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
Loving Truth
The Purpose of Righteousness
Even within Christian churches that look fairly homogeneous doctrinally-speaking, we can find diverse attitudes. For example, there are currents of more liberal or fundamentalist approaches to religious practice. One such current that can be problematic within churches is self-rightness. I don’t mean the arrogant presumption that one is perfect. I mean the tendency to let “righteousness” become an idol. It’s an easy trap for any of us to fall into so we need to examine our motives … [Read more...] about The Purpose of Righteousness
The Truth Will Set You Free
The truth will set you free! This is a much-used phrase. You find it in Martin Luther King’s 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
Spiritual Energy
It is hard to believe, but only about four years ago did I find out that I am an introvert! I started my career in Australia working in the basement of a hospital running five computers. The exhaustion introverts experience in the presence of a crowd of chatty co-workers was unknown to me. That all changed when I moved to California to work in a cubicle among fifteen noisy, bubbly people. It was exhausting. I counseled about this issue, took a Myers-Briggs personality test, and confirmed that … [Read more...] about Spiritual Energy
Consider Our Ways
Analogies can be very useful in transferring a pertinent message from one subject to another. It can point from one physical thing to another or from the physical to the spiritual. Consider what God said through the prophet Haggai. “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins?” Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not … [Read more...] about Consider Our Ways
Honesty Begins with Self
In a recently released survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, people who claimed to have no religious affiliation were asked what it means to be a moral person. For this group, the top answer was honesty – to be honest at all times. Given the group involved, this is an interesting response. What do non-religious people mean by honesty? The bible informs us that when people are separated from God by iniquity the mind lacks this moral quality. “No one calls for justice. Nor does any plead … [Read more...] about Honesty Begins with Self
When You Are Accused
One Guarantee in Life It is understood that at some point in our lives we will all be accused of wrongdoing. Shame and dishonor are brought against our name when we are innocent. It's the nature of the world we live in. David, King of Israel had no shortage of experience with false accusation and betrayal. King Saul sought to take his life, his own son Absalom sought to take his Kingdom, and he was often hated without cause. David sums up the intense feelings of betrayal in Psalm 109: … [Read more...] about When You Are Accused