021·Bill Perkins
Did Jesus Cheat?
Imitating Jesus may seem as impossible as following Superman in flight. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stairs, but not off a tall building. Likewise, we might imitate Jesus when he operated from his human nature, but not…
Post 3410·December 17, 2020·Bill Perkins
Is God Approachable?
Many people have gotten the idea that getting to God demands jumping through religious hoops. Such misconceptions are laid to rest in a manger, in a stable, in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Author Philip Yancey once asked, who could…
Post 3407·December 14, 2020·Bill Perkins
Write a Review for The Jesus Story
If you've read The Jesus Story and liked it, please write a five star review for Amazon.com. There's still time for people to buy one for Christmas and your review might prompt them to make a purchase. I've now read it over 100 times…
Post 3396·December 10, 2020·Bill Perkins
What if an Angel Appeared to You?
Three scenes in the Christmas story plea for a closer look. In Matthew’s gospel, attention is fixed on: Mary and Jesus The star The shepherds The magi and their gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold. But we should also consider a man…
Post 3391·December 3, 2020·Bill Perkins
Fight For Your True Identity
Much in the world denies your identity in Christ. Hardship fights it. Your history denies it. Skeptics question it. Yet, lies form the basis of these fights, denials, and questions. And you can learn to identify and reject them all.…
Post 3375·November 26, 2020·Bill Perkins
Thanksgiving Day
I’m sometimes like a cat living in a palace. Surrounded by beauty it gazes at the bird sitting on a branch outside the window. It places a padded paw on the pane and craves the feathered food it can't reach. I will not do that on…
Post 3357·November 12, 2020·Bill Perkins
With Jesus in the Boat You're Safe
In 2020 we've seen cities burn, stores looted, cops killed, random shootings, a worldwide pandemic, lockdowns, masks, job losses, political corruption and media disinformation. All of this signals an uncertain and dangerous future. But…
Post 3350·October 29, 2020·Bill Perkins
How to See The Unseen
Much in the world denies your identity in Christ. Hardship fights it. Your history denies it. Skeptics question it. Yet, lies form the basis of these fights, denials, and questions. And you can learn to identify and reject them all.…
Post 3345·October 15, 2020·Bill Perkins
The Suddenly of God
There is a suddenly with God. In a moment An eye will twinkle. The end will arrive. We will be raised. And transformed. Perishable body clothed with the imperishable. Mortal body clothed with immortality. Death swallowed in victory.…
Post 3339·October 8, 2020·Bill Perkins
The Fallacy of Christian Tithing
I've had the privilege of attending churches across the United States and internationally. Often when the plate is passed attenders are urged to "give their tithes and offerings." The word “tithe” means "a tenth part" and is not…
Post 2791·September 17, 2020·Bill Perkins
You Are In A Spiritual Battle
Throughout the Bible we are urged to fight the enemy, do battle, and wage war. We've not been placed in a spiritual Disneyworld and told to "have fun." By birth we've entered a battlefield. By rebirth we've enlisted in God's army as…
Post 3313·September 10, 2020·Bill Perkins
Control Your Thoughts, Control Your Life
I was eight years old and riding a quarter horse across some land my family owned outside of Roswell, New Mexico. As I rode away from the stables he repeatedly resisted and tried to reverse direction. After we had gone a couple hundred…
Post 3304·August 27, 2020·Bill Perkins
I do it all the time? Do you?
Several years ago I loaned my heavy duty top-of- the-line foosball table to a friend. I had tired of the game and my friend wanted the table, so I let him keep it with the assurance he’d return it when asked. A few years later I felt…
Post 3295·August 20, 2020·Bill Perkins
Turn Your Back on God and This Happens
How does God deal with us when we choose to live as though he doesn’t exist? It might surprise you that God steps aside and turns us over to our base appetites (Romans 1:24-32). Maybe that doesn’t sound so bad. But is it? An episode…
Post 3275·August 12, 2020·Bill Perkins
What Do You Do When Life Stops?
We’re taught to travel fast and light. On the freeway we drive in the fast lane. If we want something we’re told to, “Go for it!” Immediate gratification often drives our life. We expect pain to vanish fast and success to arrive faster.
Post 3266·August 5, 2020·Bill Perkins
Seize the Opportunity
Webster tells us an opportunity is a “favorable juncture of circumstances.” A moment when the elements for progress merge. The English playwright and poet William Shakespeare described such moments: There is a tide in the affairs of…
Post 3257·July 23, 2020·Bill Perkins
Why Was Jesus Baptized?
I learned and believed, and still believe, Jesus was baptized to identify with the ministry of John the Baptist. John came to prepare the nation of Israel for the arrival of their King. Before a king visited roads had to be cleared…
Post 3238·July 8, 2020·Bill Perkins
Withstand the Attack
Jesus said we are sheep before wolves--vulnerable victors. We won't win by dominating. Or protecting self-interest. In the domain of The King, we win when we lose. In Matthew 10:39 Jesus said, “Whoever finds their life will lose it…
Post 3234·July 2, 2020·Bill Perkins
If We Could See This
While reflecting on the subject of a blinding bias, the Holy Spirit drew me to the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, who sent a message to Jesus informing him their brother, Lazarus, was sick (John 11:3). Like the twelve…
Post 3223·June 18, 2020·Bill Perkins
Racism and the Bible
If you search for the word "racism" in the Bible you won't find it. Just go to any online Bible concordance and type racism in the search window and hit "enter." Nothing will show up. Nada. Zero. That doesn't mean God has nothing to…
Post 3198·May 27, 2020·Bill Perkins
How Do We Obey THIS Command?
Paul commands us to focus our mind, our thoughts , on Christ in heaven, not on this world, because we died with Christ and are hidden with him in God. Like a page in a book, we are hidden in Christ. We who were once alive to the world…
Post 3191·May 20, 2020·Bill Perkins
What did Jesus Mean? "The Eye is the Lamp of the Body"
I believe if God “opened our eyes” so we could witness a reality that goes beyond sight, we would see ourselves with Christ in the heavenlies surrounded by a host of angels (Colossians 3:1-3; Isaiah 6:1-3). This reality is as certain…
Post 3185·May 14, 2020·Bill Perkins
The Slowly of God
In life God seldom moves suddenly and often moves slowly. Of course, we desire flashes of insight which carry us forward quickly. But we must apply those insights and that can take years. That is the slowness of God. How we live with…
Post 3169·April 29, 2020·Bill Perkins
The DEATH PARADIGM
The Death Paradigm— the dark lens that hides truth and shades all we see Prior to the Lord’s resurrection, death ruled supreme. Death conquered everyone: young, old, rich, poor, strong, weak, kings, commoners, individuals and nations.…
Post 3162·April 22, 2020·Bill Perkins
The Power of a Spiritual Bias
A bias is a radar that detects friendlies and ignores enemies. The disciples had a biblical bias that formed the lens through which they interpreted all Jesus said and did. When his words and actions supported their bias, they…
Post 3153·April 15, 2020·Bill Perkins
When Satan Sounds Like God
In Matthew 16:21-23 we read, “From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be…
Post 3130·April 1, 2020·Bill Perkins
Do This For a Friend Today
What do we do now? Now that we’re social distancing? Now that we, or someone we know, is laid-off? And living in fear? Or, sick? What can we do that's sure to help? On a dark rainy day, several years ago, my mood matched the weather. I…
Post 3123·March 26, 2020·Bill Perkins
Generosity Replaces Fear With Faith
I had a Zoom meeting today with three pastors. They're talking with people who are have lost their job, or may lose it soon. People fear they won't be able to pay their bills. While the disciples of Jesus never faced a pandemic, there…
Post 3098·March 11, 2020·Bill Perkins
My Cow's Liver Bias
I can’t stand the taste of cow’s liver. While a freshman at the University of Texas my anti-liver bias was tested. At the time I worked as a houseparent for 12-year old boys at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. Another student…
Post 3093·March 5, 2020·Bill Perkins
Fear and the Coronavirus
Last week the first case of the Coronavirus in Oregon occurred in Lake Oswego, a city where my family lived for twenty years. A city near Wilsonville, where Cindy and a I now live. This news triggered a run on Costco and other stores.…
Post 3074·February 12, 2020·Bill Perkins
Changed Focus = Changed Feelings
One dreary winter night I was obsessing over a negative thought . . . a thought so common I thought it part of my identity. You see, I used to obsess over how much I detested the wet, miserable, cloudy, Oregon winters. Did I say wet?…
Post 3065·February 6, 2020·Bill Perkins
A Key to Spiritual Growth
Hypocrisy is a sin most of us spot in others without seeing it in ourselves. It’s like bad breath. If somebody else has it you want to keep your distance. But nobody can tell if their own breath is sweet or sour. We’ve all got areas of…
Post 3060·January 23, 2020·Bill Perkins
Proof Jesus Was Right
Sometimes people get upset when they realize Jesus taught he is the only way to God. They insist such a narrow and exclusive message must be wrong. Of course, their conclusion is based on the assumption that anything that’s narrow must…
Post 3055·January 16, 2020·Bill Perkins
Was Jesus Narrow-Minded?
Most people reject the idea that Jesus is the only way to God. In fact, many believe Christianity is an accepting religion that includes everyone who sincerely seeks God. While most think religions have a few technical distinctions…
Post 3049·January 9, 2020·Bill Perkins
Overcoming Fear
It fascinates me that we tend to not only hide our fears from each other, but from God. We talk to him as though he’s impressed with the mask we wear. Jesus would have nothing to do with such hiding. In Gethsemane he called out to God…
Post 3037·January 1, 2020·Bill Perkins
A Thought for the New Year
As you enter the New Year and New Decade—the roaring twenties—what kind of life do you want to live? Consider the words of John Rohn: Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let…
Post 3034·December 25, 2019·Bill Perkins
Breathe the Breath of God this Christmas
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:7). It occurred to me that in a moment, Jesus entered the world and took his…
Post 3027·December 19, 2019·Bill Perkins
The "Suddenly" of Christmas
Suddenly : immediately, instantly, straight away, all at once, abruptly, swiftly. We've all had a "suddenly" experience. Haven't we? The gust of wind suddenly blows leaves from a tree. A friend suddenly appears at the front door. The…
Post 2991·December 4, 2019·Bill Perkins
Ryan Is A One-Percenter
Ninety-nine percent of all patients on the neurogical floor at Eden Medical Center leave dead or disabled. One percent leave alive and able. Ryan is a one-percenter. The cerebral angiogram showed he had suffered a small brain bleed…
Post 2998·November 29, 2019·Bill Perkins
Read This to Your Family on Thanksgiving
Let's thank God for a wonder we take for granted. In Psalm 139:14-15 David wrote: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are…
Post 2954·October 25, 2019·Bill Perkins
God Spared My Son
After two hours of sleep Cindy, David--our middle son--and I caught an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Oakland. After landing we picked up a rental car and drove to Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley CA. Around noon Ryan's…
Post 2943·October 24, 2019·Bill Perkins
Between Childhood and Adulthood Something's Lost
Between childhood and adulthood, something happens, and it’s more than getting taller and wiser. At some point the world crushes our childhood capacity to dream we could make a difference in the world. Age brings a proper understanding…
Post 2934·October 9, 2019·Bill Perkins
When We Push Away God
How does God deal with us when we choose to live as though he doesn’t exist? It might surprise you to discover God simply turns us over to our base appetites (Romans 1:24-32). Maybe that doesn’t sound so bad. But is it? An episode of…
Post 2928·October 3, 2019·Bill Perkins
A Thought for Dark Days
One winter night almost eight years ago a negative thought grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. I remember the experience because what happened next changed my life. At the time I was thinking about the weather in Oregon. Since I…
Post 2918·September 26, 2019·Bill Perkins
Does God Arrange Your Schedule?
God arranged Jesus’ schedule so he could fulfill his mission: “To seek and save the Lost” (Luke 19:10). And he does the same for us. Here’s how it worked for Jesus: One day as he walked to Jericho he encountered a Pharisee who thanked…
Post 2908·September 19, 2019·Bill Perkins
I Rode a Runaway Horse
I was eight years old and riding a quarter horse across some land my family owned outside of Roswell, New Mexico. As I headed the horse away from the stables he repeatedly resisted my lead and tried to reverse direction. After we had…
Post 2874·August 29, 2019·Bill Perkins
Overcome Bias With Truth
I can’t stand the taste of cow’s liver. While a freshman at the University of Texas my anti-liver bias was tested. At the time I worked as a houseparent for 12-year old boys at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin. Another student…
Post 2866·August 22, 2019·Bill Perkins
Jesus Is the Resurrection and the life NOW
Followers of Jesus, not just the twelve, lived with a pro-death-anti-resurrection bias. This bias showed itself after the death of Lazarus. Remember, the sisters of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, had sent a message to Jesus telling him…
Post 2857·August 15, 2019·Bill Perkins
A Biblical Death Bias
I left Portland International Airport at 6 a.m. which meant I arrived at the airport at 5 a.m., which meant I climbed out of bed at 3:30 a.m. I don’t know about you, but at that hour my mind moves at the speed of a slug. Anyway, the…
Post 2848·August 8, 2019·Bill Perkins
What Is A Resurrection Bias?
A bias is a prejudice that favors my point of view often with a refusal to consider the merits of an alternative point of view. Of course, we're all biased. Sometimes our biases are as evident as the food we prefer. On other occasions…
Post 2832·July 11, 2019·Bill Perkins
Can Christians be Occupied by a Demon? Part II
As I mentioned last week a Christian can't be "possessed" by a demon because the word speaks of "ownership." Believers belong to God. This reality brings us to another question: Can a believer be indwelt by a demon? Last week I…
Post 2814·July 4, 2019·Bill Perkins
Can Demons Occupy a Christian Part I
I actually got fired once for disagreeing with a pastor about whether or not demons could occupy Christians. Before that encounter I had no idea the subject triggered such feelings. When I studied demonology at Dallas Theological…
Post 2804·June 20, 2019·Bill Perkins
What is a spiritual stronghold?
A spiritual stronghold is a fortress of lies built in the soul. Stone by stone, lie by lie, the fortress takes shape until it seems impregnable. Within its walls stands an idol that produces shame, anger, lust, greed, malice, hatred…
Post 2782·May 9, 2019·Bill Perkins
The Pressure Builds, Do This
Jesus entered the upper room knowing: His closest friends would abandon him. He would suffer an agonizing death. Judas would betray him. Peter would deny him. All the disciples would desert him. The Jews would arrest him and illegally…
Post 2767·May 1, 2019·Bill Perkins
Do You Know a Procrastinator?
Have you ever met someone who puts off starting or finishing something they dread? The task may not be difficult or complicated, but it's dreadful. For instance, I'm skilled at putting paperwork into piles and hiding them in a drawer…
Post 2298·April 18, 2019·Bill Perkins
Can Jesus Resurrect Your Dreams
Between childhood and adulthood the world, at some point, crushes our childhood capacity to dream we can make a difference. When I was ten I realized I wasn't a good enough baseball player to make it in the big league - this is an…
Post 2747·April 4, 2019·Bill Perkins
A Fire Nearly Destroyed Our Home
At 1 AM Sunday morning, March 31st, I was relaxing in my bed reading when I heard what sounded like fireworks exploding outside. Curious, I looked out a second-story window that faced west toward a park and saw an orange glow and…
Post 2653·March 21, 2019·Bill Perkins
Jesus and Divine Appointments
If ever a man was primed for a conversation with Jesus, it was Zacchaeus, whose name in Hebrew means “pure” or “righteous.” I’m sure his neighbors found his name ironic—like calling a drug dealer Doctor, or a bank robber Reverend. As a…
Post 2477·February 28, 2019·Bill Perkins
Two Seconds That Will Change Your Mind
The moment you're conscious of an unwanted thought you've got two seconds to kick it and replace it with another one. If you do this, your brain will treat the initial thought as vapor and it won't form a neural pathway. Paul wrote…
Post 2723·February 7, 2019·Bill Perkins
How Is This Possible?
I've now read through the Gospels 84 months in a row. I mention that so you'll realize how easy it is to repeatedly hear or see something without hearing or seeing it. Last week I noticed something I had missed in the previous 83 readings.
Post 2712·January 24, 2019·Bill Perkins
Are You a Lie Detector?
Every thought is linked to an emotion. Every emotion to a thought. That's why you'll suffer if you believe and repeat lies about yourself. Lies like: "I'm no good." "I'm a failure." "I'm too weak to overcome." "Nobody loves me." "I…
Post 2707·January 17, 2019·Bill Perkins
Two Tough Questions?
While seeking to destroy a stronghold, I'll eventually ask, "Have you ever done anything you've never told anyone?" Most people pause, not to consider if they've got a shameful secret, but if they'll tell me. Eventually, they pull…
Post 2694·January 10, 2019·Bill Perkins
Don't Download This Virus
We've all had it happen. In just a moment we unwittingly open an email or click on a link that downloads a virus onto our computer. Once downloaded it quickly takes over the circuitry and we lose control of the machine. Even worse, it…
Post 2681·January 3, 2019·Bill Perkins
A New Year's Challenge
As we enter a new year I’m reminded of a short poem by Gloria Pitzer that expresses a problem we all have. She wrote: “Procrastination is my sin. It brings me naught but sorrow. I know that I should stop it. In fact, I will . . . tomorrow.
Post 2660·December 26, 2018·Bill Perkins
" O Holy Night"
Over the last few days I've been listening to many versions of O Holy Night. As I listen to the words I consider all they represent and find myself drawn to the infant Jesus on that holy night long ago. I hope you'll be able to take a…
Post 2643·November 14, 2018·Bill Perkins
Demons and Healing
Some of the most dramatic healing I've seen occurred after evicting demons. It's stunning to me how many illnesses like headaches, digestive issues, panic, depression and back pain--to name a few--result from afflicting spirits. One…
Post 2636·November 8, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Second Step Toward Freedom
No spiritual stronghold will be destroyed until we let go of the sin it protects. Whether the sin is anger, bitterness, fear, despair, depression, dishonesty, lust, or a host of other sins Until we repent the sin will effectively…
Post 2631·October 25, 2018·Bill Perkins
Freedom Begins With Forgiveness
Below is a nasty list of attitudes and actions people struggle with. Most of us not only battle to break free but to keep the battle a secret. Yet, if we’re going to find freedom, we must first identify what it is we’re struggling with.
Post 2624·October 18, 2018·Bill Perkins
Finding the Root of a Stronghold
If you’ve got a character battle you keep losing over something like anger, lust, bitterness, jealousy, or depression, maybe the source of the problem is spiritual. For years I’ve helped men and women develop a strategy to rein in…
Post 2616·October 11, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Birth of a Stronghold
Every spiritual stronghold is built on a lie. And by stronghold I'm referring to a place in the heart where lies reside and generate control over an area of our life. With that in mind, the key to destroying a stronghold is to expose…
Post 2610·October 4, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Mystery of Divine Healing
I have no idea over the course of my life how many people I’ve asked God to heal. It has to be a lot though. Through the years I always gratefully accepted invitations to pray for the sick. I prayed with sincerity and I believe my…
Post 2607·September 27, 2018·Bill Perkins
When is it wrong to meet a legitimate need?
The Lord’s first temptation was straightforward: “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3, niv). Satan’s question implied Jesus might not be the Son of God. It prodded him to prove his identity and…
Post 2598·September 13, 2018·Bill Perkins
Find an Isolated Place
Several years ago I found an isolated place where I could sit quietly and listen for God's voice. A place where I could bask in the wonder of his creation and pray. Cooks Butte Park, a wilderness park on the summit of a hill where we…
Post 2588·September 6, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Private Life of Jesus
I have a reoccurring dream in which I’m running as hard as I can. Sometimes I’m running barefoot across an open field of green grass in the country. Or, on an asphalt street through a crowded neighborhood. Often I’m playing football…
Post 2570·August 30, 2018·Bill Perkins
Jesus drew a picture of the invisible
Jesus took an invisible-abstract idea and drew a picture of the intersection of a branch and grapevine. "I'm the vine and you're the branches. Stay connected to me and you'll produce barrels of grapes" (John 15:1-5--paraphrase). But…
Post 2561·August 23, 2018·Bill Perkins
One word Jesus used ten times
All of the resources available to Jesus are there for us. The questions is, how do we follow his example and draw on such wisdom and strength. The night before his crucifixion, after leaving the upper room, and leading his disciples…
Post 2550·August 16, 2018·Bill Perkins
The day I met the Jesus of power
Throughout my four years at Dallas Theological Seminary--four years of intense biblical study and spiritual growth--I learned that I was to follow Jesus in his teaching and discipleship methods, but not in his supernatural ministry.…
Post 2545·August 9, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Power of Spiritual Expectation
What you expect from Jesus will determine what you receive. When Jesus visited Nazareth, his hometown, his childhood friends and neighbors were initially impressed by his words (Mark 6:2). But then they recognized him. “Isn’t this the…
Post 2536·July 26, 2018·Bill Perkins
Fear Driven Questions
One day you’ll face an impossible challenge. The opposition will be strong, entrenched and organized. Moses felt that way when God appeared in the burning bush and said, “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites…
Post 2520·June 7, 2018·Bill Perkins
When You're Outnumbered
I used to ask God to show me himself. He never did. I can’t help but think my faith would be stronger if an army of angels appeared to me as they did to Elisha’s servant. If you recall the story, you know it illustrates God’s existence…
Post 2506·May 17, 2018·Bill Perkins
The Healing Power of Tears
Many men feel uncomfortable crying. Some men can't cry. They think tears are a sign of emotional weakness. Yet in John 11:35 we read that at the tomb of Lazarus, "Jesus wept." It’s the shortest verse in the bible, just two words, yet…
Post 2500·April 26, 2018·Bill Perkins
How to rebuke like Jesus
Sometimes an exhortation may take the form of a chisel that chips off a rough edge. While the process is painful, it may be necessary. That's why the Apostle Paul urged Timothy to not only "correct" and "encourage" but to "rebuke" as well.
Post 2490·April 12, 2018·Bill Perkins
Do this to control anger
Has it ever occurred to you that Jesus was 30-years- old when he cleansed the temple? That means he likely visited the temple during every Passovers for eighteen years. He had repeatedly seen the money tables, herds of animals and…
Post 2482·March 29, 2018·Bill Perkins
I almost killed my nephew--a baby
Before the birth of our first son I feared I wouldn’t like him. My concern was rooted in a childhood experience I had when I was seven. My oldest sister had a baby and when she brought him home she asked if I wanted to hold him. I…
Post 2478·February 15, 2018·Bill Perkins
Are you successful in God's eyes?
A paradigm defines the way we view something. For instance, if a man walks around looking at life through binoculars, he'll view everything as big and close. A paradigm shift occurs when he puts down the binoculars--suddenly the world…
Post 2468·January 26, 2018·Bill Perkins
When it's okay NOT to forgive
Okay, you already know the answer: It's never okay NOT to forgive. At least according to Jesus. But there must be situations where God would flex a bit on this. For instance, are we supposed to forgive someone who repeatedly…
Post 2455·December 28, 2017·Bill Perkins
How to Smile Back at the New Year
Don’t be deceived into thinking it’s meaningless to number your days. It isn’t. And don’t kid yourself into thinking it’s easy. It’s not. Indeed, the psalmist pleaded with God to help him do just that. In Psalm 39:4 he cried out…
Post 2443·December 21, 2017·Bill Perkins
A Different View of Christmas
The Christmas Story we celebrate every year centers around a promised birth, a star, shepherds, magi, a manger and a baby. What most people don't realize is that the story is more than a night in a manger. For instance, did you know…
Post 2428·November 23, 2017·Bill Perkins
Something we seldom say "Thanks" for
Like a fly on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, we often fail to recognize the wonder that surrounds us. This Thanksgiving, join me in thanking God for something we often take for granted. In Psalm 139:14-15 David wrote: “For you…
Post 2423·November 16, 2017·Bill Perkins
The Church Has Been Deceived Part 2
Without repentance, it's impossible to overpower compulsive lust. Can't be done. Nor can we harness explosive rage, bitterness, fear, self-hatred, jealousy, addiction, fear, suicidal thoughts and other controlling sins. We can pray…
Post 2415·November 2, 2017·Bill Perkins
The Church Has Been Deceived
I’ve got a confession to make. I’ve helped people manage their addiction — not get free of it.
Post 2411·October 12, 2017·Bill Perkins
The day I learned my son had cancer
In each instance when Jesus prayed alone, he faced a different kind of need that would require the wisdom and strength of his Father. I’m convinced that explains why Jesus not only prayed alone, but uttered short prayers throughout the day.
Post 2402·September 21, 2017·Bill Perkins
Will The World End This Saturday?
David Meade, a self-proclaimed “researcher,” is predicting that a series of apocalyptic events will begin this Saturday, September 23rd, and, “a major part of the world will not be the same.” According to Meade the mysterious rogue…
Post 2395·September 13, 2017·Bill Perkins
An Unfailing Source of Power
Most of us have faced the inconvenience of losing power for a few hours. If a car battery failed we may have been stranded. If it was a power outage due to an ice or wind storm, we may have suffered through a dark and cold night. What…
Post 2386·September 7, 2017·Bill Perkins
How to Win the Fight for Your Heart
A real fight isn’t Tae Bo. It’s not like hitting one of those four-foot-tall inflatable punching bags that looks like a clown and makes a weak punch look like a hay-maker. Stepping into a ring and fighting for three minutes turns…
Post 2381·August 24, 2017·Bill Perkins
Where To Find Courage
Courage is the ability to face difficulty, danger, or pain without crippling fear. And because life presents us with difficulty, danger and pain we all have opportunities to demonstrate courage. Like when we face the prospect of failing…
Post 2375·August 17, 2017·Bill Perkins
Don't Pray for More Power. Pray for This.
When Paul prayed for the Ephesians he didn’t ask God to give them more power. Instead, he prayed they would comprehend the power available to them. Specifically, he asked God to enable them to understand that they have access to the…
Post 2363·August 10, 2017·Bill Perkins
Johnny Lingo's Eight Cow Wife
Patricia McGeer tells the story of a journey to the island of Kiniwata in the Pacific. While on the island she repeatedly heard stories about Johnny Lingo--the brightest, strongest and richest man on the island. Every time his name…
Post 2355·July 27, 2017·Bill Perkins
Babe Caught Me Unprepared
Texas beaches along the Gulf of Mexico stretch far and flat. Long and lonely they offer no resistance to a hurricane's windy blast or tidal surge. Realizing this, builders perch homes on stilts so the wind and waves will pass under them.
Post 2344·June 22, 2017·Bill Perkinsdraft
Can you really do what Jesus did?
It’s understandable to think we could no more emulate Jesus than Superman. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stairs, but we’re not going to follow the Man of Steel off a tall building. Likewise, most of us figure we could…
Post 2339·June 1, 2017·Bill Perkins
Avoid Distractions
Time and again, Jesus reminded his disciples about his and their mission. The day he called his first disciples, they were casting a net into a lake. He told them, “Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). After…
Post 2329·May 25, 2017·Bill Perkins
A liar With Integrity
Ethics is a defined standard of right and wrong, good and evil, like the Ten Commandments. Morality is a lived standard of right and wrong, good and evil. It's what we say and do as an expression of our true ethic. In other words, how we…
Post 2311·May 18, 2017·Bill Perkins
The Hypocrite
Hypocrisy was a big deal to Jesus. I mean in a bad way. Toward the end of his ministry he said this: “Woe to you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites” (Matthew 23:13). “Woe to you, scribes, and Pharisees, hypocrites” (Matthew 23:14).…
Post 2301·May 11, 2017·Bill Perkins
Reviving Crushed Dreams
Between childhood and adulthood something harmful happens. The world, at some point, crushes our childhood capacity to dream we can make a difference in the world. When I turned ten I realized I would never be a big-league baseball…
Post 2282·May 4, 2017·Bill Perkins
The first lie you believed and how it messed you up
The first lie is the most important lie. Like the first dandelion seed blown into a yard. Or, the first domino to fall in a row. Or, the first shot fired in a war. The first lie is the most important because it leads to other, bigger lies.
Post 2268·April 20, 2017·Bill Perkins
When you can't provide
“You give them something to eat," Jesus said (Matthew 14:16). The question took the disciples by surprise. The Lord has just asked them where they could get bread to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children. Where indeed? The disciples…
Post 2260·April 13, 2017·Bill Perkins
Seize the Moment
Procrastinators focus on problems. The diligent focus on solutions. There is an element of dishonesty in procrastination. When we procrastinate, we lie to ourselves to avoid work, instead of facing the facts. We lack the integrity to…
Post 2255·April 6, 2017·Bill Perkins
God's Power in You
Jesus’ words and deeds on the night of the Last Supper were focused on helping the disciples grasp a truth as revolutionary as the first use of an incandescent light. “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are…
Post 2248·March 30, 2017·Bill Perkins
A word Jesus used 10 times in 3 verses
Confused and afraid the disciples left the upper room and stepped onto the narrow Jerusalem street. They felt the frigid air nip at their faces and cut through their robes. Holding their fluttering torches high they followed Jesus out…
Post 2240·March 23, 2017·Bill Perkins
The key to success or failure
Consider these truths that come from a single principle: You reap only if you sow. You reap only what you sow. You reap after you sow. You reap more than you sow. All of this flows from the law of the harvest: "You always reap what you sow"
Post 2233·March 16, 2017·Bill Perkins
The night God saved my marriage
That night, after we climbed into bed, repelling each other like the negative ends of two magnets, I asked Cindy, “Would you marry me again?” Before her heart could beat she said, “No way!” “Would you marry me again?” she asked. “Not a…
Post 2221·March 9, 2017·Bill Perkins
Re-sit the first domino
The rape. The injustice. The bitterness. The lie that he should even-the-score. The rage. The Orchestrated murder of Amnon, his half-brother. Hiding three years. The revolution he inspired. His death and King David's tears, “O my son…
Post 2217·March 2, 2017·Bill Perkins
The lie about forgiveness
Has anyone ever asked if you’ve done something nobody knows about? Or, asked if you’ve had something done to you no-one knows about? It’s not like everyone has a dark secret. At least, not that dark or deeply hidden. But lots of us do.
Post 2210·February 23, 2017·Bill Perkins
The purpose of personal power
In his book, Transforming Leadership , Leighton Ford observes, "Next to truth, the power question is the most important issue for the leader. And it is precisely in relation to power that the leadership of Jesus stands in the greatest…
Post 2206·February 19, 2017·Bill Perkins
The Greatest Easter Ever
There are 57 days until Easter. If you read the Jesus Story for less than ten minutes a day you’ll experience the entire life of Christ in chronological order and reach the resurrection on Easter Day. Only 300 copies of this limited…
Post 2196·February 16, 2017·Bill Perkins
How to lower your stress.
You wouldn't think something as insignificant as a gear-shift indicator could spell disaster for a car. But it did. I used to own a sporty car that worked great except for the gear-shift indicator. When the indicator was on D the car…
Post 2192·February 9, 2017·Bill Perkins
The meaning of holiness
When Isaiah beheld God sitting on his throne, high and exalted, with his robe filling the temple, angels flew around him and said to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3).
Post 2187·February 2, 2017·Bill Perkins
What is integrity?
A biblical author once wrote, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is both eternal and unchanging. If the author of Hebrews had wanted to use one word to describe Jesus as unchanging he could…
Post 2177·January 26, 2017·Bill Perkins
Before Jesus healed he felt this
When two blind men cried out to Jesus, the crowd saw them as intruders--irritants they brushed aside like pesky flies. Jesus viewed them differently. Matthew tells us: "Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately…
Post 2172·January 19, 2017·Bill Perkins
How I hope to face hardship
On December 17, 1850, Captain Allen Gardiner and six companions landed at Patagonia on the southern tip of South America. They made that long journey to bring the gospel to a people so primitive that evolutionist Charles Darwin said…
Post 2168·January 12, 2017·Bill Perkins
When you lack the needed faith
We all face situations where a gap exists between the faith we have and the faith needed to release the power of God into a situation. Like the dad who begged the Lord’s disciples to evict a demon from his son. The evil spirit would…
Post 2160·January 6, 2017·Bill Perkins
Will you join me?
Nothing has strengthened my faith and transformed my life more than reading through the four Gospels every month. When I began, 59 months ago, I followed a much weaker Jesus than I do today. Much of this was due to my theological…
Post 2140·December 25, 2016·Bill Perkins
Merry Christmas
The star gave light and direction . . . the angels song and joy . . . the shepherds wonder . . . the magi worship and wealth . . . the innkeeper a manger . . . the Father, his Son. And we, our heart. Cindy and I pray you have a blessed…
Post 2131·December 23, 2016·Bill Perkins
Do you have a stronghold?
Have you ever done anything horrible that you’ve kept secret? Have you suffered something horrible that you’ve kept secret? If you answered yes to either question, it's likely you've got a stronghold. And if you do, I'd guess there's…
Post 2124·December 1, 2016·Bill Perkins
Why a mask hides the true you
According to the Merriam Webster dictionary a stronghold is, “a protected place where the members of a military group stay and can defend themselves against attack. I would add that it’s also a place from which an army can mount an attack.”
Post 2116·November 23, 2016·Bill Perkins
Jesus' six reasons to give thanks
I got the list from Jesus, really. One day the Lord told his followers why they should trust in God and not worry (Matthew 6:26-33). I realize Thanksgiving isn't a season of worry but gratitude. But I also know in order to give thanks…
Post 2102·November 3, 2016·Bill Perkins
A weird experiment with a lesson
I've never cracked an egg with a chicken inside. That would be a shocker if it occurred over a frying pan. But it's been done by biologists with a fascinating result. In fact, it's an experiment with a lesson. A biologist cracks the…
Post 2098·October 27, 2016·Bill Perkins
The hardest lie to tell will surprise you
You might think telling a big lie would be harder than telling a small one. According to Tali Sharot, a neuroscientist at University College London, such isn’t the case. Sharot said , “Whether it’s evading tax, infidelity, doping in…
Post 2093·October 21, 2016·Bill Perkins
When my dad died
I remember when my dad died. I stood beside his bed, my hands on his chest, as he quietly exhaled. One moment he was there, the next he was gone. And life moved on. A sand castle on the beach. For hours the castle stands tall, and then…
Post 2066·October 13, 2016·Bill Perkins
One way we're alike
In one way we're alike. We want our life to matter. And sometimes we wonder if it does, or ever will. You may go for weeks, months, or even years without giving it much thought. And then you run into an old high school or college…
Post 2052·September 30, 2016·Bill Perkins
When getting even feels right
One of Jesus' more controversial and misunderstood teachings dealt with forgiveness. In the Old Testament the Hebrew people were commanded to seek equal recompense for a wrong suffered. They were told to take "Eye for eye, and tooth…
Post 2045·September 22, 2016·Bill Perkins
The Meaning of Weism
Meism says, "Me first." It’s the opposite of weism that says, "We first.” On the night before his crucifixion Jesus prayed for his future disciples--you and me. He could have prayed we would be strong and powerful. Instead, we read, "I…
Post 2036·September 14, 2016·Bill Perkins
Leading through discouragement
Nobody sails through life without a dose of discouragement. And how we handle discouragement will dictate, not only our emotional and mental health, but our ability to bring a vision into reality. So how do we get past discouragement…
Post 2029·August 31, 2016·Bill Perkins
Failure is the seed of success
I've got an impressive resume of failure. It's embarrassing to admit, but it's true. At one time or another I've failed in every area of my life. Seriously. I've broken things I hoped to fix, dropped things I hoped to carry, and hurt…
Post 2023·August 25, 2016·Bill Perkins
Seeing the Invisible God
Astrophysicist and author, Dr. Hugh Ross, encourages us to imagine that the two-dimensional image on a television monitor consists of a living two-dimensional world. If you placed your fingertip on the screen, what would the people in…
Post 2019·August 18, 2016·Bill Perkins
Spiritual victory is a line not a dot
Spiritual victory is a line, not a dot. By that I mean it's not a single attitude or action; it's a series of attitudes and actions which, over time, define who we are. If we drew it on a piece of paper, it would appear as a wavy line…
Post 2014·August 11, 2016·Bill Perkins
How to restrain your anger
Jesus was 30-years-old when he first cleansed the temple. That means he had visited the temple during all of the Passovers since he was twelve. He repeatedly saw the money tables, herds of animals and crates of birds. He smelled the…
Post 2010·August 4, 2016·Bill Perkins
How Jesus changed a mind
Few leadership challenges are tougher than leading people into change. No wonder. The thought of change creates uncertainty about the future. And uncertainty about the future creates fear about the change. In order to protect…
Post 2000·July 21, 2016·Bill Perkins
Something Jesus Never Did
Lately I’ve been thinking about procrastination. How I tend to put off doing things I don’t enjoy. Like de-cluttering the storage room or shaving my dog—my dog is a golden-doodle and I shave her to the skin twice a year, except for her…
Post 1996·July 14, 2016·Bill Perkins
Do you do this?
After the false alarm regarding a brain disease a radiologist said I had, which a neurologist later said I don’t have , I thought a lot about the brevity of life. And how much time I waste. I don’t like to think I’m lazy. After all, I’m…
Post 1990·July 7, 2016·Bill Perkins
A justifiable sin?
There’s nothing wrong with eating bread when you’re hungry. And after fasting for forty days it wouldn’t have been wrong for Jesus to turn stones into bread and eat them—unless in doing so he acted independent of his Father. That’s…
Post 1987·July 1, 2016·Bill Perkins
"Your brain is not normal."
The neurologist gazed intently at a magnetic resonance image of my brain. The same brain a radiologist referred to when he said, “You have small vessel brain disease” (SVD) (I covered that half of the story in this article ). Still…
Post 1983·June 23, 2016·Bill Perkins
“You’ve got a brain disease,” she said.
A couple months ago I got a call from a radiologist who had viewed an MRI of my brain. I expected her to say, “Good news. It’s there.” Instead she said, “I’ve got good news and bad news.” I always want the good news first. If I get…
Post 1978·June 16, 2016·Bill Perkins
Are you open to correction?
If we're not open to correction then we’re inauthentic. The religious leaders of Jesus' day had developed an elaborate system of rituals (masks) that enabled them to appear better on the outside than they were on the inside. Over time…
Post 1973·June 9, 2016·Thomas Wellsdraft
Fear Isn't an Excuse Not to Act
While visiting an orphanage in India several years ago, my host asked if I wanted to preach to a group of pastors and widows. I told him "No." It’s one thing to give my testimony at a youth event, like I did in Indonesia…
Post 1968·June 3, 2016·Bill Perkins
How Jesus Dealt With Distractions
Because I work from home, I continually deal with distractions. Unread e-mails, sports scores to check, news to read, phone calls to answer, phone calls to make, my wife asking for help, the dog wanting to go out, the dog wanting to…
Post 1955·May 27, 2016·Bill Perkins
Is Jesus like Superman?
Some people think following Jesus is as impossible as following Superman. They have no problem tailing Clark Kent up fifty flights of stairs, but things get tougher when the Man of Steel leaps off the roof and flies away. Such thinking…
Post 1947·May 19, 2016·Thomas Wellsdraft
Can You Meet God Outside the Bible?
My introduction to Christianity began with my entry into the world. My parents placed their warm hands on my soft head and prayed God’s blessing over me. From that moment forward, faith saturated my life. Every Sunday…
Post 1942·May 13, 2016·Bill Perkins
What I Never Saw Before
I counted twenty-three times in the Gospels that Jesus referred directly or indirectly to his death and/or resurrection. In none of those instances did the disciples understand what he was talking about. Not once. The most memorable…
Post 1937·April 28, 2016·Bill Perkins
The disciples' myside bias
Like a radar system that only detects enemy planes while ignoring friendlies, our minds tend to pick up information that supports what we already believe and ignores the rest. This is called confirmation, or myside bias. It’s the…
Post 1934·April 22, 2016·Bill Perkins
How did the disciples miss this
Twenty-three times Jesus made direct or indirect reference to his death and resurrection. And yet, the disciples never understood what he was talking about. Once, after he told them he would die and be raised from the dead, the…
Post 1929·April 15, 2016·Bill Perkins
Something to ponder
Jesus said, “My words are both Spirit and life” (John 6:63). He didn’t say my words point to Spirit and life. Nor did he say, my words teach about Spirit and life. Jesus said, “My words are Spirit and life.” Profound statement.…
Post 1923·April 7, 2016·Bill Perkins
What would you do?
Every week the news carries stories of vulnerable people who have been beaten, robbed, harassed, and murdered. Because such stories are about people who live on the other side of the world, across town, or in another city, it’s normal…
Post 1919·March 31, 2016·Bill Perkins
What if it doesn’t work?
It’s easy to read the Gospels and conclude we should only follow Jesus when he teaches and disciples. Not when he heals and casts out demons. After all, what if we pray for healing and it doesn’t work? Or, what if we try to evict a…
Post 1912·March 17, 2016·Bill Perkins
Believing an unbelievable promise
While Jesus made some astounding promises, none is harder to believe than this one: “Whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these . . . ” (John 14:12). But before…
Post 1900·February 25, 2016·Bill Perkins
A Promise Nobody Believes
Have you ever considered the unbelievable promises Jesus made? Personally, I find comfort in most of the Lord’s promises. For instance, in John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the…
Post 1895·February 18, 2016·Bill Perkins
What do you see in this picture?
What do you see when you look at the image above? Before reading on, take a moment and examine the picture. Most people see either a rabbit or a duck. And then after a moment or so they see both. It’s amazing that something can be…
Post 1891·February 12, 2016·Bill Perkins
Never hide this!
When someone is placed under oath they swear to, “Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” The middle phrase is a problem for someone who wants to minimize what they’ve done. Most of us are okay admitting we did…
Post 1881·February 5, 2016·Bill Perkins
How to keep demons away
You’re sitting in a comfortable beach chair on a white Caribbean beach. Sea gulls make a ha, ha, ha, ha, sound as they fly overhead. Soft waves break and roll toward the shore. Suddenly a child standing beside your chair begins to kick…
Post 1875·January 29, 2016·Bill Perkins
After a demon is gone, what then?
Jesus told a parable in Matthew 12:43-45 which gives insight into what happens after a demon leaves someone. Here’s what he said: “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and…
Post 1871·January 21, 2016·Bill Perkins
How to evict a demon
