The human heart is something we frequently discuss because there is so much we need to learn and to overcome about ourselves. The heart in this context is a term that simply means what is at the center of a person, who we are, what motivates us and what drives the conditions of our relationships with one another. The spirit in man was given to humans by God enabling them to think and reason and therefore have dominion over the rest of creation (Job 32:8). It also enables a human mind to hurt, … [Read more...] about Conditioning the Human Heart
Tools
While It is Still Today
Sometimes I muse about what it would be like if we were no longer subject to time as we are now. Scripture says: “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This gives us a glimpse into how differently God views time than we do. The Bible Knowledge Commentary states the following concerning this verse: ““God counts time differently than does man. . . . People see time against time; … [Read more...] about While It is Still Today
A Place to Dwell
What does a home mean to you? I think if we are like most people, our homes are extremely important to us, and they take a tremendous amount of our time and resources to acquire and maintain. There is a popular saying which says, “the home is where the heart is” and I think that’s a valid statement. Our hearts crave certain things for our homes. There is a practical side of it all where we try extremely hard to create and operate within a framework that provides … [Read more...] about A Place to Dwell
Emotions, + or -?
We all have emotions. God has emotions. Christ had emotions while on the earth as a human. Emotions are a natural part of the human psyche. A dictionary definition is a good place to begin in taking a look at the role emotions play in our lives – or put it another way, the place they should play in our lives. Emotions are “a complex experience of consciousness, bodily sensation, and behavior that reflects the personal significance of a thing, an event, or a state of affairs.” Of all the … [Read more...] about Emotions, + or -?
Anxiety and Broken Relationships
As we delve more into God’s law and its ultimate purpose of restoring broken relationships, first with the Father and secondly man to man, we begin to see that all healthy relationships are based on love that begins with the Father (I John 4:16-19). Godly love (agape) is an outgoing concern away from self. The more we are motivated by a Godly love – God actively working through us – the less we are concerned about ourselves. When Godly love is absent then the void is filled with its … [Read more...] about Anxiety and Broken Relationships
Digital Distraction
If there has ever been a group of people that are called upon to use their minds, it is the followers of Christ who have chosen to live His way of life. When I say, “use our minds”, I don’t mean human reasoning or logic; there is to be an emphasis on teaching, thinking, and understanding. Many religious systems are devised by men, who very often downplay teaching in favor of rituals. To them, rituals and traditions are what is most important. But true faith requires that we use our … [Read more...] about Digital Distraction
The 3 D’s of Satan’s Toolbox
I want to identify and explore three points of weakness that Satan can and will use to his advantage to manipulate followers of Christ to sin and to look at some ways we can counter his manipulation and strengthen these areas. These three points, I call “The 3 D’s of Satan’s Toolbox.” The first of these is doubt. Doubt is something that comes quite naturally to the human mind. I know this because every time I play golf, I doubt that I will do well. But in this current … [Read more...] about The 3 D’s of Satan’s Toolbox