It is within the realm of possibilities for Christians to get discouraged. Godly people throughout the Bible have struggled with living in a corrupt world. As we seek to live in accordance with a standard that elevates our living and raises our spiritual focus heavenward, there will be conflict. In that conflict, the fervor of our resolve is tested. Conflicts come through…

What many don’t fully understand was that God truly wanted to rescue them.   He sympathized with their fear of the future.   He really wanted to help them, but they kept getting in the way. He told them. “For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, ‘In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is…

Jesus set us free from the shadows.   “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His Son” (Col. 1:13).  We have escaped into the kingdom, but a “domain of darkness” waits for those who want to go back. It isn’t that people want to be slaves. Most will deceive themselves into thinking they’re returning…

God rescued His people from Egypt.  When Pharaoh refused to let them go, God delivered a series of disasters to loosen his grip. When Pharaoh sent soldiers to recapture the people, God tore a sea in half to provide a way of escape. When these soldiers pursued the people through this same passage, God covered Pharaoh’s army with water. The Red Sea…

Jesus spoke of hell. Luke writes about a rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31). In this narrative, the rich man lived a very different life than the beggar Lazarus. As all things go, they both die. The rich man goes into torment and Lazarus to the “bosom of Abraham.” The rich man wanted reprieve, but he wouldn’t find any. “And he cried out…

We continue the idea of the magazine quiz. What can these questions reveal about my love and devotion to God? You are probably not taking this quiz with a group of friends. However, each of us should take a moment to evaluate our commitment to God. Quiz, how do I know I really love God? 6. Do I seek to please Him?…

There used to be these things called magazines, paper publishing that came out monthly. In some of those magazines that targeted women and teen girls there were tests. Some of the popular ones were: “Does your crush secretly love you?” or “Are you really best friends?” and “Which Disney princess are you?” While these are not meant to be scientific evaluations, there…

As we go through life, there are basic needs. Food, shelter and clothing are all basic needs. Other needs include social, emotional needs like a sense of belonging, nurturing environment and basic instruction. In the spiritual context, we need God, His word and Jesus. We need Jesus because He is our mediator who reconciles us to God. “For there is one God,…