Evicting a demon involves taking authority over it, naming it, and commanding it, in the name of Jesus Christ, to leave and go where Jesus sends it. However, if you only read this blog, without looking over those I’ve written for the…
Post 1867·January 14, 2016·Bill Perkins
Where are demons today?
I’ve written three books to help people overcome addictions. While writing I offered biblical truth along with current scientific knowledge. I did this because I view all truth as God’s truth. But the foundation of everything I believe…
Post 1861·January 7, 2016·Bill Perkins
A Familiar Word Few Understand
On a cold December night in 2011, I stood on the edge of a black vortex. I knew if I stepped into the spinning mass it would take years to climb out. And I knew my family and I would suffer long-term damage. You may wonder how I ended…
Post 1854·December 31, 2015·Bill Perkins
My New Year’s Challenge
Forty-seven months ago I had an insight that changed my life. I realized that while I had written three books based on the ministry model of Jesus, read numerous books on his life, contributed notes on the Gospels to three study…
Post 1844·December 24, 2015·Bill Perkins
The Christmas dreamer nobody knows
I find it interesting that so little is said about Joseph in the Gospel narrative. And yet, without his immediate obedience to God, Jesus may have been killed in his childhood. Here’s what the Gospel writers tell us about Joseph…
Post 1840·December 17, 2015·Bill Perkins
The second step to freedom
Rosemont Road winds its way through Oregon hills. A vineyard hugs a hill to the south while grass covers the northerly hills. Three or four times a week for the last sixteen years I’ve driven down Rosemont Road on my way to meetings.…
Post 1822·November 26, 2015·Bill Perkins
Something to give thanks for
Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. Unfortunately, I'm too often like a cat living in a palace. Surrounded by beauty it focuses on the bird on a branch just outside the glass window. It places a padded paw on the pane as it craves the…
Post 1817·November 19, 2015·Bill Perkins
The Root of a Stronghold
A stronghold is a tree. What we see is the canopy—the angry outburst, depression, addiction, jealousy, dishonesty, impurity, and fear. What we can’t see are the roots. Because of that we spend time and energy pruning what can be seen…
Post 1808·November 5, 2015·Bill Perkins
How we build strongholds
The enemy builds a stronghold in our life when we give him a foothold— a secure position from which he can and will make further progress. The word “foothold” is only used once in the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:26-27 the Apostle…
Post 1803·October 29, 2015·Bill Perkins
What's a spiritual stronghold?
A spiritual stronghold is a fortress of lies built in the soul. Stone by stone, lie by lie, the fortress takes shape until it seems impregnable. Behind its walls, shame, anger, lust, greed, malice and a host of evil finds refuge. The…
Post 1798·October 22, 2015·Bill Perkins
How do demons get in?
After watching a demonized boy roll around on the ground while foaming at the mouth, Jesus asked his father, “’How long has this been happening to him?’ "‘From his childhood,’ his father said" (Mark 9:21). The Greek word used by the…
Post 1793·October 15, 2015·Bill Perkins
Can Christians be Demon Possessed?
Suppose you own a home free and clear. You’ve got the deed locked away in a safety deposit box. Over the years you’ve replaced the roof, the AC and heater, the carpet and you upgraded the kitchen and bathrooms. It’s a nice house and…
Post 1788·October 8, 2015·Bill Perkins
Jesus and Demons and You
Growing up I believed God was real but couldn’t be known. Since that was the case, I concluded nothing mattered. At age 19 I understood, for the first time, that Jesus died in my place and was raised from the dead. That realization…
Post 1780·October 1, 2015·Bill Perkins
I saw a demonized man set free
“What is your name,” I demanded. Rather than getting an answer the demon’s host, a 260 pound man sitting on a chair in front of me, bent over and convulsed. With my right hand pressed against his chest, his fists clinched, his jaw…
Post 1773·September 24, 2015·Thomas Wellsdraft
Don't Just Talk About Faith—Live It
One summer while in high school, I attended a two-week conference in the mountains of Colorado. For ten hours a day, we listened to lecture after lecture about topics relating to our faith.…
Post 1768·September 18, 2015·Bill Perkins
Do this to an enemy
Humility is sometimes measured by how losses are handled. Humble men and women don't make excuses. They don't point fingers. They accept that even a valiant effort sometimes isn't enough. On other occasions it's measured by how…
Post 1763·September 10, 2015·Bill Perkins
Am I dying?
I’m not. That is, I’m not dying. But I can worry like a man waiting for a doc’s fatal diagnosis. And yet, I’m an amateur worrier compared to a friend. I asked him once if he ever noticed that most of the things he worries about never…
Post 1754·September 3, 2015·Bill Perkins
When you go for it, and things don’t go
We're taught to travel fast and light. On the freeway we drive in the fast lane. If we want something we're told to, "Go for it!" Immediate gratification is a driving force in our lives. We expect pain to go away fast—that's what…
Post 1750·August 27, 2015·Bill Perkins
Is Jesus Really Superman?
Of course, it would be easy to think we could no more follow Jesus' example than we could follow the example of Superman. After all, Jesus was fully God and man. I suspect most people figure they could at least try to follow him when…
Post 1741·August 13, 2015·Bill Perkins
Hold up my hands, please!
You would never expect a battle to be won because a man, standing on a hill, held up his hands. And yet, that’s what happened when the Jews fought an enemy in the wilderness of Rephidim. Understanding why this happened involves a small…
Post 1733·August 6, 2015·Bill Perkins
I can't do this without you
I’ve never needed the partnership of friends more than now. I’ve worked for a year to bring The Jesus Story to a place where it’s ready to be printed and shipped. It’s been a labor of love and I think when you watch the video, or watch…
Post 1715·July 30, 2015·Bill Perkins
I’m nervous and curious
I’ve got to admit, I’m nervous. Not a frightened kind of nervous. But an excited kind of nervous. Like a kid before the first day of school. Or, an athlete before a championship game. The good kind of nervous. You would be too, I think.
Post 1704·July 23, 2015·Bill Perkins
COUNTDOWN: 8 days to launch
Several years ago I realized I didn’t know Jesus very well. This insight surprised me. After all, I had been his follower for four decades, taught about his life and teaching, written two books based on his life and ministry, and…
Post 1685·July 9, 2015·Bill Perkins
Give This to Your Friends
Prompted by the Spirit of God and a desire to talk, I pick up the phone and call a close friend. The moment he answers the tone of his voice tells me he's discouraged. "What's up?" I ask. And then he tells me about his wife's failing…
Post 1672·June 18, 2015·Bill Perkins
Something God Never Did
I used to ask God to show himself to me. He never did. I can't help but think my faith would be stronger if an angel, or angels, appeared to me as they did to Elisha's servant. If you recall the story, then you know it's an impressive…
Post 1665·June 11, 2015·Thomas Wellsdraft
Why Doesn't God Show Up?
Between my late teens and early twenties, I became convinced that I was on the verge of a spiritual epiphany—a paradigm shift that would revolutionize how I viewed and interacted with God.…
Post 1642·May 28, 2015·Bill Perkins
He Slammed His Fist Down
One day a man sat across from my desk and accused me of insensitivity. Not a novel observation. In the past my mother, father, wife, children, best friends, casual acquaintances, and strangers had pointed it out to me. That's why his…
Post 1636·May 21, 2015·Bill Perkins
One Word That Changed My View
I'm not sure why Jesus brought Peter, James and John into the garden of Gethsemane with him. Did he hope, like disciplined sentries, they would alertly stand guard? Or, was he like a soldier who lets his young son sleep with him the…
Post 1611·May 7, 2015·Bill Perkins
Two keys to bring about change
Bringing about change is tough because people tend to polarize around a position and feel they have to be right all the time. Rather than fighting it out, suggest everyone delay making a judgment until more questions have been asked…
Post 1607·April 30, 2015·Bill Perkins
A Lesson From Sherlock Holmes
If you're leading a person or organization into change, never forget that some people want things done today as they have been in the past. Nobody illustrates this better than the ancient Pharisees who believed righteous people only…
Post 1599·April 23, 2015·Bill Perkins
I Did A Few Things Right!
I have a friend who is dying. I’ve known Stan Giles since 1977 when we worked together at a church in Houston, Texas. He has brain cancer and every day is now a gift. For the last couple months he’s been sending an email to friends.…
Post 1593·April 16, 2015·Bill Perkins
To Bring Change Do This
I recently got into a conversation with a pastor about how to best facilitate change in a church. He wanted to know how to stop a tradition that has been practiced since the church’s inception. I felt like he had just asked me how to…
Post 1586·April 9, 2015·Bill Perkins
What Happened to "Normal?"
In the past change was a slow process, like the gradual eroding of the shoreline. When a cycle of change was completed, things settled down to “normal.” The world is different now, as author and educator Jeanenne LaMarsh has observed…
Post 1583·April 2, 2015·Bill Perkins
What Jesus Do You Listen To?
Last month I read through the four Gospels and looked for instances where Jesus referred to his death and resurrection. As I did, I found myself amazed at how many times his disciples heard him speak on the subject without…
Post 1572·March 26, 2015·Bill Perkins
Facing What You Fear
Had you sat next to Jesus in Gethsemane, knowing what he would face the next day, you probably would have concluded he wasn't up to the task. If just the thought of crucifixion affected him so dramatically, what would the actual event…
Post 1565·March 19, 2015·Bill Perkins
What Would You Do With This Woman?
Even though most women have been hurt by men at some time in their lives, efforts are made in our culture to protect the rights of women. Such wasn’t the case in ancient Israel. At the time of Jesus, women suffered under cultural…
Post 1559·March 12, 2015·Thomas Wellsdraft
The Question You Must Always Ask
The other week, my wife, Claire, and I were at the airport. As we walked toward our gate, I noticed someone familiar—he had a bald head, stood about my height, and wore a suit. At first…
Post 1553·March 5, 2015·Bill Perkins
Jesus and Women
Most women have been hurt by a man. According to an Internet survey of almost 250 women across the United States, 60% said they had been hurt by their dad and 83% said they had been hurt by a man other than their dad. The knife dug…
Post 1549·February 26, 2015·Bill Perkins
The One Word Jesus Said Ten Times
The outdoor survivalist talking on television sported a stubby beard, worn jeans, a faded camo-shirt, and dirty hiking boots. Holding a small magnifying glass he had swiveled out of a vinyl case, and speaking out the side of his mouth…
Post 1545·February 19, 2015·Bill Perkins
The Whisper of Satan We Hear Every Day
I don’t like to think I’m lazy. I mean, I don’t want to be. Yet, I seem to constantly battle it. Except when I don’t. On those days Laziness and I kick back and relax—like old friends. There are even weeks when we hang out for days at…
Post 1539·February 12, 2015·Bill Perkins
That Drove Me to My Knees!
I recall visiting a friend in his home for the first time. He greeted me warmly, and we walked into his den. The first thing I noticed was the forty-two-inch HDTV on the wall. Its screen flashed a colorful and precise image while the…
Post 1530·February 5, 2015·Bill Perkins
This Judge Put His Head in the Wrong Lap
I talk with a lot of guys who feel they’ve screwed their life up so badly they’ll never recover. The stories I’ve been told would break my heart if I wasn’t sure God delights in using men who’ve blown through their marriages, messed up…
Post 1520·January 29, 2015·Bill Perkins
The Power of Desperation
In the movie, Wild , there is a scene where the lead character, Cheryl Strayed, played by Reese Witherspoon, enters a clothing boutique in Ashland, Oregon after hiking 700 miles along the Pacific Coast Trail, alone. After putting on…
Post 1512·January 22, 2015·Thomas Wellsdraft
Searching for a Simplified Faith
It might not come as a surprise to learn that I’m fairly driven. I set goals and relentlessly pursue them until they’re accomplished. It’s how I’ve always been—even as a kid, I took…
Post 1506·January 15, 2015·Bill Perkins
The Danger of Selective Listening
“What is a dog?” That’s the title to a funny little description which begins like this: “Dogs lie around all day, sprawled on the most comfortable piece of furniture in the house. They constantly scratch themselves. They can hear a…
Post 1498·January 8, 2015·Bill Perkins
I Never Saw That Before
One of the most memorable learning experiences of my life occurred when Professor Howard Hendricks required all of his students, including me, to come up with 25 observations from Acts 1:8. As a first year seminary student the…
Post 1491·December 31, 2014·Bill Perkins
Try This For One Year
I’m a fan of New Year’s resolutions. I realize most resolutions are made only to be broken. You could prove the point by visiting any gym anywhere in the world during the first week of January. And then visit that gym a month later. I…
Post 1485·December 24, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Untold Christmas Story
There’s a part of the Christmas story that seldom gets told. It involves someone overshadowed by Mary and Jesus and the shepherds and the star and the stable and the manger and the angels and the wise men. When referred to, his name is…
Post 1470·December 18, 2014·Bill Perkins
A Demon in Her Stomach
In the spring of 2014 I dropped by a friend’s house unannounced. Because he offices out of his home people come and go without knocking. So after stepping out of my car I entered through the side door and climbed the stairs. I called…
Post 1461·December 11, 2014·Bill Perkins
A Man With a Healed Kidney
Surrey, British Columbia was once recognized as the car-theft capital of the world. It still competes for the bragging rights but nobody in the Vancouver burb seems disappointed that they’re no longer number one. Cindy and I drove from…
Post 1456·December 4, 2014·Bill Perkins
A Woman Delivered From a Demon
For 13 consecutive years Bonaire has been voted the best shore diving destination in the world . The boomerang shaped island is almost 24 miles long from north to south and only 3-7 miles in width. There is little current on the…
Post 1451·November 27, 2014·Bill Perkins
Something I Easily Take for Granted
I'm too often like a cat living in a palace. What cat ever pondered the brilliance of the architecture or the art that adorns the palace walls? Surrounded by beauty it focuses on the bird perched on a branch just outside the window. It…
Post 1447·November 20, 2014·Bill Perkins
Do Demons Afflict People Today?
Tell someone you believe demons afflict people today and you’ll likely get an eye roll. Except for a few Catholic priests and extreme elements of the Charismatic movement, most people take the idea as seriously as Santa Claus or the…
Post 1434·November 7, 2014·Bill Perkins
How to Hear God Speak
I had just finished speaking at a men’s event in Texas when a man approached and asked if I would pray for him. Josh was 52, stood 5’10” and wore a red racing jacket covered with patches.
Post 1412·October 30, 2014·Bill Perkins
How to Know if You're Hearing God's Voice
One day a man named Jaker asked if I would pray for him—he suffered from a congestive illness that had plagued him for years. Before answering his question, I asked about his name. He said his parents planned to name him Joker, but…
Post 1403·October 23, 2014·Bill Perkins
Does God Want to Speak to You?
On numerous occasions I’ve had men approach me and say, “I have a word from the Lord for you.” They would then speak the “word” which was actually many words, not just one. Without exception their “word” included something about my…
Post 1392·October 16, 2014·Bill Perkins
How God Speaks to Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day
Until three years ago, I didn’t think God spoke today. In fact, I would have argued that there is no need for God to speak to anyone today because he’s given us the Bible. I urged people who wanted to hear from God to read the Scripture.
Post 1385·October 9, 2014·Bill Perkins
I Thought I Was Going Crazy—Literally
Does God speak to people today? I mean on a regular basis and in a way that will enable them to bring encouragement and healing to others? If you had asked me that question three years ago, I would have said no. And then I would have…
Post 1379·October 2, 2014·Thomas Wellsdraft
What Do I Have to Do to Earn God’s Love?
Shortly after getting married, I got into the habit of writing a note to my wife every morning. They usually weren't long, no more than a few sentences. But I enjoyed writing them and…
Post 1367·September 18, 2014·Bill Perkins
I Do It All The Time
I see someone and quickly make judgments based on a visual inspection. I judge how well they measure-up to my dress, grooming and posture standards. Are they fit? Or not? Are they attractive? Or not?
Post 1360·September 11, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Hardest Question to Answer
Why? It's the question that hits first and lingers longest. Why me? Why now? Why this? Most people don't even try to answer such questions. How could they?
Post 1343·September 4, 2014·Thomas Wellsdraft
Believing in the Face of Uncertainty
I’ve never liked uncertainty. When there’s relational instability, I’ll do almost anything to resolve it. When I’m confused about my future, I’ll obsess until I’ve clarified it. When…
Post 1337·August 28, 2014·Bill Perkins
Snatched From the Fire
It’s a horrible thing that’s happening in Iraq. Christians being slaughtered simply because they’re Christians. According to news reports, Christ followers are told to convert, pay a tax, or die. In the face of such horrible options…
Post 1326·August 21, 2014·Bill Perkins
Why I Didn't Take My Life
Depression is a horrible affliction. It’s as different from discouragement as a migraine is from a tension headache. One is devastating. The other distracting. When I slipped into depression several years ago, a black cloud enveloped…
Post 1319·August 14, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Night I Considered Suicide
When the future looks more horrifying than death, death appears more appealing than life. David Foster Wallace said it this way: Make no mistake about people who leap from burning windows. Their terror of falling from a great height is…
Post 1304·August 7, 2014·Bill Perkins
How to Break Free of Despair
All of us battle with discouragement. Occasionally, it can lead to despair. Getting free of toxic emotions, like discouragement and despair, begins with finding out what thought triggered the emotion. We need to follow the example of…
Post 1287·July 31, 2014·Bill Perkins
Use Your Failures to Inspire Others
It would be easy to think the best leaders are those who have a track record of uninterrupted success. Accepting that as a pressing truth, many leaders feverishly work to cover up failures and magnify their successes. The problem with…
Post 1277·July 24, 2014·Bill Perkins
A Leadership Mistake You Don’t Want to Make
If you're a leader it may surprise you to hear that many of the people you lead think you know exactly what the future looks like. The problem is they don't think you're telling them because you're afraid they won't like the future you…
Post 1269·July 17, 2014·Bill Perkins
I Could Have Lost My Arm
Considering that emergency rooms aren’t the happiest places, the dark haired girl seemed unexpectedly cheerful. Kinda’ like the hostess at an upscale restaurant. Only she wasn’t greeting celebrating couples or relaxing friends, she was…
Post 1251·July 10, 2014·Thomas Wellsdraft
I Was Wrong About Jesus
For the first eight years of my life, my family attended a Baptist church. So every Sunday I crafted felt cutouts of Jonah, Moses, and David, sang about the walls of Jericho crumbling down, and acted out stories of Jesus and his many…
Post 1241·July 3, 2014·Bill Perkins
Would Jesus Endorse Gay Marriage?
I never would have stuck my nose into this business except for what I heard Elton John say during a CNN interview last week, “If Jesus Christ was alive today, I cannot see him, as the Christian person that he was and the great person…
Post 1230·June 26, 2014·Bill Perkins
An Alien Egg Under a Tumbleweed
On July 8, 1947, an alien spacecraft crashed outside of Roswell, New Mexico. While the crash of the UFO is common knowledge, few know that before dying the lone surviving alien managed to safely store a large egg in a rift near the…
Post 1212·June 12, 2014·Bill Perkins
Do This to Encourage a Friend—Takes Just Two Minutes
On a dark rainy day several years ago my mood matched the weather. I climbed in my car and listened to the rain patter on the roof. I felt physically and emotionally drained.…
Post 1204·June 5, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Day My Friend Caught Fire
My first best friend was a neighbor who lived behind me in Roswell, New Mexico. His name was Eddy Borland. We were inseparable. In addition to playing baseball together, we liked to light fires. One day something happened and Eddy’s…
Post 1188·May 29, 2014·Bill Perkins
I'm Tired of Being Bullied
I, for one, am tired of being pushed around. I’m also tired of watching other men passively fade into the background of the wallpaper hanging in Satan’s office. If we’re going to fulfill our God-given purpose as men, it’s imperative…
Post 1175·May 22, 2014·Bill Perkins
Manage Your Anger This Way
James said, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). God’s anger is always justified and is always expressed perfectly. Why? Because he’s able to determine, without error, when a wrong has been…
Post 1166·May 15, 2014·Bill Perkins
My Sewer Line Broke
Early in our marriage Cindy and I identified the “I don’t want to feeling.” It’s what we felt when the selfishness monster pleaded with us to disregard the other person. Of course, recognizing the presence of the creature doesn’t mean…
Post 1159·May 8, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Power of Affirmation
A study of maladjusted students in a large Oklahoma high school reveals the importance of verbal affirmation. The counselors in the school first developed close relationships with ten of the school's most troubled teenagers. Next the…
Post 1144·May 1, 2014·Bill Perkins
I Had a Powerful Spiritual Experience
Seldom had I hoped more for sunny weather. If not sunny, at least dry. The idea of 69 people carrying life-size crosses from the east side of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, across the Steel Bridge and then south for 1.5…
Post 1130·April 25, 2014·Thomas Wellsdraft
What Would I Say to My Younger Self
I recently traveled home to Oregon with my wife. It was an exciting trip, because it was the first time we visited since getting married. We arrived late and went to sleep soon after getting to my parents’ house.…
Post 1114·April 17, 2014·Bill Perkins
Try This the Next Time You Argue
Conflict is as unavoidable as traffic in Los Angeles. If you've got two people on a team, or in a family, who never argue, one of them isn't needed. Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, experienced conflict among his disciples…
Post 1102·April 10, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Tragedy of Getting What You Want
A paradigm defines the way we view something. For instance, if a man wears binoculars he'll see things far away better than things close. A paradigm shift would occur if he turned the binoculars around or placed them on a table.
Post 1084·April 3, 2014·Bill Perkins
Do You Know When to Leave?
It may be you need to know if God is releasing you from your job or some other responsibility. Such times can be agonizing when it’s unclear if the move you’re considering is wise and if the timing is right. If you're in that…
Post 1070·March 27, 2014·Bill Perkins
Do You Long For a Second Chance?
Anybody who ever failed a test longed for a second chance . . . one more night to study . . . one more chance to make the grade. Those who have suffered the agony of a failed romance or marriage look back at hurtful things they said…
Post 1061·March 20, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Myth of the Greener Grass
All of us periodically suffer from the myth of the greener grass. Haven't there been times in your life when you thought things looked better on the other side of the fence? In your drive to succeed, haven't you dreamed of a field with…
Post 1033·March 13, 2014·Bill Perkins
How To Strengthen Your Influence
Values are not practices. A practice is an activity or action. A practice that works in one situation may not work in another because practices apply to specific situations. Because my second son, David, loved to be with people…
Post 1009·March 6, 2014·Bill Perkins
Can the Bible Be Trusted?
Reuters--Jumana Elheloueh Okay, so a few camels have caused some archaeologists to declare the Bible unreliable. For another look at the camel problem check out the…
Post 992·February 20, 2014·Bill Perkins
An Appointment You Won't Be Late For
Thomas Wells I was saddened by the untimely death of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. His body, dressed in boxers and a T-shirt, was found in a…
Post 975·February 14, 2014·Bill Perkins
Leadership Begins Here
When we speak of be co ming servant leaders we're striving for something w e'll never quite grasp this side of heaven--like trying to grab a soap bubble as it floats away. Once in a while a bubble may momentarily land on our palm. In…
Post 953·February 6, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Great Angelic War
Every dark and evil character created to evoke fear in readers and moviegoers is only the devil's shadow. Even the dreaded Borg, of Star Trek infamy, is assimilated by the devil and his army of demons. The masses slaughtered by Hitler…
Post 885·January 30, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Aroma of Christ
I find it fascinating and a bit wonderful that three or four notes of a song, or a taste, or a smell can trigger a vivid memory. I mention this because a few years ago I was walking along a street in New Delhi. The bike bells from…
Post 868·January 23, 2014·Bill Perkins
Strong Faith Is No Blind Leap
As followers of Christ we've been called to a life of faith. When the biblical writers spoke of faith they weren't talking about positive thinking. Nor did they regard faith as some sort of hunch that's followed. It's not a feeling of…
Post 807·January 20, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Key to Overcoming Inertia
I've always been fascinated by trains. I used to lay in bed at night, before falling asleep, and imagine climbing into a freight car and traveling across the country. Even now when I hear a faraway train whistle from the deck of my…
Post 660·January 9, 2014·Bill Perkins
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat!
In his book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat , Dr. Oliver Sacks, a neurologist, tells the story about a man, Dr. P., who suffered from a disorder called visual agnosia. Dr. P., a well-known musician and teacher, possessed…
Post 658·January 2, 2014·Bill Perkins
Locking Arms with Me and Others Around the World
It's the first of the year and I was thinking about water-skiing in Texas in December--without a wet-suit. I used to barefoot water-ski. I thrived on the adrenaline rush of skimming across glass-smooth water at high speeds. I enjoyed…
Post 654·December 19, 2013·Bill Perkins
How I Know God is Approachable
Make no mistake about it: Many people fear God and think he's about as approachable as King Kong. They recall the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai when God revealed himself with, "thunder and lightning flashes…
Post 652·December 12, 2013·Bill Perkins
An Alliance you Must Avoid
Sometimes the appeal of an ill-advised alliance can lead people in the wrong direction. Know what I mean? Bonnie and Clyde should have dated someone else. Erick and Lyle Menendez were brothers but should have parted company when they…
Post 649·December 5, 2013·Bill Perkins
One Reason Naked Women Look so Good
In order to create Eve, God took a rib from Adam. When God brought Eve to Adam, he got back a new and much improved version of what he had lost. Without Eve, Adam was a red Porsche with no motor or a Learjet without fuel. He looked…
Post 646·November 21, 2013·Bill Perkins
How to Encourage a Discouraged Friend
Leaders typically manipulate others to acquire power. That's why you'd expect a king's son to use his push and pull to acquire his father's throne. And that's what makes Jonathan so unusual. He was the ancient prince who wanted…
Post 643·November 14, 2013·Bill Perkins
Did Jesus Ever Claim to Be God?
Many believe that Christianity is a broad and accepting religion that would eliminate no one who sincerely seeks God. While they believe all religions have some technical distinctions, they believe all religions are basically the same.…
Post 640·November 7, 2013·Bill Perkins
Why I Believe Jesus is God
Sometimes people get upset when they realize that Jesus taught that he is the only way to God. They insist that such a narrow and exclusive message must be wrong. Of course, their conclusion is based on the assumption that anything…
Post 637·October 31, 2013·Bill Perkins
Porn: The New Narcotic
If you, or a friend or family member, struggles with an irresistible urge to watch porn, then here's some information you need to know. New neurological research reveals that porn is as potentially addictive as heroin or cocaine. Yes…
Post 635·October 24, 2013·Bill Perkins
My Best Personal Training Tip
Suppose an out of shape and overweight man approached a personal trainer and said, "I want to get in shape." He showed the trainer a picture of what he wanted his body to look like--washboard abs, steel pecks, and biceps like giant…
Post 631·October 17, 2013·Bill Perkins
One Change That Will Change Your Life
Last week a truck driver had a bad experience. Not as bad as it could have been since he walked away. Seems his rig got stuck on some train tracks. That's when a fast-moving, fully loaded train hit the pipe-toting trailer. Pipes flew…
Post 628·October 10, 2013·Bill Perkins
I Can't Stand Hypocrisy!
I can't stand hypocrisy. Neither could Jesus. The problem is, if I'm not open to correction, I could become a hypocrite. It's a painful truth that if we're not open to correction we run the risk of becoming inauthentic. The religious…
Post 625·October 3, 2013·Bill Perkins
What Dimension Does God Live In?
Every once in a while I run across an insight so amazing it changes the way I view things. I first heard this one from Astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross. He suggests we imagine the two-dimensional image on a television screen actually…
Post 619·September 19, 2013·Bill Perkins
Do This to Make Friends
It may surprise you to discover that there is nothing you can do to endear yourself to others more than opening up and being vulnerable. If you'll build more windows and fewer walls, you'll have more shoulder to shoulder friends. We…
Post 617·September 12, 2013·Bill Perkins
Take the Tug-of-War Challenge
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
Post 614·September 5, 2013·Bill Perkins
God's Not Disappointed with You
One night last year I was lying in bed when I sensed God say, "I'm not disappointed with you." The words seemed odd at the time because I don't recall thinking "God's disappointed with me." You know, like a dad when his son strikes out.
Post 610·August 29, 2013·Bill Perkins
How to Avoid a Bad Decision
It's so easy to gather all of the information, get wise counsel, weigh the pros and cons and then forget to pray before making an important decision. And yet, if the greatest leader of all time who was without sin, who never made a bad…
Post 605·August 22, 2013·Bill Perkins
I Broke My Son's Mouth!
While each of my three sons wore braces my middle son, David, had an unusual problem that had to be corrected. Seems his mouth wasn't large enough to hold his teeth. To remedy this, his orthodontist placed a telescopic bar across his…
Post 596·August 15, 2013·Bill Perkins
The one thing EVERY woman needs
While friendship within marriage is not the sexiest topic, studies indicate it is actually the most important factor in marital satisfaction. This point is emphasized in Real Marriage , a book by Seattle-based pastor, Mark Driscoll.…
Post 591·August 8, 2013·Bill Perkins
Break. Smash. Shatter the Cycle.
Jesus told us to ask God to "Lead us not into temptation" (Matthew 6:13). The Lord didn't mean that unless we asked him not to do so, God would tempt us. God cannot sin nor could he tempt anyone to sin. Instead, we should continually…
Post 586·August 1, 2013·Bill Perkins
Why Weiner Did it Again and Again and Again
What would prompt an ex-congressman to do the same stupid thing over and over and over again? You would think after stories and pictures about his not-so-secret sexting of women he met on his Twitter account drove him from office in…
Post 581·July 25, 2013·Bill Perkins
How to Respond When You Plans are Delayed
Immediate gratification is a driving force in our lives. We expect pain to go away fast--that's what aspirin are for. We expect immediate success. Of course, such expectations are in keeping with what we see on TV--men get sex whenever…
Post 576·July 18, 2013·Bill Perkins
Why Some Mice Swim Longer
Nobody, and I mean nobody, makes it through life without encountering discouragement. And how we handle discouragement will dictate not only our emotional and mental health, but our ability to bring a vision into reality. So how do we…
Post 563·July 4, 2013·Bill Perkins
Replace Taboos with Openness and Love
Have you ever noticed that Jesus never responded to a question by saying, "Now that was the dumbest question I ever heard?" In fact, Jesus invited questions and open discussion. On one occasion for example, James and John asked if they…
Post 556·June 27, 2013·Bill Perkins
Replacing Meism with Weism
Meism says "Me first." It is the opposite of the weism that says "Team first." The danger of meism was so great Jesus refused to tolerate it on his team for even a moment. When the mother of Zebedee's sons, James and John, asked Jesus…
Post 551·June 20, 2013·Bill Perkins
You're the Keeper of Your Heart
The great composer Mendelssohn visited a cathedral in Europe that housed one of the most magnificent organs in the world. The German composer quietly sat in a pew and listened as the cathedral organist prepared for the Sunday mass.…
Post 546·June 13, 2013·Bill Perkins
Removing Gum Out of Someone's Hair
Telling someone how to give a rebuke is a bit like telling him how to get gum out of someone's hair. No matter how careful he might be, it's going to hurt. On the other hand, who wants to go through life with a wad of gum stuck on the…
Post 538·June 6, 2013·Bill Perkins
Can You Find Meaning Without God?
I once spoke at a large church in Houston ... by large I mean one that drew over ten thousand people every week. Afterward, I met with part of the leadership team. At the time I served as the lead pastor of a church in Oregon and it…
Post 533·May 30, 2013·Bill Perkins
Capture a God Moment
There's a question I often avoid. Maybe too often. Sometimes just asking it makes me uncomfortable because it exposes something I don't like about myself. And so I sweep it under the rug of my consciousness. Lately that's not been so easy.
Post 529·May 23, 2013·Bill Perkins
The IRS Scandal and You
I've had the privilege of being audited by the IRS on three separate occasions. In each instance the auditor found a legitimate mistake an accountant had made and a payment had to be made. No big deal. Right? Well, not exactly. It was…
Post 524·May 16, 2013·Bill Perkins
Five Keys to Managing Anger
James said, "for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God." (James 1:20). God's anger is always justified and is always expressed perfectly. Why? Because he's able to determine, without error, when a wrong has been…
Post 519·May 9, 2013·Bill Perkins
How to Communicate a Vision
Time and again Jesus reminded his disciples that his driving purpose was to seek and save lost people. On the day he called his first disciples he said, "I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). When he recruited Levi he said…
Post 513·May 2, 2013·Bill Perkins
Would You Have Doubted Jesus?
If I had been with the disciples in Gethsemane the night before Jesus was crucified, and been aware he would die the next day, I would have struggled with some big time doubts. After all, if just the thought of the crucifixion caused…
Post 509·April 25, 2013·Bill Perkins
The Power of Delayed Gratification
We're taught to travel fast and light. On the freeway we drive in the fast lane. If we want something we're told to, "Go for it!" Or, "Just do it!" Immediate gratification is a driving force in our lives. We expect pain to go away fast.
Post 505·April 18, 2013·Bill Perkins
Jesus Repeated One Word Ten Times
Jesus' words and deeds on the night of the Last Supper were focused on helping the disciples grasp a truth as revolutionary as the first use of an incandescent light. "On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are…
Post 499·April 11, 2013·Bill Perkins
I've Never Done this Before!
I've done a lot of things in my life but I've never done this before. After watching the History Channel's documentary The Bible I was deeply touched by their presentation of Jesus. While everything in every story wasn't exactly as…
Post 491·April 4, 2013·Bill Perkins
I Saw Her Naked!
Here's another look inside my new book ... The evening I first saw my wife naked, I beheld heaven. Nothing in creation compared with the wonder of her body. Shortly after our honeymoon, I suggested we institute a no-clothing policy in…
Post 485·March 28, 2013·Bill Perkins
Take a Peek Inside
Today I'll give you a peek inside Why Naked Women Look so Good . Available in digital format for $4.99. The book of Proverbs addresses the magnetism between a man and a woman. Agur, the son of Jekah, described four things too wonderful…
Post 479·March 21, 2013·Bill Perkins
On Sale Now - "Why Naked Women Look so Good"
The digital version of "Why Naked Women Look So Good" went on sale at Amazon.com last Saturday for $4.99. I want to thank all of you who participated in the online survey I conducted last January. I asked if you would buy a book by…
Post 475·March 14, 2013·Bill Perkins
Buy Into Two Truths!
Dwight D. Eisenhower defined leadership as, "the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." If you accept that definition of leadership (it's my favorite) then you're buying into two truths.…
Post 470·March 7, 2013·Bill Perkins
Talk About Selfish!
Marriage not only brought me face to face with the girl of my dreams, it brought me face to face with my own selfishness. Sure, I knew I was self-centered. But prior to marriage I found ways to minimize the seriousness of my problem. I…
Post 460·February 21, 2013·Bill Perkins
He Slammed His Fist on My Desk!
Jesus struck at the root of pride with a sharp ax. He said, "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the…
Post 455·February 14, 2013·Bill Perkins
How to Change Things without Alienating
In the past change was a relatively slow process, like the gradual eroding of the shoreline. When a cycle of change was completed, things settled down to "normal." The world is different now, as author and educator Jeanenne LaMarsh has…
Post 445·January 31, 2013·Bill Perkins
Two Minutes that Will Change a Life
On a dark rainy day several years ago my mood matched the weather. I climbed in my car and listened to the rain patter on the roof. I felt physically and emotionally drained. Suddenly, my cell phone rang. I answered with a cheerier…
Post 437·January 24, 2013·Bill Perkins
The Power of Transparency
It's easy for parents to think what children need most from them is moral and spiritual perfection. That belief often drives parents to hide their flaws in a corner closet, close the door, lock it, and throw away the key. Such behavior…
Post 429·January 16, 2013·Bill Perkins
Everything Stands or Falls On This
Confused and afraid, the disciples left the upper room and stepped onto the narrow Jerusalem street. The frigid air--just like their growing fear--surrounded them, nipping at their faces and cutting through their robes. Holding their…
Post 423·January 10, 2013·Bill Perkins
Getting Past Fear and Doubt to Faith
How would you respond if the miraculous invaded your life? That theoretical question became a reality for Zechariah--the father of John the Baptist. One day while he was carrying out his job as a priest, an angel of the Lord suddenly…
Post 418·January 2, 2013·Bill Perkins
What Will You Do With 525,600 Minutes?
Stretching before you, further than the eye can see, lays the New Year. It consists of 365 Days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536, 000 seconds. In the course of the next year you'll take approximately 8,000,000 breaths, you'll…
Post 413·December 27, 2012·Bill Perkins
Seize the Moment
You've probably seen the ad on TV where small electrodes are attached to a man's abdomen. When the device is activated the muscles contract. It's not the sort of thing you'd wear to work because it triggers uncontrollable spasms. But…
Post 407·December 20, 2012·Bill Perkins
Where Was God?
I can't remember watching a news story that triggered more horrible images. Children gunned down by an angry twenty year old man. Horrible words seem like gravel in my mouth when I speak them. Children. Gunned down. A few hours earlier…
Post 402·December 13, 2012·Bill Perkins
How to Transcend Failure
I've got an impressive resume of failure. Really. It's embarrassing to admit, but it's true. At one time or another I've failed in every area of my life. Seriously. I've broken things I hoped to fix, dropped things I hoped to carry…
Post 398·December 6, 2012·Bill Perkins
Relieving Christmas Season Stress
December is a short month. While it may not have fewer days, it has fewer work days. Less time to get important things done. Many companies and individuals are trying to wrap things up before the holidays. So in essence, we have three…
Post 393·November 29, 2012·Bill Perkins
Worry Buster
I've got a close friend who is a chronic worrier. I asked him once if he ever noticed that most of the things he worries about never happen. He smiled and said, "Yeah, I noticed. Just goes to prove worrying works." The truth is…
Post 379·November 1, 2012·Bill Perkins
Don't Knock Down the Wrong Domino
Sometimes a poor alliance is the first falling domino in a line of dominos that leads to catastrophe. If you're looking for an example you don't need to go any further than the Old Testament. Seldom has a leader made more ill-advised…
Post 375·October 24, 2012·Bill Perkins
Never Fail to Say these Words
In a tiny, 20-by-50-foot air pocket, 24 stories below the ground--nine miners huddled in frigid water--praying for their lives. In a cavern so dark they couldn't see their hand in front of their face, the men passed the hours snuggled…
Post 370·October 18, 2012·Bill Perkins
Three P's That Will Change Your Life
Spiritual victory is a line, not a dot. By that I mean it's not a single attitude or action; it's a series of attitudes and actions which, over time, define who we are. If we drew it on a piece of paper, it would appear as a wavy line…
Post 367·October 10, 2012·Bill Perkins
God and the Twilight Zone
How does God deal with us when we choose to live as though he doesn't exist? It might surprise you to discover that God simply turns us over to our evil appetites (Romans 1:24-32). Maybe that doesn't sound so bad. But it is. An episode…
Post 353·September 20, 2012·Bill Perkins
Don't Give Up on Your Dreams
Between the period of childhood and adulthood, something pretty amazing happens, and it's more than just getting taller and wiser. It seems as if the world at some point, comes down and crushes our childhood capacity to dream that we…
Post 349·September 13, 2012·Bill Perkins
The Difference Between Values and Practices
Values are not practices. A practice is an activity or action. A practice that works in one situation may not work in another because practices apply to specific situations. Because my second son, David, lived to be with people, when…
Post 344·September 6, 2012·Bill Perkins
I Saw a Miracle
I suspect over the years I've prayed for thousands of sick people. I'm happy to say most of them recovered ... but not everyone. Some of the most agonizing prayers I've uttered seemed to have no effect on the outcome. Such…
Post 340·August 30, 2012·Bill Perkins
A Leader's Most Difficult Task
It surprised me when I discovered leaders consider their most difficult task the casting of a compelling vision. A vision is important because it has the power to attract and energize people who want to see it realized. Time and again…
Post 329·August 16, 2012·Bill Perkins
When You Lose What You Value
All of David's mighty men were veterans in the war with disappointment and pain. The biblical text tells us they were in "distress," "debt," or "discontented" when they joined David (2 Samuel 22:2). Their lives had fallen through thin…
Post 324·August 9, 2012·Bill Perkins
Could God Create a Movement Through You?
Last week in a survey I asked: "Would you like to be part of a movement of God?" 100% of the respondents said, "Yes." I've seen pockets of revival breaking out and am convinced it's happening around the United States. A key to any…
Post 312·July 26, 2012·Bill Perkins
Rein in Toxic Thoughts and Emotions
I was eight years old and riding a quarter horse across some land my family owned outside of Roswell, New Mexico. As I headed the horse away from the stables he repeatedly resisted my lead and tried to reverse direction. After we had…
Post 306·July 19, 2012·Bill Perkins
How to Rein in Runaway Emotions
Science has identified a clear link between your thoughts and emotions and your physical and mental well-being. When you think a negative thought toxic chemicals flood your body triggering intense emotions like anger, despair…
Post 302·July 12, 2012·Bill Perkins
Fear Buster--Break the Power of Fear
Fear is a powerful emotion that can steal hope, dissipate energy, trigger depression, and undermine confidence. It's also a culprit I know too well. In fact, last December I was battling a fear that almost pushed me into a vortex of…
Post 293·June 28, 2012·Bill Perkins
Getting People to Change Who Don't Want To
I was surprised to discover a Harris poll that revealed over 90 percent of the people surveyed would change their lives dramatically if they could, and they ranked such intangibles as self-respect, affection, and acceptance higher than…
Post 288·June 20, 2012·Bill Perkins
Can You Do This? Got the Guts to Try?
I was thinking a negative thought the other night. It was the kind of negative thought I frequently had. In fact, it was so common I believed it was me--part of my identity. I was thinking about winters in Oregon. Since I moved here…
Post 284·June 14, 2012·Bill Perkins
What Difference Would it Make if God Arranged Your Daily Schedule?
It's amazing how God arranged Jesus' schedule so he could fulfill his mission, "To seek and save the Lost" (Luke 19:10). Equally amazing is that he'll do the same for us if we'll keep our eyes and ears open and our heart alert. Here's…
Post 278·June 7, 2012·Bill Perkins
Know This Before You Say a Word
Here's the situation: You want to talk with a friend about spiritual matters, but when you broach the subject they erect a barrier. What do you do then? Unfortunately, if you don't handle the situation wisely, you could damage the…
Post 257·May 10, 2012·Bill Perkins
Someone Stole My Foosball Table
Several years ago I loaned my heavy duty top-of- the-line foosball table to a friend. I had tired of the game and my friend wanted the table, so I let him keep it with the assurance he'd return it when asked. A few years later I felt…
Post 246·May 3, 2012·Bill Perkins
I Don't Want to Be a Control Freak!
Lately the Lord has been prodding me to stop trying to control other people. This direction from God is in response to how I often try to fix family members, friends, strangers, businesses and, well, you name it. I don't mean I…
Post 239·April 28, 2012·Bill Perkins
Are Your Kids into Porn?
Note: If you have children, please take part in a short survey at the end of this article. Several years ago the leader of a sizable city-wide men's ministry picked me up at the airport. I was going to speak to 600 men at a breakfast…
Post 234·April 19, 2012·Bill Perkins
Get the Wood Off the Track!
I sometimes have people tell me they want to write a book, launch a business, or learn a new sport. When I ask what's holding them back, many shrug their shoulders and say they're not sure. A few say they have a hard time getting started.
Post 226·April 12, 2012·Bill Perkins
Need a Second Chance?
Anybody who ever failed a test longed for a second chance ... one more night to study ... one more chance to make the grade. Those who have suffered the agony of a failed romance or marriage look back at hurtful things they said or…
Post 223·April 5, 2012·Bill Perkins
What Are You Afraid Of?
Men have a tendency to isolate themselves. Our culture admires independent tough-guys like Dirty Harry, Rambo, Terminator, Robocop, and James Bond. Nobody gives an inch. Nobody opens up. Nobody gets hurt. (I looked for some current…
Post 218·March 29, 2012·Bill Perkins
I'm 63 Today
For the next 364 days when I take the platform at a speaking engagement, after an introduction, I'll sometimes say, "I'm 63 today." The audience will break out in applause, some will shout out a, "Happy Birthday," and who knows, a…
Post 214·February 16, 2012·Bill Perkins
I hate to admit this about myself
I hate to admit it, but I'm a hypocrite. You see, I've become skilled at hiding my flaws behind a mask of superiority while condemning the same sins in others. For instance, the other day a driver was tailgating me. "Can you believe…
Post 181·January 12, 2012·Bill Perkins
An Old Friend Fell
I had an experience last week that got me thinking about how easy it is for us to take people for granted and assume they'll always be around. And then one day, they suddenly and unexpectedly, are gone. On December 20, 2001 I was with…
Post 175·November 20, 2011·Bill Perkins
The Fly in Paterno's Perfume
Few men have fallen as far and as fast as Joe Paterno. I suspect that's because few men have risen to the heights he achieved. If you include his years as an assistant at Penn State he coached there for 62 years. He holds the record…
Post 171·October 13, 2011·Bill Perkins
A View of Death
While speaking at the commencement exercise at Stanford University on June 12, 2005, Steve Jobs said this: "When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, some day you'll most…
Post 168·September 12, 2011·Bill Perkins
Tapping Blue Jays
Just the other day, while I was working in my home office, there was a blue jay on my roof, banging away on an unshelled peanut he'd taken from the bird feeder on the back deck. It was the sort of tapping that can't be ignored…
Post 142·August 26, 2011·Bill Perkins
A Spiritual Experiment
I got the idea for The Jesus Experiment several years ago while writing a book based on the leadership style of Jesus. After completing the manuscript, I knew I had overlooked something significant. All of my research hadn't turned up…
Post 137·July 16, 2011·Bill Perkins
God is approachable
I've been reading through the Bible and realize anew why so many people think God is as unapproachable as King Kong. Just check out the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai when God revealed himself with, "thunder…
Post 133·July 8, 2011·Bill Perkins
The Value of Solitude
As the October release of my new book, The Jesus Experiment, draws near I want to give you a sneak peek. It’s understandable to think we could no more emulate Jesus than we could copy Superman. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of…
Post 128·June 22, 2011·Bill Perkins
How To Build Momentum
If you're trying to bring a vision into reality the first part is the hardest. Why? Because you've got to overcome inertia in order to build momentum. Motivational speaker, Zig Zigler likes to point out that the largest and most…
Post 122·June 1, 2011·Bill Perkins
Do This to Save Your Marriage
I'm not sure what's going on but lately it seems more of my friends are either getting a divorce or thinking about it. I realize there is no single cure for a failing marriage but as I look back on my almost forty years of marriage I…
Post 111·May 19, 2011·Bill Perkins
The Day I Learned to Fear God
The Northwest boasts some of the most beautiful country in the world. Primeval forests form a soaring cathedral over the hills. Sheer cliffs stand hundreds of feet above the ocean. Giant black rocks form surreal towers that rise over…
Post 76·May 6, 2011·Bill Perkins
Is Following Jesus as Impossible as Following Superman?
Imitating Jesus in prayer might sound as impossible as emulating Superman's flying capabilities. We might shadow Clark Kent up a flight of stairs, but we're not going to follow the Man of Steel off a tall building. Likewise, I suspect…
Post 70·April 28, 2011·Bill Perkins
A Review of Rob Bell's Book: Love Wins
Rob Bell’s bestselling book, Love Wins has stirred up a hornet’s nest of controversy. He’s done this by asking questions in ways that cut deep, exposing raw muscle, bone and tendon. For instance, he asks, “Does God punish people for…
Post 7·April 12, 2011·Bill Perkins
Do Cows Cause Global Warming?
I know this will come as a shock to you but a United Nations report has identified the world's rapidly growing herds of cattle as the greatest threat to the climate, forests, and wildlife. How could Elsie be the source of such destruction?
Post 2114·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
Jesus' six reasons to be thankful
I got the list from Jesus, really. One day the Lord told his followers why they should trust in God and not worry (Matthew 6:26-33). His simple insights give us power over fear and its little brother, worry. Number One: I thank God…
Post 2130·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
This changed my life
I just finished reading The Jesus Story 58 months in a row. Nothing has transformed my life more than reading the story of Jesus over and over. I've gotten to know him better and experienced his life and power in fresh ways. That's why…
Post 3471·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
Read This For Hope
Discouragement visits everyone. And how we handle it determines our emotional and mental health. So how do we get past discouragement? When Jesus announced his impending death to his disciples, he no doubt saw the lifeless look in…
Post 3568·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
How to Live a Life Without Regret
Solomon said, “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Hard to believe a man of wisdom wrote those words. They seem wrong. And yet, upon reflection they make sense. How so? Consider that on…
Post 3708·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
Why God Came as a Baby
Make no mistake about it, many people fear God and think he's as approachable as King Kong. They recall the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai when God revealed himself with, "thunder and lightning flashes, and a…
Post 4171·Undated·Bill Perkinsdraft
Jesus' First Word From The Cross
He hung there— suspended by nails through His wrists and feet. Soldiers laughing. Leaders sneering. The crowd mocking. Both criminals taunting Him (Lu 23:39), joining the chorus of contempt. His followers stood at a distance— far…
Post 1·October 2, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Didn’t Always Know Everything
If Jesus is fully God, shouldn’t He have always known everything — even as a baby in the manger?
Post 2·October 3, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Trusted the Father When He Didn't Know the Answer
Jesus didn't cling to divine privilege. He chose not to know everything because He trusted the Father more than He trusted answers.
Post 3·October 6, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Didn't Flip Power On and Off
Some imagine Jesus toggling between divinity and humanity. Scripture paints a deeper picture: restraint, not subtraction.
Post 4·October 7, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Lived by Revelation, Not Omniscience
Jesus didn't claim independent knowledge. He consistently pointed to the Father.
Post 5·October 9, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Heals Again When We Return
Ten were healed. One received something more. Gratitude opens the door to wholeness.
Post 7·October 13, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Provides the Greater, Then Promises the Lesser
He offers the greater gifts first — then guarantees the lesser. Don't panic about the gas. The boat is already in the water.
Post 8·October 14, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Redirects Worry with Wonder
He redirects worry not by reducing life's needs — but by magnifying its worth.
Post 9·October 16, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Points to Birds to Reframe Your Faith
He uses creation not just as metaphor — but as a mirror.
Post 10·October 17, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Speaks to the Fear You Haven't Felt Yet
He names trouble — and draws a boundary…
Post 11·October 20, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Father Spoke Twice at His Baptism
One blessing to the Son, one declaration to the crowd.
Post 12·October 21, 2025·Bill Perkins
“Beloved” Was a Royal Title
The Father was announcing lineage, authority, legitimacy.
Post 13·October 23, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Father Spoke at the Transfiguration
He didn’t just affirm — He commanded attention.
Post 14·October 24, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Father Spoke at Every Turning Point
His voice was affirmation and announcement.
Post 15·October 27, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Is the God of the Gap
He bridges the distance between the faith we have and the faith we need.
Post 16·October 28, 2025·Bill Perkins
When We Consume His Words, We Consume His Flesh
We don’t just follow Jesus. We feed on Him.
Post 17·October 30, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Walked Out of the Light and Into a Fight
True glory isn’t revealed — it’s lived.
Post 18·October 31, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Took the High Ground
He didn’t retreat from enemy territory. He claimed the high ground.
Post 19·November 3, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Prayed to Lean In, Not to Be Seen
Jesus didn’t pray for show. He prayed to…
Post 20·November 4, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Sees What We Ignore in Ourselves
He notices. And He names what we often spot in others but minimize in ourselves.
Post 22·November 7, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Father Spoke to Silence Every Other Voice
The Father Spoke to Silence Every Other Voice Scripture: "While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'" - Matthew 17:5 Peter was still speaking.…
Post 24·November 11, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Voice That Named Him Speaks Over You
The Voice That Named Him Speaks Over You Isaiah 43:1 - "I have called you by name; you are mine." The Father's voice didn't vanish after Jesus was baptized and left the water. It followed His every step-from the river to the wilderness, from the crowd to the cross. Jesus…
Post 25·November 13, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Isn't Asking You to Move Faster. He's Asking You to Stay Longer.
Jesus Isn't Asking You to Move Faster. He's Asking You to Stay Longer. "If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." -John 15:7 Jesus doesn't measure speed. He measures proximity. He's not asking how fast you're growing.…
Post 26·November 14, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why Many Followers Walked Away
Why Many Followers Walked Away "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them." -John 6:56 After speaking these words, Jesus didn't lose followers because He was unclear. He lost them because He was too clear. When He said, "Eat my flesh…
Post 27·November 17, 2025·Bill Perkins
When You Welcome the Least, You Welcome the King
When You Welcome the Least, You Welcome the King "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40 Jesus doesn't just care for the vulnerable. He claims them. He names them family. He puts Himself…
Post 28·November 18, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Invites the Rejected To Sit At His Table
Jesus Invites the Rejected To Sit At His Table Verse: "But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed." -Luke 14:13-14 Jesus doesn't just serve the least. He wants them seated beside Him. Not as a gesture of pity.
Post 29·November 20, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Broke the Gates of Hell with More Than a Rebuke
Jesus Broke the Gates of Hell with More Than a Rebuke "This kind can only come out by prayer and fasting." -Mark 9:29 Mark ten opens with glory and descends into chaos. Jesus had just been transfigured-radiant, affirmed by the Father's voice. But at the foot of the mountain…
Post 31·November 24, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why the Father Spoke at the Transfiguration
Why the Father Spoke at the Transfiguration He didn't just affirm Jesus-the Father commanded attention. "This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!" -Matthew 17:5 High on a mountain, Jesus stood with Peter, James, and John. His face shone like…
Post 30·November 23, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Confused the Crowd on Purpose
Why Jesus Confused the Crowd on Purpose Scripture: "Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.'" -John 6:68 Jesus didn't always aim to be understood. Sometimes He said things that stirred questions-"Eat my flesh.…
Post 32·November 25, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Offers an Alternative to Worry
He Offers an Alternative to Worry Passage "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33 Jesus knows our worries: food, clothing, tomorrow's needs. He doesn't dismiss them, but He exposes their…
Post 34·November 27, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Passed a Forgotten Test
He Passed a Forgotten Test "Do not put the Lord your God to the test, as you did at Massah." - Deuteronomy 6:16 When Satan tempted Jesus to leap from the temple, it wasn't just a dare-it was a reenactment of a forgotten test. At Massah, Israel demanded proof of God's…
Post 35·November 28, 2025·Bill Perkins
You Can't See Jesus Through a Peephole
You Can't See Jesus Through a Peephole John doesn't begin with a manger. He begins with majesty. Not with what we can touch, but with what we can't fully comprehend. The Word was in the beginning. The Word was with God. The Word was God. This isn't a puzzle to be solved. It's…
Post 36·November 29, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Gave Thanks Before the Miracle
He Gave Thanks Before the Miracle "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted." - John 6:11 Fifteen thousand hungry faces. Five loaves. Two fish. One command to feed the crowd. Philip counts the cost. Andrew…
Post 37·November 30, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Gave Thanks Surrounded by Betrayal
He Gave Thanks Surrounded by Betrayal "But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table." - Luke 22:21 Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper knowing Judas had made his deal. He gave thanks knowing Peter would deny Him. He gave thanks knowing His…
Post 38·December 1, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Gave Thanks Knowing What the Bread and Wine Meant
He Gave Thanks Knowing What the Bread and Wine Meant "He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you?'" Luke 22:19-20 - Jesus gave thanks knowing what the bread and wine meant. The bread pointed to His body-offered like…
Post 39·December 2, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Didn't Heal Everyone
"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." -1 John 5:14 The Gospels say Jesus healed “all who came to Him” (Matthew 8:16)…
Post 40·December 3, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Didn't Just Take the High Ground, He Staged It
He Didn't Just Take the High Ground, He Staged It Jesus had just declared war. Standing in Caesarea Philippi-a city drenched in pagan worship, shadowed by a cave locals called the gate to the underworld-He said: "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades…
Post 41·December 4, 2025·Bill Perkins
He Rebuked the Demon Behind the Storm
He Rebuked the Demon Behind the Storm "He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm." — Luke 8:24 Jesus didn't just calm a storm.He rebuked it. The word used—epitimaō—is the same word He…
Post 42·December 5, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Let 5,000 Demons Drown 2,000 Pigs
Why Jesus Let 5,000 Demons Drown 2,000 Pigs "He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned." — Luke 8:32 Decapolis—ten Gentile cities…
Post 43·December 6, 2025·Bill Perkins
When You Consume His Words, You Consume His Flesh
When You Consume His Words, You Consume His Flesh "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh." — John 6:51…
Post 44·December 7, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Father Loves You as He Loves the Son
The Father Loves You as He Loves the Son "I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.…
Post 45·December 8, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Received Worship in a Scandalous Way
Jesus Received Worship in a Scandalous Way "As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Post 46·December 9, 2025·Bill Perkins
When Jesus Demanded Repentance, He Didn't Mean What You May Think
When Jesus Demanded Repentance, He Didn't Mean What You May Think "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." —Matthew 3:8"Repent and believe the good news." —Mark 1:15 Most people hear "repent" and picture behavior:Stop sinning. Start obeying.Turn around.…
Post 47·December 10, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Compared Himself to the Serpent
Jesus Compared Himself to the Serpent "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him." —John 3:14–15…
Post 48·December 11, 2025·Bill Perkins
What Jesus Brought With Him
What Jesus Brought With Him . In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.—John…
Post 49·December 12, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus is the God of the Third Way
12-12 CHRISTMAS POST Jesus is the God of the Third Way "He arose and took the child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt." —Matthew 2:14 Let's consider Joseph.He didn't wait for the alarm.He didn't pack the house.He didn't…
Post 50·December 13, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Was Named Twice Before His Birth
Jesus Was Named Twice Before His Birth "The angel told Joseph, 'You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.'" (Matthew 1:21) Jesus Was Named Twice Before His Birth "The angel told Joseph, 'You shall call His name Jesus…
Post 51·December 14, 2025·Bill Perkins
A Dreamer Saved Jesus' Life
A Dreamer Saved Jesus' Life "He arose and took the child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt." —Matthew 2:14 No waiting for the alarm.No packing the house.No warning to neighbors.No delay—birds escaping the hunter's net. Why…
Post 52·December 15, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Room Joseph Built Became Heaven's Pattern For You
The Room Joseph Built Became Heaven's Pattern For You "In My Father's house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2–3) "In My Father's house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2–3) Joseph…
Post 53·December 16, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Burden Joseph Carried for Jesus
The Burden Joseph Carried for Jesus "The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son." (Isaiah 7:14) "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus" — Matthew 1:21 The…
Post 54·December 17, 2025·Bill Perkins
While Yet Unborn, John Announced the Arrival of Jesus
While Yet Unborn, John Announced the Arrival of Jesus When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb. (Luke 1:41) Silence—in the womb.Two mothers carried mystery,two children carried promise. Mary's greeting broke…
Post 55·December 18, 2025·Bill Perkins
A Shepherd Tells What He Saw
A Shepherd Tells What He Saw "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God." — Luke 2:13 The sheep were asleep,a quilt of white wool across the hillside,their soft shifting the only rhythm in the…
Post 56·December 19, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Star of Bethlehem Isn't What You Thought
The Star of Bethlehem Isn't What You Thought "And behold, the star which they had seen in the east went before them until it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Post 57·December 20, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Baby's Cry Was God's First Breath
The Baby's Cry Was God's First Breath "For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) "For today in the city of Davidthere has been born for you a Savior,who is Christ the Lord.
Post 58·December 21, 2025·Bill Perkins
His Birth Proved God is Safe
His Birth Proved God is Safe "And she gave birth to her firstborn son; she wrapped Him in cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." — Luke 2:7 When Israel camped at Sinai,the mountain…
Post 59·December 22, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus' First Temple Visit Ended a Watchman's Vigil
Jesus' First Temple Visit Ended a Watchman's Vigil "Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying, 'Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You may now dismiss Your servant in peace.'" —Luke 2:28–29 Christmas celebrates His…
Post 60·December 23, 2025·Bill Perkins
Nine Witnesses Who Established Christ's Identity
Nine Witnesses Who Established Christ's Identity "A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." —Deuteronomy 19:15 Christmas is not a whisper—it's a verdict. The Father would not allowHis Son's identityto…
Post 61·December 24, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus Really Was a Refugee
Jesus Really Was a Refugee "take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt." (Matthew 2:13) "Get up," the angel said, "take the child and His mother and escape to Egypt." Matthew 2:13 Jesus was a refugee.Not metaphorically.Not…
Post 62·December 25, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Fifth Most Important Question Jesus Asked
The Fifth Most Important Question Jesus Asked Jesus walks into a crowded courtyard in Jerusalem,near the Pool of Bethesda-a place where the sick, blind, and paralyzed gather,hoping for healing. One man has been there 38 years,lying on…
Post 63·December 26, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Fourth Most Important Question Jesus Asked
The Fourth Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Why are you so afraid?" - Mark 4:40 Before the storm,the disciples had seen Jesus heal the sick,cast out demons,and multiply food. They had watched supernatural power flow through…
Post 64·December 27, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Third Most Important Question Jesus Asked
The Third Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18:38) "What do you want me to do for you?" - Luke 18:41 As Jesus entered Jericho,a blind man cried out:"Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!
Post 65·December 28, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Second Most Important Question Jesus Asked
The Second Most Important Question Jesus Asked "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?" - John 21:15 Peter had failed.Not quietly or privately-he denied Jesus three times,just as Jesus said he would. And after the…
Post 66·December 29, 2025·Bill Perkins
The Most Important Question Jesus Asked
The Most Important Question Jesus Asked "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) Jesus didn't begin by questioning the crowd.He spoke first to His disciples:"Who do people…
Post 67·December 30, 2025·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Waited for Lazarus to Die
Why Jesus Waited for Lazarus to Die "So then he told them plainly,'Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there,so that you may believe.'" -John 11:14-15 "Glad."Not for death itself-His weeping at the tomb reveals His heart.
Post 68·December 31, 2025·Bill Perkins
Jesus May Be Delayed, But He's Never Late
Jesus May Be Delayed, But He's Never Late "Do not fear, only believe." (Mark 5:36) "Do not fear, only believe." Mark 5:36 The laughter that once filled his home-now silent.Each breath-thinner than a thread.Each moment-the last grain…
Post 69·January 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus' Unequivocal Claim to Be God
Christ's Claim to Deity "You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62) Jesus' Unequivocal Claim to Be God "You will see the Son of Manseated at the right hand of…
Post 71·January 3, 2026·Bill Perkins
A Jew Called Jesus God — And Jesus Didn't Correct Him
Christ's Claim to Deity A Jew Called Jesus God — And Jesus Didn't Correct Him "Thomas said to Him, 'My Lord and my God.'" — John 20:28 All the evidence Thomas demandedevaporated the moment Jesus stood before him—fully…
Post 72·January 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
One Miracle Proved Jesus is God
Christ's Claim to Deity "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'" (Mark 2:5) One Miracle Proved Jesus is God "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic,'Son, your sins…
Post 73·January 5, 2026·Bill Perkins
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Why Jesus Ate With Sinners "And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying,'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'"Luke 15:2 The Pharisees' unspoken question hung in the air:"Why does He eat with sinners?" They couldn't…
Post 74·January 6, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why The Pharisees Resisted The Father's Love
Why The Pharisees Resisted The Father's Love "And he was angry and refused to go in." (Luke 15:28) "And he was angry and refused to go in."Luke 15:28 Let's look again at the Lord's most famous parable—the prodigal son. The younger son…
Post 75·January 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable
Jesus Revealed Why The Father Loves The Unlovable "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) "He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good,and sends…
Post 76·January 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
An Invisible Disciple Fostered Expectation
An Invisible Disciple Fostered Expectation "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." (Psalm 130:6) "My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:6 The riverbank heaved with…
Post 77·January 9, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus' First Invitation
Jesus' First Invitation "Behold, the Lamb of God" (John 1:36) "Come and see." — John 1:39John 1:35–39; John 15:4 Jesus turned and saw them following—Andrew and the unnamed disciple. Moments earlier they had been standing beside John…
Post 78·January 10, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Began His Ministry With a Bridge
Jesus Began His Ministry With a Bridge "Follow Me" (John 1:43) Andrew was the first to meet Jesus (John 1:35–37).The first to stay with Him (John 1:39).The first to bring someone else (John 1:40–41). He brought his brother—Simon…
Post 79·January 11, 2026·Bill Perkins
Did Jesus Really Rebuke His Mother?
Did Jesus Really Rebuke His Mother? "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him." (John 2:11) "This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee,and…
Post 80·January 12, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Did Jesus Seem to Contradict Himself?
Why Did Jesus Seem to Contradict Himself? "Woman, what is this to Me and to you?" (John 2:4) "Woman, what is this to Me and to you?" (John 2:4) Yesterday we saw this wasn't a rebuke to Mary,but the opening of a quiet…
Post 81·January 13, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Jesus Who Warms You Also Purifies You
The Jesus Who Warms You Also Purifies You "And Jesus entered the Temple, and His zeal rose like fire, driving out what did not belong." (John 2:13-17) "And Jesus entered the Temple, and His zeal rose like fire,driving out what did not…
Post 82·January 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Didn't Entrust Himself to People
Why Jesus Didn't Entrust Himself to People "But Jesus on His part did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people." (John 2:24) Jerusalem was alive with Passover pilgrims-word spreading that a young Rabbi from Galileewas doing…
Post 83·January 15, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Is The Paradigm Shift
Jesus Is The Paradigm Shift "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) "Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" - John 3:3 A paradigm…
Post 84·January 16, 2026·Bill Perkins
He Leads Us Through What We Want to Go Around
He Leads Us Through What We Want to Go Around "On His way He had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4) "On His way He had to pass through Samaria" (John 4:4). Jesus often leads us into places we would never choose.And that's where…
Post 85·January 17, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Woman at the Well Isn't Who You Thought
The Woman at the Well Isn't Who You Thought "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony." - John 4:39 Before we talk about the woman Jesus met at Jacob's well,we need to talk about the well…
Post 86·January 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
He Fills Net--Sized Obedience With Nets--Sized Blessing
He Fills Net--Sized Obedience With Nets--Sized Blessing "From now on you will catch men." (Luke 5:10) "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' (Jordan, this…
Post 87·January 19, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Peter Fell to His Knees in a Boat
Why Peter Fell to His Knees in a Boat "Behold the Lamb." (John 1:29, 36) "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. - Matthew 4:19-20 Peter, Andrew, James, and John hadn't…
Post 88·January 20, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Touched a Lepers Skin and Reached His Soul
Jesus Touched a Lepers Skin and Reached His Soul "A man full of leprosy fell on his face and begged Him, saying, 'If You want to, You can make me clean.'" (Luke 5:12) "A man full of leprosy fell on his faceand begged Him, saying,'If…
Post 89·January 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Sees The You Others Can't See
Jesus Sees The You Others Can't See "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." -Matthew 9:12 As Jesus taught by the shore,a crowd pressed around Him-hungry for His words-manna in the desert. He finished…
Post 90·January 22, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus' First Encounter With a Demon
Jesus' First Encounter With a Demon "Be silent. Come out of him." (Mark 1:25) "Be silent. Come out of him." (Mark 1:25) The Capernaum synagoguewas crowded with men in clean linen robes-cream, beige, soft blues, muted reds-sandals wiped…
Post 91·January 23, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Understands When A Truth About You Is Weaponized
Jesus Understands When A Truth About You Is Weaponized "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon?'I know who You Are-the Holy One of God!'"-Luke 4:33-34 I used to read the deliverance in the synagogueas just a dramatic…
Post 92·January 24, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Restores the Ones You Love
Jesus Restores the Ones You Love "They begged Him to help her."-Luke 4:38 Jesus had just silenced a demon in the synagogue.The room was still buzzing.(Mark 1:21-28) But when He stepped into Peter's house,He stepped into a new front in…
Post 93·January 25, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why His Disciples Couldn't Find Jesus
Why His Disciples Couldn't Find Jesus "Simon and his companions went to look for Him."-Mark 1:36 "Very early in the morning,while it was still dark,Jesus got up, left the house,and went off to a solitary place,where He prayed."-Mark…
Post 94·January 26, 2026·Bill Perkins
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- "Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (John 13:1) Passover to Pentecost Why Jesus Laid Aside His Robe of Honor"Having loved His own who were in the world,He loved them to the end."John 13:1 The Upper…
Post 95·January 27, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot
- "He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him; and from them He chose twelve?" (Luke 6:12-13) Why Did Jesus Choose Judas Iscariot "He went out to…
Post 96·January 28, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Made A Vow That Involves You
Jesus Made A Vow That Involves You "I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom comes" (Luke 22:18) Jesus made a vow in the Upper Roomthat's easy to overlook. And that's no wonder.After all, it sitsin the shadow…
Post 97·January 29, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Replaced the Golden Rule With a Higher One
Jesus Replaced the Golden Rule With a Higher One "Love one another; as I have loved you." (John 13:34) "Love one another; as I have loved you."John 13:34 Judas has left the room.The seat he left still warm.The door still swinging.…
Post 98·January 30, 2026·Bill Perkins
How Jesus Tries to Protect You from Yourself
HOW JESUS TRIES TO PROTECT YOU FROM YOURSELF "I am telling you now before it happens,so that when it does happen you will believe."- John 13:19 In the Upper Room Jesus warned them.All of them.Before a sword was drawn,or a rooster crowed.
Post 99·January 31, 2026·Bill Perkins
God's Terrifying Grace-A Personal Story
God's Terrifying Grace-A Personal Story "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14:27) "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.Not as the world gives do I give to…
Post 100·February 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Four Breaths of God
THE FOUR BREATHS OF GOD "And with that He breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit.'" (John 20:22) "And with that He breathed on them and said,'Receive the Holy Spirit.'"John 20:22 In the beginning, God spoke-and darkness…
Post 101·February 2, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Taught Us To Pray To The Father
Why Jesus Taught Us To Pray To The Father "Father? glorify Your Son" (John 17:1) "In that day you will ask the Father in My name?for the Father Himself loves you." John?16:23,?27 The hour had come (John 17:1)The Cross cast its…
Post 102·February 3, 2026·Bill Perkins
It Was Night
It Was Night "And it was night." (Jn 13:30) "And it was night."Jn 13:30 The door closed behind Judas,and John wrote,"And it was night." To the city, it looked like any other Passover night-crowded streets,lamps burning inside…
Post 103·February 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
How the Father Lifts You
How the Father Lifts You "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." (John 15:1) "I am the true vine,and My Father is the vinedresser."John 15:1 It was a cold night when they left the Upper Room,cold enough that later the…
Post 104·February 5, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Press In The Garden
The Press In The Garden "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." (Matt. 26:39) "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrowto the point of death." - Mark 14:34 Gethsemane-olive press.A…
Post 105·February 6, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Wolf in the Garden
The Wolf in the Garden "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me;yet not My will, but Yours be done." - Luke 22:42 You may not know this about jesusbut He felt itwhen He entered the garden- like stepping into a caveand knowing…
Post 106·February 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Jesus Called Judas "Friend"
Why Jesus Called Judas "Friend" "Friend, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Luke 22:48) A kiss.A word.Two gestures in the Gardenthat seem like expressionsof friendship. But neither meanswhat it appears to mean. Judas'…
Post 107·February 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
Surrounded by an Invisible Army
Surrounded by an Invisible Army "When Jesus said to them, 'I am he,'they drew back and fell to the ground." - Jn 18:6 They thought they had Jesus surrounded.Two hundred soldiers.Torches.Armor.It looked easy-a rabbi cornered in a garden.
Post 108·February 9, 2026·Bill Perkins
What Happened Between the Garden and the Cross
What Happened Between the Garden and the Cross "The soldiers arrested Jesus and bound Him, and brought Him first to Annas." (John 18:12-13) "The soldiers arrested Jesusand bound Him,and brought Him first to Annas."John 18:12-13 Most…
Post 109·February 10, 2026·Bill Perkins
The High Priest Condemned Our High Priest
The High Priest Condemned Our High Priest "You have heard His blasphemy.What is your decision?"And they all condemned Him to death." - Mk 14:64 You may not know this about Jesus,but after the first trial,they dragged Him to a second…
Post 110·February 11, 2026·Bill Perkins
The God of Six Chances
The God of Six Chances "Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice."- John 18:38 God didn't rush the verdict-He interrupted it at every turn,giving Pilate room to choosewhat was right,even though it held risk. The six trials of…
Post 111·February 12, 2026·Bill Perkins
Monday
Monday The Most Beautiful Word In Greek "I came into the world-to bear witness to the truth." - John 18:37 When I studied Greek,I cherished one word. A word so beautiful,my wife and I would have given it to a daughterhad God blessed us…
Post 112·February 13, 2026·Bill Perkins
Tuesday
Tuesday Jesus' First Word From the Cross "Father, forgive them,for they don't knowwhat they're doing."-?Lu?23:34 He hung there-suspended by nailsthrough His wrists and feet. Soldiers laughing.Leaders sneering.The crowd mocking. Both…
Post 113·February 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
Wednesday
Wednesday "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) Jesus Second Word From the Cross "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise."Luke 23:43 One of the most encouraging storiesin the Gospelsis…
Post 114·February 15, 2026·Bill Perkins
Thursday
Thursday "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (PS 22:1) Jesus' Third Word From The Cross "My God, My God,why have You forsaken Me?"(PS 22:1) When Jesus cried these words,He hadn't lost faith.Abandonment wasn't the…
Post 115·February 16, 2026·Bill Perkins
Good Friday
Good Friday Jesus' Sixth Word From The Cross "It is finished."- John 19:30 Jesus didn't whisper this word.He declared it. A single breathcarrying the weightof His mission. In the ancient world,a man's charges were written on a…
Post 116·February 17, 2026·Bill Perkins
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday "They saw that the stone had been rolled away, though it was very large." (Mk 16:4) Why Was The Stone Removed? "They saw that the stone had been rolled away, though it was very large." (Mk 16:4) Before sunrise,the women…
Post 117·February 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
Monday after Easter
Monday after Easter Who Stole the Body? "Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first,also went in, and he saw and believed." - Jn 20:8 As she ran,Mary encountered Peter and John "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,and…
Post 118·February 19, 2026·Bill Perkins
Tuesday
Tuesday Why Jesus Appeared to Mary First "Woman, why are you weeping?Who are you looking for?" - Jn 20:15 Mary stood outside the tombweeping. As she wept,she stoopedand looked in. She saw two angels in white-one at the head,one at the…
Post 119·February 20, 2026·Bill Perkins
Thursday
Thursday "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father?" (Jn 20:17) A Name Jesus Used For The First Time "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father?" (Jn 20:17) Mary reached for Himand held Him…
Post 120·February 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
Friday
Friday "Did not our hearts burn within us as He spoke to us on the road, as He opened the Scriptures to us?" (Lu 24:32) Where to Find Jesus "Did not our hearts burn within usas He spoke to us on the road,as He opened the Scriptures to us?"
Post 121·February 22, 2026·Bill Perkins
When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors
When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors "Peace I Leave With You." (John 20:21) John 20:19-21When Jesus Walks Through Locked Doors "Peace I Leave With You."John 20:21 Evening settled over Jerusalemlike a gathering storm. Fear barred the doors.
Post 122·February 23, 2026·Bill Perkins
When Your Theology Keeps You From Seeing the Truth
When Your Theology Keeps You From Seeing the Truth "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) "Then He opened their mindsto understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45 I counted thirty-one timesJesus…
Post 123·February 24, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Turned Yesterday into Tomorrow
Jesus Turned Yesterday into Tomorrow "As the Father sent Me, so I send you." (Jn 20.21) As the Father sent MeJn 20.21 Fear clung to themlike smoke after a fire.The doors were shut.The room felt small.The fatigue of sleepless nights.And…
Post 124·February 25, 2026·Bill Perkins
How Jesus Responds To Sincere Doubt
How Jesus Responds To Sincere Doubt "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20.28) "Thomas? was not with them when Jesus came." (Jn 20.24) The room was alivewith the storyThomas missed. Hands movedas they retold it.Voices roseas each man addedhis…
Post 125·February 26, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Day Jesus Completed Earlier Stories
The Day Jesus Completed Earlier Stories "Children, do you have any fish?" (Jn 21:5) "Children, do you have any fish?" (Jn 21:5) You may not know this about Jesus,but on the seashore after His resurrection,He wasn't just creating new…
Post 126·February 27, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Final Four Miracles
Jesus Final Four Miracles "Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee." (Jn 21:1) Jesus hadn't appeared in over a week. So Peter said, "I'm going fishing." (Jn 21:3)Six others went with him.All night they fished.
Post 127·February 28, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Question Jesus Asks a Broken Man
The Question Jesus Asks a Broken Man "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?'" (Jn 21:15) "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,'Simon…
Post 128·March 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Moment the Disciples Finally Saw Their Future
The Moment the Disciples Finally Saw Their Future "Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me." (Matt 28:10) Jesus told His disciplesto meet Him on a mountain in Galilee,north of the Sea of…
Post 129·March 2, 2026·Bill Perkins
Two Verbs That Changed The World
Two Verbs That Changed The World "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations?" (Matt 28:19) When Jesus finally gave themtheir mission,He didn't hand them a planto admire.He gave them wordsto obey. "Go?and make disciples?"(Matt…
Post 130·March 3, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Was Baptized Twice
Jesus Was Baptized Twice "But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" (Lk 12:50) "But I have a baptism to undergo,and how distressed I amuntil it is accomplished!" (Lk 12:50) We often think of…
Post 131·March 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
We Are Excavators
Commentary We Are Excavators "As you go,make disciples."- Matthew 28:19 When Jesus said "make disciples,"He was inviting usinto the same kind of lifeHe had been forming in the men and womenwho walked with Him. A disciple is someonewho…
Post 132·March 5, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Hidden Meaning of Baptism
Devotional The Hidden Meaning of Baptism "Baptizing them into the Nameof the Father, and of the Son,and of the Holy Spirit."- Mt?28:19 Sometimes a mystery defies understanding.Yet even when we can't fully grasp it,a single word can…
Post 133·March 6, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Key to Making Disciples
Commentary "Follow me as I follow Christ." (1 Cor 11:1) The Key to Making Disciples"Teach them to obeyeverything I have commanded you?"- Matthew 28:20 Teach them to obey?Everything Jesus commanded? For many of us,this is the part of…
Post 134·March 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Day Jesus Handed Us the Mission
Devotional The Day Jesus Handed Us the Mission "You will be My witnesses?" (Ac?1:8) After the resurrection,Jesus did not remainwith His disciplescontinuously.But He did appear to themon many occasionsover forty days (Ac?1:3). He came…
Post 135·March 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
Have you ever read Scripture
Commentary "Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures." (Luke 24:45) "Then He opened their mindsto understand the Scriptures."Luke 24:45 Have you ever read Scriptureand felt like you should understand it-but you don't?…
Post 136·March 9, 2026·Bill Perkins
When Jesus' Presence Isn't Enough
Devotional "And remember, I am with you always, Even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20) When Jesus' Presence Isn't Enough "And remember, I am with you always,Even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20 Jesus promised His presenceas…
Post 137·March 10, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why Wait for the Power
Commentary "Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Why Wait for the Power "Stay in the cityuntil you are clothedwith power from on high."Luke 24:49 Before Jesus sent them,He stopped them. Before…
Post 138·March 11, 2026·Bill Perkins
The First Miracle Was Unity
