STAND! In the face of uncertain circumstances we will reflect the things that we have the most confidence in. Confidence is the result of having the belief, through repetition, that the results will be favorable to us.
Paul complained to God about a thorn that was causing him great discomfort in his flesh. On multiple occasions he approached God with a request for relief and each time God gave Paul a response that was not what he expected but was exactly what Paul needed. What Paul came to realize was that in spite of the deficiency that he was focused on there was a greater thing constantly at work on his behalf?
The change that occurs after three days of heart pounding preaching is amazing. When the Word of God goes forth there can be nothing that remains the same. God has promised that His Word would never return void, therefore, what we are challenged to do is TRUST HIM!
Perfection in the world does not have a very specific definition. It changes from region to region, even household to household. There is an old saying that says one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure, this is true with the concept of perfection, everywhere, but in our walk with God.
There is a moment in every one of our lives that has the ability to push us further than we ever have been pushed before. A moment that at times is met with a lot of fanfare or does not appear to be any different than any other time. A moment that, when used properly, charts a new course and expands the possibilities before us.
There are things in life that move us, inspire us, even stir us. One of those things is the selfless dedication of a person who takes on the noble task of being a servant. Servants are always needed and rarely acknowledged.
The Bible says that we should study to show ourselves approved, this goes beyond merely knowing and retelling what the Word of God says. 2 Timothy 2:15 challenges us to be more than just holders of information but also to be able to apply what we know. Simply put, in order to be able to stand for what we believe in we must know, in great detail, what we believe in.
A famous book by William Danforth, the founder of Ralston Purina Company, challenges us to strive to excel in whatever we do. Philippians 4:8-9 says “whatever things are true…noble…just…pure…lovely…good report, if there is any virtue…anything praiseworthy- meditate on these things. The things which you learned…received…heard…saw in me, these do and the God of peace will be with you.” The challenge to mov...
When the Gospel has been made available to all people, it marks the time of completion of our work in ministry. When we consider that there are billions of people in the world and only 2 billion Christians, we know that there is still a lot of work for us to do. This does not diminish the value of the work that has been done but actually challenges us to work with a greater sense of urgency as we go forward to meet the legitimate needs of people locally and abroad.
Should our conversation with God be called the “Crying Game”? You know the one where we only talk to Him when we want something. Is it possible to have a conversation with God that does not involve a request?
Is there anything that is beyond the knowledge of God? NO! Yet, we make attempt after attempt to come up with another way, philosophy or idea to conduct our lives.
Every day with the Lord is sweeter than the day before. There are wonderfully, powerful lessons that can be taken into each new day. Far too often, we carry the negative baggage from one day to the next.
Should we embark on a journey that will help us grow in our faith and understanding? When you have nowhere to turn to for answers where do you go? Do you look for someone in particular like a trusted friend or relative?
Every day with the Lord is sweeter than the day before. There are wonderfully, powerful lessons that can be taken into each new day. Far too often, we carry the negative baggage from one day to the next.
God will not forget you. No matter what you are going through, He will not forget you. When others have long since abandoned you, He will not forget you.
A double minded man is unstable in all of his ways. The person who straddles the fence tends to get hurt. The Lord does not like for us to be lukewarm in regards to our relationship with Him.
Remember that time you first road a two wheeler. What about the first day of kindergarten. Maybe you can recall the day you were baptized or gave your first Easter speech.
“Grow Up!” This appears to be a simple enough statement that is reflective of a command and an expression of frustration at the same time. It would be wonderful if everyone was able to accomplish this to the satisfaction of everyone else, however, that has not been proven to be the case. God has said these words to us in so many ways that it is clear He desires that maturing is something we are supposed to do.
In 1 Corinthians 16 it is clear that the place where God wants His Spirit to live (reside, occupy) is in the hearts of people. Since that is where the Spirit is then it must get a regular dose of what it responds to, the Word of God. The latest marketing campaign, fad, gimmick, philosophy or media star does not automatically move the Holy Spirit.
Doing good is easy and hard at the same time. How we get to the point of doing good requires that we develop discipline. The Word of God tells us that He will discipline those that He loves.