How a person envisions or defines himself is one of the most influential facets of a person's world view and his place in it. This image is intertwined with his confidence which enables him to face adversity, meet challenges, and focus on threats unfettered by the shackles of fear. If one does not have a proper image or vision of his place in life, his confidence suffers along with his ability to cope with life. The result is fear or anxiety. People can become more depressive or aggressive … [Read more...] about Confidence, Esteem and Self-Image
Judgement
Taking God Seriously
Ancient Israel experiences in the 40 years of wilderness wanderings can be a good mirror for us. Their example reveals many aspects of our nature: āMoreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was … [Read more...] about Taking God Seriously
The Truth Will Set You Free
The truth will set you free! This is a much-used phrase. You find it in Martin Luther Kingās speeches, inscribed on the headquarters wall of the CIA, and it was used in one of the most recent Marvel movie franchises. I would suggest that this scripture should not be read as superficially. We often hear it used in the sense that knowledge is power, or we can set somebody loose from their bondage if we can enlighten them of their false notions and correct them. … [Read more...] about The Truth Will Set You Free
Staying Awake
Are we awake spiritually? Or are we too caught up in our daily tasks? Letās consider the periods of slumbering and awakening in our lives, and how we can learn to stay awake. Godās Holy Spirit is active, but our human spirit, the āspirit in manā (Job 32.8), which makes us each a unique individual, can slumber if we prevent Godās Spirit from working in us. Just like when we are driving along, mind wandering, and find that weāve lost track of how we got to where we are, so a slumbering spirit … [Read more...] about Staying Awake
Sneaking Suspicion
It all started when Satan and his angelic followers allowed a sliver of suspicion to enter their minds. It ended in defiant rebellion against the family of God. Satan then planted the seed of suspicion that God was holding something back from Adam and Eve, leading them into disobedience. Cain became suspicious that God preferred Abelās offering. His anger precipitated murder. Suspicion is a primal fear that someone will take what we think should be ours. And suspicious mistrust has challenged … [Read more...] about Sneaking Suspicion
Choose Life
As God prepared Israel for its occupation of the land of Canaan ā the land He had promised them ā He firmly reminded them of the centrality of His law to their existence. He told them that His commandments were near to them ā in their hearts (Deuteronomy 30:11-14). Godās law set two clear and distinct ways of life before them. On the one hand was life and good, while on the other was death and evil. The law defined these two ways, so they were clearly discernable. The assault on Godās law … [Read more...] about Choose Life
How Do We Use Authority?
When we consider biblical authority and how we should use authority, do we consider it from manās perspective or God's perspective? The disciples came to Christ and asked Him a basic question, who would have the preeminent position ā to sit at his right and left hand (Matthew 20:21-27). Sitting at the Kingās right and left hand by its very definition implies position, power and the ability to exercise authority ā which in human terms implies the ability to control others. Christās response to … [Read more...] about How Do We Use Authority?