Devotional "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21) The First Miracle Was Unity "All these with one accordwere devoting themselves to prayer?"- Acts 1:14 Before the rushing wind of Pentecost.Before the flamesthat rested on each…
Post 139·March 12, 2026·Bill Perkins
Healing the Wound Judas Left
Commentary "And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias." (Acts 1:26) Healing the Wound Judas Left "And they cast lots for them,and the lot fell on Matthias." (Acts 1:26) They had spent three years with Judas.Walking the…
Post 140·March 13, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Exodus Within
Devotional "spoke about His exodus" (Lk 9:31) The Exodus Within Suddenly a soundlike a mighty rushing windcame from heaven." - Acts 2:2 You may know the stories.Moses at the sea (Ex 14).Elijah in the sky (2 Kgs 2).Pentecost in…
Post 151·March 24, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Mercy of Parables
Commentary "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom." (Mt 13:11) The Mercy of Parables "I will open my mouth in parables;I will utter things hiddensince the foundation of the world." - Mt 13:35 Matthew 13 is the…
Post 152·March 25, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Sower Who Never Stops Sowing
The Sower Who Never Stops Sowing "The seed is the word of God." - Lu 8:11 Jesus steps out of the houseand sits beside the sea. (Mt 13:1-2)The crowds gather,and He gives them one word-the word that shapeseverything that follows: Sower.…
Post 153·March 26, 2026·Bill Perkins
What Determines Your Spiritual Growth
What Determines Your Spiritual Growth "Those who were sown on the good soilare the ones who hear the wordand accept it and bear fruit." - Mk 4:20 Jesus is teachinghow the kingdom grows:not by force,but by the condition of the heart.…
Post 154·March 27, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Soil of My Heart
The Soil of My Heart "Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts." (Psalm 95:7-8) "Today if you hear His voice,Do not harden your hearts." Psalm 95:7-8 The last three posts have exploredthe Parable of the Sower.Today, we…
Post 155·March 28, 2026·Bill Perkins
Why God Doesn't Remove the Weeds Now
Commentary "Do you want us to pull them up?" (Mt 13:28) Why God Doesn't Remove the Weeds Now "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man?the field is the world?" - Matthew 13:37 Jesus follows the Parable of the Sowerwith a paired…
Post 156·March 29, 2026·Bill Perkins
Celebrate Small Beginnings
Devotional "when it has grown? the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches." (Matthew 13:32) Celebrate Small Beginnings "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed?the smallest of all seeds." - Matthew 13:31 Jesus is…
Post 157·March 30, 2026·Bill Perkins
Leaving the Old Life Behind
Leaving the Old Life Behind "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees" (Mt. 16:6) "Beware the leaven of the Pharisees." - Matthew 16:6 Leaven is a small piece of old doughsaved from yesterday's batch. It's alive.It's active.And once you…
Post 158·March 31, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Let the Future In
How to Let the Future In "The kingdom of God is in the midst of you." - Luke 17:21 Jesus says the Kingdom works like leaven-quiet, steady, unstoppable-until the whole life becomes shapedby the future God has already begun. Paul says…
Post 159·April 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus-The Treasure Hunter
Jesus-The Treasure Hunter "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field,which a man found and hid; and in his joy he goes and sells all he hasand buys that field." (Mt?13:44) Jesus uses hidden treasureto show how the…
Post 160·April 2, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Priceless Pearl
The Priceless Pearl "The Kingdom of heaven is like a gem dealerlooking for beautiful pearls.One day he found a pearl of great price,and he went and sold all he had and bought it." (Matt.13:45-46) Jesus said the Kingdom is likea…
Post 161·April 3, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Dragnet
Devotional - The Dragnet "The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish." (Matthew 13:47) The Great Separation "The kingdom of heaven is like a netthat was let down into the lake and…
Post 162·April 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
Giving Away Treasure
Commentary "Every scribe trained for the Kingdom is like a householder who brings out treasures- new and old." (Matthew 13:52) Giving Away Treasure "Every scribe trained for the Kingdomis like a householderwho brings out treasures-new…
Post 163·April 5, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Blessing of Poverty
Devotional "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) The Blessing of Poverty "Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven."Matthew 5:3 He sat down-the posture of a…
Post 164·April 6, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Beatitudes
Commentary "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4) The Beatitudes The Comfort of God "Blessed are those who mourn,for they shall be comforted."Matthew 5:4 There is a mourningevery human heart knows-the…
Post 165·April 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Beatitudes
Devotional "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5) The Beatitudes Finders Losers, Losers Keepers "Blessed are the meek,for they shall inherit the earth."Matthew 5:5 The world grabs.Yet God blesses us…
Post 166·April 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Beatitudes
Commentary "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6) The Beatitudes Blessed Are The Hungry "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be…
Post 167·April 9, 2026·Bill Perkins
Blessed Are The Merciful
Devotional "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Blessed Are The Merciful "Blessed are the merciful,for they shall receive mercy."Matthew 5:7 Mercy is more than feeling someone's pain.It removes the…
Post 168·April 10, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to See God
Commentary "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) How to See God "Blessed are the pure in heart,for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8 There is a longing we all know-the longing to see God clearly.We…
Post 169·April 11, 2026·Bill Perkins
Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace
Commentary "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9) Seek the Peacemaker, Not the Peace "Blessed are the peacemakers,for they shall be called children of God." Matthew 5:9 Peace isn't…
Post 181·April 23, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Obey
Commentary "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) How to Obeythe Impossible Command "This is My commandment,that you love one anotheras I have loved you." John 15:12 Jesus does not hide…
Post 182·April 24, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Love Like Jesus Loved
Devotional "Love one another; as I have loved you." (John 13:34) How to Love Like Jesus Loved "Love one another;as I have loved you."John 13:34 Years ago I fell on my kneesbeside my bedand begged Godto save mefrom myself. I could not…
Post 183·April 25, 2026·Bill Perkins
What Does It Mean to Remain?
Commentary "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love." (John 15:9) What Does It Mean to Remain? "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you.Remain in My love." John 15:9 Remain.The same word Jesus used…
Post 184·April 26, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Stand When Everything Around You Falls
Devotional "I have treasured Your word in my heart that I may not sin against You." (Ps 119:11) How to Stand When Everything Around You Falls "If you keep My commands,you will remain in My love?" Everyone wants a lifethat can stand in…
Post 185·April 27, 2026·Bill Perkins
How Often Should I Forgive Someone?
Commentary "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" (Matthew 18:21) How Often Should I Forgive Someone? "Lord, how often shall my brothersin against me,and I forgive him?Up to seven…
Post 186·April 28, 2026·Bill Perkins
How Jesus Lives in You
Devotional "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you?" (John 15:7) How Jesus Lives in You "If you abide in Me,and My words abide in you?"John 15:7 In the verses before this,the movement flowed one way-you remain in Him,you remain…
Post 187·April 29, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Kind of Prayer God Answers
Commentary "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) The Kind of Prayer God Answers "If you abide in Me,and My words abide in you,ask whatever you wish,and it will…
Post 188·April 30, 2026·Bill Perkins
What it Means to Glorify God
Commentary "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:8) What it Means to Glorify God "By this My Father is glorified,that you bear much fruit,and so prove to be My…
Post 189·May 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Experience the Joy of Jesus
Devotional "If My words remain in you?" (Jn 15:7) How to Experience the Joy of Jesus "These things I have spoken to youso that My joy may be in you,and your joy may be full."- John 15:11 You may not know this about Jesus,but He gives…
Post 190·May 2, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to Be Jesus' Friend
Commentary "You are My friends if you do what I command you." (John 15:14) How to Be Jesus' Friend "You are My friendsif you do what I command you."John 15:14 Most people assumeeveryone who believes in Jesusis automatically His friend.
Post 208·September 9, 2026·Bill Perkins
Close the Gate to Your Mind
You may not know this about Jesus: He taught the discipline of the mind before Paul wrote about it. Jesus said, “Watch and pray so you will not enter into temptation.”
Post 191·August 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
Don't Partner With the Enemy
Commentary "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field." (Matthew 13:24) Don't Partner With the Enemy “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” Matthew 13:24…
Post 192·August 17, 2026·Bill Perkins
When Light Takes Over
Devotional "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened." (Matthew 13:33) When Light Takes Over “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a…
Post 193·August 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
Pray for the Applause of God
Commentary "When you pray, don't pray to be seen." (Matthew 6:5) Pray for the Applause of God “When you pray, don’t pray to be seen.” — Matthew 6:5 My first public prayer wasn’t to God. It was to a girl. In eighth…
Post 194·August 20, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Most Recited Words in the Bible
Devotional "When you pray, say: 'Our Father in heaven.'" (Luke 11:2) The Most Recited Words in the Bible “When you pray, say: ‘Our Father in heaven.’” Luke 11:2, Matthew 6:9 The opening six words of the Lord’s…
Post 195·August 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
Who is the God of Heaven?
Commentary "Pray then like this, 'Our Father in heaven.'" (Matthew 6:9) Who is the God of Heaven? “Pray then like this, ‘Our Father in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9 To understand what Jesus means by “Our Father in heaven,”…
Post 196·August 24, 2026·Bill Perkins
On Earth as in Heaven
Devotional "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) On Earth as in Heaven “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10 Before Jesus teaches us to pray these words, He lives them.
Post 197·August 25, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Mystery of Heaven
Commentary "In my Father's house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2) The Mystery of Heaven “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 Heaven is…
Post 198·August 26, 2026·Bill Perkins
What Happens When We Die?
Devotional "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8) What Happens When We Die? “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8 What happens the…
Post 199·August 27, 2026·Bill Perkins
Who Will You Be With in Heaven
Commentary "After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could number." (Revelation 7:9) Who Will You Be With in Heaven “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could number.”
Post 200·August 30, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Lamb of Heaven
Devotional "I saw a Lamb standing in the midst of the throne." (Revelation 5:6) The Lamb of Heaven “I saw a Lamb standing in the midst of the throne.” Rev. 5:6 After the great assembly, after a multitude no one…
Post 201·August 31, 2026·Bill Perkins
Hallowed Be Your Name
Devotional "Father, hallowed be Your name." (Luke 11:2) Hallowed Be Your Name “Father, hallowed be Your name.” Luke 11:2 You may not know this about Jesus, but when he teaches us to pray this way, He is inviting us…
Post 202·September 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
Your Kingdom Come
Commentary "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Your Kingdom Come “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” Mt 6:10 Jesus isn’t explaining everything…
Post 203·September 2, 2026·Bill Perkins
Bread for the Body, Bread for the Soul
Devotional "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11) Bread for the Body, Bread for the Soul “Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 Israel woke to manna. Fresh. Enough for today. Never for tomorrow.
Post 204·September 3, 2026·Bill Perkins
Forgive Us Our Debts
Commentary "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12) Forgive Us Our Debts “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 Jesus teaches us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as…
Post 205·September 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
Lead Us Not Into Temptation
Devotional "Lead us not into temptation." (Matthew 6:13) Lead Us Not Into Temptation “Lead us not into temptation.” Matthew 6:13 Jesus teaches us to pray these words because He knows temptation begins long before…
Post 206·September 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
Deliver Us From the Evil One
Devotional "Deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13) Deliver Us From the Evil One “Deliver us from the evil one.” — Mt 6:13 Many use “deliverance” to mean casting out demons. And it can mean that. But here…
Post 207·September 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
The First Lie Is the Most Dangerous
Commentary "He is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) The First Lie Is the Most Dangerous “He is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 You may not know this about Jesus: when He taught us to pray…
Post 209·September 10, 2026·Bill Perkins
Yours Is the Kingdom
Commentary "Yours is the kingdom . . . forever." (Matthew 6:13) Yours Is the Kingdom “Yours is the kingdom . . . forever.” Matthew 6:13 You may not know this about Jesus but He spoke of the Kingdom of God more than…
Post 210·September 13, 2026·Bill Perkins
Yours Is the Power
Devotional "For Yours is the power . . . forever." (Matthew 6:13) Yours Is the Power “For Yours is the power . . . forever.” Matthew 6:13 Power (dunamis) is God’s ability— to act, to create, to command, to sustain…
Post 141·March 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
God’s Hand Filled the Gloves
God’s Hand Filled the Gloves "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22) And He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22 The night before His death, while in the Upper Room, Jesus promised a Helper—the Spirit (Jn 14:16–1
Post 142·March 15, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Indwelling
The Indwelling "Receive the Holy Spirit." (John 20:22) And He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22 They were waiting, and something waited for them. Holding onto Jesus’ last words— “You will receive power when th
Post 143·March 16, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Sights and Sounds of Pentecost
The Sights and Sounds of Pentecost "And suddenly a sound came from heaven, like a rushing wind filling the house." (Acts 2:2) And suddenly a sound came from heaven, like a rushing wind filling the house. Acts 2:2 The disciples were in the u
Post 144·March 17, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Day Fear Lost its Voice
The Day Fear Lost its Voice "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses." (Acts 1:8) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8 The
Post 145·March 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
One Thing the Holy Spirit Can’t Do
One Thing the Holy Spirit Can’t Do "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses." (Acts 1:8) “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8)
Post 146·March 19, 2026·Bill Perkins
Suddenly Seeing—Slowly Understanding
Suddenly Seeing—Slowly Understanding "And they remembered His words." (Luke 24:8) “And they remembered His words.” — Luke 24:8 A person born blind who suddenly receives sight has vision— but they don’t yet know what they’re seeing. Light fl
Post 147·March 20, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Secret of Jesus’ Power—and Ours
The Secret of Jesus’ Power—and Ours "The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing." (John 5:19) “The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing.” — John 5:19 Many people th
Post 148·March 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
God Was in the Fire Not the Wind
God Was in the Fire Not the Wind "And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a violent rushing wind." (Acts 2:2) “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a violent rushing wind. Acts 2:2 They were waiting, in a room filled wi
Post 149·March 22, 2026·Bill Perkins
The Day Jesus Recruited His Enemy
The Day Jesus Recruited His Enemy "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5) “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”. Acts 9:5 Of all the people Jesus could have appeared to last, He chose the one least likely to believe. It was to Hi
Post 150·March 23, 2026·Bill Perkins
Jesus Asked Isaiah, “Whom Shall I Send?”
Jesus Asked Isaiah, “Whom Shall I Send?” "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”" (Isaiah 6:8) “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send
Post 171·April 13, 2026·Bill Perkins
How to find joy in suffering
How to find joy in suffering "Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven." (Matthew 5:12a) Jesus never asks us to celebrate pain. He asks us to look past it. He endured the cross not by focusing on the agony, but by fixing His
Post 172·April 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
The doorway to heaven
The doorway to heaven "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:10) Every Beatitude is a picture of Jesus. And this one shows Him suffering persecution for doing what is
Post 173·April 15, 2026·Bill Perkins
What suffering for Jesus reveals about you
What suffering for Jesus reveals about you "For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:12b) You may not know this about Jesus, but He never hides the cost of following Him. He tells you the truth— because He knows
Post 174·April 16, 2026·Bill Perkins
When forgiveness feels impossible
When forgiveness feels impossible "Father, forgive them." (Luke 23:34) Forgiveness is impossible. Not difficult. Not a long process. Not something you “work on.” Impossible. When someone has betrayed you, abandoned you, humiliated you, abus
Post 175·April 17, 2026·Bill Perkins
The meaning of forgiveness
The meaning of forgiveness "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21–22) When someone wrongs us, we feel they owe us something— a debt we try to collect wit
Post 176·April 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
Forgiveness flows from the Father through us
Forgiveness flows from the Father through us "Love your enemies… and you will be children of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44–45) Jesus roots forgiveness in identity before He ever commands it. We forgive because of who we are—
Post 177·April 19, 2026·Bill Perkins
The source of forgiveness
The source of forgiveness "Abide in Me, and I in you." (John 15:4) Forgiveness begins here. Before Jesus ever speaks of releasing others, He speaks of remaining in Him. You may not know this about Jesus: when He called Himself the Vine, He
Post 178·April 20, 2026·Bill Perkins
What is the true vine?
What is the true vine? "Apart from Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Forgiveness exposes this truth faster than anything else. We meet our limits the moment we try to release the one who wounded us. You may not know this about Jesus: He n
Post 179·April 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
When His words shape your desires
When His words shape your desires "If My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." (John 15:7) After Jesus and the disciples left the Upper Room, they walked toward Gethsemane. Along the way, they likely passe
Post 180·April 22, 2026·Bill Perkins
The atmosphere of God’s love
The atmosphere of God’s love "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love." (John 15:9) Jesus shows us that His love is the one reality strong enough to carry the weight of our lives. You may not know this about Jesus
Post 231·October 31, 2026·Bill Perkins
Divorce and Remarriage
Divorce and Remarriage “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.” (Matthew 19:8) Many believe Jesus allowed one condition for divorce that permitted remarriage—adultery.
Post 232·November 1, 2026·Bill Perkins
How Jesus Lived His Teaching
How Jesus Lived His Teaching “Neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11) When Jesus addressed divorce in the Sermon on the Mount, many believe He offered a single standard for ending a marriage and remarrying.
Post 233·November 4, 2026·Bill Perkins
Let Your Yes be Yes
Let Your Yes be Yes “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Anything beyond that comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) When placed under oath, a witness swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Post 234·November 7, 2026·Bill Perkins
Don’t Resist an Aggressor
Don’t Resist an Aggressor “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an aggressor.” (Matthew 5:38–39) For everyone listening to Jesus, these words belonged to the familiar language of justice.
Post 235·November 8, 2026·Bill Perkins
Turn the Other Cheek?
Turn the Other Cheek? “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him your other cheek.” (Matthew 5:39) In this antithesis, Jesus isn’t just telling us what to do after someone strikes us.
Post 236·November 11, 2026·Bill Perkins
Naked Generosity
Naked Generosity “If anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” (Matthew 5:40) I’ve known people who lost lawsuits—some losses small, others devastating.
Post 237·November 14, 2026·Bill Perkins
One Mile for the King
One Mile for the King “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Being forced to carry what you never chose is humiliating.
Post 238·November 15, 2026·Bill Perkins
Give to All Who Ask
Give to All Who Ask “Give to the one who asks you for something.” (Matthew 5:42) The crowd on the hillside heard a call that reached deeper than possessions.
Post 239·November 18, 2026·Bill Perkins
The King’s Law of Lending
The King’s Law of Lending “And don’t refuse the person who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42) A request to borrow money is never a small moment.
Post 240·November 21, 2026·Bill Perkins
When a Small Loss Presses the Heart
When a Small Loss Presses the Heart “If someone takes something that’s yours, don’t demand he return it.” (Luke 6:30) Someone takes something small. You notice it later—and a quiet pull toward fairness begins.

