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
Character
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
Remaining Steadfast
Godās Church is central to His plan of salvation for all mankind as a precursor of the āpouring outā of His Holy Spirit on all humanity. But that profound impact is difficult to grasp because the Churches are mostly ignored by the world today. What can we do now to ensure that we stay strong and donāt fall prey to discouragement? There is a process to help us succeed. The beginning of the book of James gets right to it: āMy brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, … [Read more...] about Remaining Steadfast
Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
We are subjected to all kinds of tests throughout our lifetime. Some are routine, but others are unavoidable, deeply personal tests: peer pressure, emotional suffering, financial upheaval, and temptation. With a fear of failure, we usually donāt consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. āTest yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is … [Read more...] about Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
Courtesy
The political discourse of this country and indeed, the globe, is gnashing, antagonistic and very personal. We see this erupting into brawls and looting, cruelty and even killings. That feeling of the breakdown of civilization is palpable and it is depressing to see videos on You Tube praising the smallest act of kindness. The sort of thing that we just think of as normal, how human beings should live. Suddenly it becomes a heroic video, and a lot of people are viewing it and being encouraged by … [Read more...] about Courtesy
Godās Law Has Consequences
How are you processing the unfolding events ā both worldwide and locally? By processing, I mean taking the individual components and analyzing them to reach a wise conclusion. It is important that Godās people use the āsound mindā He has given us to assess the developments around us which impact us by degrees. We would do well to keep in mind that Godās law has consequences. Those consequences can be good or bad depending on whether the law is applied or rejected. Sin is the cause of our … [Read more...] about Godās Law Has Consequences
The Most Dangerous Temptation That Faces Our Youth
Imagine your beaming little boy or energetic little girl. Youāre watching them grow and develop year after year and you wish that time would stand still. āStop growingā¦ā is a phrase youāve almost certainly told your child at some point in time in their young life. The years go by, and you see this innocent and inquisitive child learn new things. You know theyāre going to be exposed to some filthy things in their life. But right now, you see the light in their eyes and the purity in their spirit … [Read more...] about The Most Dangerous Temptation That Faces Our Youth