Most people on the planet prefer peace in relationships, in finances and from government interference. Fortunately, peace is especially important to God. From His perspective peace is closely connected to the concept of reconciliation. Something that God has always desired for humanity. God tells us that those who develop the qualities of "peacemaker" will be blessed (Matthew 5:9). Individually we may have little to no power to influence peace between nations; however, we can have power … [Read more...] about True Peace
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The Master Potter
In Isaiah 64: 8 God reveals Himself as a āpotterā: āBut now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.ā The Hebrew word for clay is āchomerā which means as bubbling up. That is of water, a wave, of earth, mire, or clay, like cement or mortar. Moses wrote that God formed man out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2.7) The Hebrew word for dust means clay, earth, mud, ashes, dust, ground, mortar, powder and, rubbish. Water is a … [Read more...] about The Master Potter
Godly Respect
While a large majority of people would agree that respect is a crucial factor in society, the lack of respect ā disrespect ā continues to increase in the world around us. Two areas of society where disrespect is most witnessed are education and politics. But disrespect permeates all areas of society, not only in the U.S., but around the globe. Personal relationships are severed by divisive arguments instead of healed through respectful discussions. Interestingly, God's way to … [Read more...] about Godly Respect
A Spirit of Truth
What makes God's truth so powerful? In the Scriptures, God refers to Himself as the God of truth. Also, Christ says that He is the way...and the truth. And likewise, Godās Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth! But what can the truth do for us? āThen Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,ā' (John 8:31-32). Godās truth can set us freeāif we continue steadfastly in … [Read more...] about A Spirit of Truth
Squander Not This Opportunity
Some years ago, featured on a 60 Minutes program was a musical performance, āAlive & Kickināā. The cast was all over fifty-five. Their stories were deeply compelling; overcoming drug addiction, renewing life after a criminal past, and family tragedy. These were individuals who, due to the vagaries of life, missed opportunities to sing and perform. They were castaways being given a second chance to find their voice. In a sense, God has given each of us a second chance to live a radically … [Read more...] about Squander Not This Opportunity
Garments, Wineskins and Fasting
Parading their self-righteousness, the Pharisees, the religious elite of Christās time, and their followers fasted twice a week. Yet the disciples of Christ did not. The religious leaders demanded to know from Christ why his followers didnāt fast. Jesus answered with a parable about wineskins and garments. āThen He spoke a parable to them: 'No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the … [Read more...] about Garments, Wineskins and Fasting
Perils Of Spiritual Denial
How does spiritual denial affect our preparation for Christās return? The apostles Peter and Paul initially felt that Christ would return in their lifetime. Much later, realizing he would die before Christ returned, Peter worried that Godās people would grow slack and forget the intensity needed to endure. We may know what is right, but do we act on it? Or do we justify our lack of energy for Godās way of life? Once, while browsing a gift shop, I found a miniature baseball bat that had … [Read more...] about Perils Of Spiritual Denial