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Every post, in date order.

The Master’s Way of Deliverance

Jesus Held Thunder But Chose Silence

Jesus Lacked Awareness

Jesus Taught With Riddles

He Values When We Do This

The God of the Gap

His Temptations

“Beloved Son” Means More Than You Think

The Sea and Sky Opened

Lead Through Failure

Do This To Show Someone Their Worth

When Good Men Get Angry

Lesson From A Man With 2,000 Demons

Ask These Questions When Talking About God

What the Bible Says About Tithing

How to See Jesus

Our Comfort: God Visited A Violent World

Read This on Thanksgiving

Before Making An Alliance--Do This!

The Joy of Spiritual Flight

What Do You Call Someone Who Betrayed You?

People Who See Miracles Have This

Never Dump the Whole Load of Hay?

A Deep Look At God's Holiness

The Key to Success in Everything

My Resume of Failure

Winning a Spiritual Tug of War

Overcoming Three Barriers to Belief

Ride Out Your Pain

A Lesson Learned From Billows of Black Smoke

Jesus is The God of the Gap

Change Your Spiritual Expectation for the New Year

Rebuke With Wisdom

Change How You View Adversity

Do This Before Every Decision

When You Don't Know What To Do

"I Never Saw It That Way Before"

To Serve Others Best, Do This First

Take the Leap . . . Be Spontaneous

Was Jesus Superman?

Why Are You Discouraged?

The Cure for a Competitive Spirit

Leading When You'd Rather Hide

Leap Into God's Grace

Five Keys to Conflict Management

A Purpose for Human Suffering

You Were Made for This

Do This To Make Good Decisions

One Thought Will Heal Your Mind

Jesus Gave One Commandment Ten Times?

This Guarantees You'll Smile in One Year

Touch God This Christmas

The Three Dreams of Joseph

Be Thankful For This

This Danger Lurks Nearby

How the Humble Handle Power

Hard . . . But Not Impossible

Getting Past Spiritual Barriers

A Thought: On My Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary

Overcoming Your Greatest Fear

To Avoid Comparisons Do This

Spontaneous Jesus

Completely Ruined!

God Gave You The Gift of Anger

Jesus Placed This Above Mission

I've Got the Boat. Who's Got the Gas?

An Audience of One

This Makes a Winning Team

Who's Playing You?

Need Hope? Read This

Why did Jesus First Appear to a Woman?

How to Choose an Ally

Jesus Got Angry Four Times

The Night My Life Changed

"Get Behind Me Satan!"

How to Correct Without Crushing

Did Jesus Cheat?

Is God Approachable?

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