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
Seeing Self
Reconciliation with God
Man was created to have a relationship with his Creator. The Father desires to have and is in the process of creating an eternal spiritual family. Mankind was created just for that purpose with Jesus Christ as the captain and author of eternal salvation: "But one testified in a certain place, saying: 'What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him … [Read more...] about Reconciliation with God
Squander Not This Opportunity
Some years ago, featured on a 60 Minutes program was a musical performance, “Alive & Kickin’”. 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
Training to Be Leaders
The early 1900’s was a heroic age of exploration. Limits were pushed on all fronts and among these was the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton. From 1914 to 1916, the expedition was to cross Antarctica. They had priorities and a sense of urgency. Shackleton chose his team of twenty-seven officers, scientists, and seamen carefully, not hiding the danger, nor the glory if successful. After the Endurance was destroyed by winter’s ice in the Weddell Sea, … [Read more...] about Training to Be Leaders
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 don’t consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. “Test 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
The Holy Spirit Versus “I”
How many times a day do we use the words “me,” “myself,” or “I”? I tried keeping track once and finally gave up because I lost count. Have we considered just how powerful that “I” is? Our mind’s eye, personalities, and core existence. Let’s look at exactly what we’re up against when we pit our human mind against the power of the Holy Spirit. Christ and the apostles were on a boat after He delivered the Sermon on the Mount. As they crossed the Sea of Galilee, a great windstorm blew in. The … [Read more...] about The Holy Spirit Versus “I”
Are You Listening?
How many times have we thought in our minds, “Why doesn’t God just tell me what to do?” If He’s not verbally communicating with us, how do we hear His voice? Sometimes God literally directs our physical path. “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6). When we ask for an answer from God it must be according to His principles. For God’s Spirit to work in us, we have to have the right attitude and live according to God’s way. Looking and listening for … [Read more...] about Are You Listening?