This is a lifelong struggle. Evil thoughts come from the world when we see people hurting others, or in unholy shows, movies, magazines, sexual displays, etc. Popular songs present evil as good. Our own fallen flesh tempts us with evil. Finally, the devil seeks [...]
The word deacon, Greek diakonos, means servant or minister. The Apostle Paul refers to himself and to Timothy as “ministers of God.” (2 Cor. 6:4) The Apostle again says, “Our sufficiency is of God: who also has made us able ministers (diakonos) of the [...]
Use a multi-faceted approach to reduce stress and worry. Stress drains us physically, so quality rest, exercise and nourishment are important. There are many good web sites that elaborate on this. However, the faith aspect is often missed. For the Christian, Jesus said, “Come [...]
The new creature in Christ lives in our fallen flesh. We will never get things under total control until we are resurrected in perfection. The great apostle Paul wrote, “15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I [...]
Jesus summed up God’s law of love as follows: “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall [...]
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God [...]
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV), “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which [...]
Luke 10:38-42 (NLT), “38 …a woman named Martha welcomed him (Jesus) into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus [...]
Your body has become dependent on drugs. This means your mind and body will crave the substance in order to feel normal. If you stop using, your body will feel sick. Then, you will want to use in order to feel better.Breaking an addiction [...]
The high calling to follow Christ is only open during this time period. It is a very special invitation from God to become a part of Jesus’ bride or church class. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) If faithful to their [...]
It is a sin to use God's name in vain.Exodus 20:7 (NIV), “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” God is the supreme being in the universe. He [...]
John 3:6-8 (CSB), “Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its [...]
Walking with the Lord is a joyful and blessed experience. It should not be fearful. We should not always be worried. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon [...]
We want songs that reinforce the good in our hearts. Are the lyrics lovely, pure and good? Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever wins respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovable, whatever is of good repute--if there is any [...]
We cannot judge the hearts and motives of others. Yet, there are biblical principles and practices that define the lifestyle of Christian leaders, as well as Christians in general.A rich young man asked Jesus how he could have eternal life. Jesus responded, “‘If you [...]
Yes and no. God gave us a free will to make decisions. We mature as we reap the consequences. For example, “He who keeps watch over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles,” Proverbs 21:23. If we say whatever we want, [...]
Many preachers tell their congregations that if they tithe (give 10 percent), they will be blessed by God. These preachers say Malachi 3:10 applies to Christians. “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me [...]
The New Testament's Greek words translated as “patience” include the thoughts of cheerful endurance, waiting, perseverance, resilience and steadfastness. Romans 5:3-4 connects suffering to patience: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces patience (endurance), and patience (endurance) produces character, and character produces hope.” [...]
The parable of the talents illustrates the individual responsibility of every Christian to serve God. Christian living is much more than saying, “I accept Jesus.” We are to demonstrate our salvation by service through our works. (James 2:17-26). Remember that Jesus, himself, was called [...]
“Blessed are the poor in spirit (humble-minded) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Greek word translated “poor” has the significance of utter destitution, extreme poverty. Thus, a full appreciation of our own spiritual destitution is essential in order to receive the divine grace [...]
