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 age we find … [Read more...] about The 3 D’s of Satan’s Toolbox
Tools
The Philippian Formula
After the Apostle Paul had received aid from the brethren in Philippi, he wrote and thanked them. His expression of love and care for them is instructive to us in our relationship with one another. He used the situation to instruct and encourage them in things pertaining to greater unity amongst themselves. Firstly, he is thoughtful of their needs and presents prayer to God on behalf of the congregation and specific individuals. His prayer style, in regard to the Church in Philippi, is … [Read more...] about The Philippian Formula
The Value of Scripture
Recently we have been trying to provide a balanced view towards the things that are happening in the world and all of the commentary that goes along with that. And the need to be looking into the word of God a great deal more than perhaps we have been doing. The words that proceed from the mouth of God are critically important; they are not abstract. Notice in Deuteronomy 30: “For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in … [Read more...] about The Value of Scripture
Our Life – A Means to the End
We know that our physical life is designed to end. So, it is helpful to realize that our physical lives are simply a means to an end. “Means” is the action or path one takes to reach a goal. “End” is the goal distinct from what one does to reach the goal. Understanding what these are and being able to distinguish which is the “means” and which is the “end” is important as it helps all of us reach our intended goal. But what is the goal of human physical life? What goal … [Read more...] about Our Life – A Means to the End
What is on Your Mind Today?
What tends to be on our minds at any given time is somewhat driven by the events in which we are engaged. This is one reason the regular study of God’s Word is essential. World events also play a major part in our thought processes. For example, this week we read of the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker, advocating a combined EU military force. In 2010, the then German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, had called for the creation of a European army so that in the long term … [Read more...] about What is on Your Mind Today?
Three Levels of Listening
Personally, I always thought I was a fairly good listener. That was until I attended a class on listening. It was only then that I realized I had been a very poor listener for most of my life. The Presenter spoke about the different levels of listening. He represented listening as a team building experience because we often get into trouble since we don’t want to hear the other person before we speak. Scriptures has several comments about our human proclivity to prefer speaking … [Read more...] about Three Levels of Listening
Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
As followers of God, we have chosen to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. There are two main ways for us to measure our spiritual growth – motivation and action. Motivation is the internal desire to grow, to change, to accept God’s perspectives and motivations in all aspects of our lives. Action is a literal external behavioral change - the evidence of that motivation. It is a change that can be perceived and observed in our daily lives. All motivation and actions are … [Read more...] about Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth