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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Garments, Wineskins and Fasting
Parading their self-righteousness, the Pharisees, the religious elite of Christ’s 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 didn’t fast. Jesus answered with a parable about wineskins and garments. “Then 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 Christ’s 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 God’s 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 God’s way of life? Once, while browsing a gift shop, I found a miniature baseball bat that had … [Read more...] about Perils Of Spiritual Denial
A Holy Temple in the Lord
The Bible offers tremendous details given to us by Moses about the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness. Much detail is offered about God’s Temple built by King Solomon and Ezekiel was inspired to record a detailed vision about the temple Christ will inhabit after He returns as King of Kings. Though there is no physical temple built prior to Christ’s return, there is a spiritual temple being constructed right now. This spiritual temple is built on the foundation of the prophets … [Read more...] about A Holy Temple in the Lord
Our Human Potential
Humanity struggles to find purpose and meaning in life. Human beings have invented all sorts of distractions and ways to find meaning, usually in the form of religion – whether that be a political, a philosophical, or a theological religion. The Bible, by contrast, provides a bold and profound purpose for human existence: God is a family, a family of Creators. They are working to expand their family. If we start with pre-history, the accounts given in Genesis 1 and John 1, we can see … [Read more...] about Our Human Potential
Being Thankful to God Always
Thankfulness is a feeling of appreciation for favors or blessings, especially from God. About gratitude, God inspired these instructions: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). In the world around us, people always seem to want more. But a spirit of gratitude while praying … [Read more...] about Being Thankful to God Always
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”