Matthew 5:44 KJV
However, I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.
Step 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
Step 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
Character Defects – Steps 6 and 7 Read More »
The ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy. ~Martin Luther King
Have you ever thought you were too weak to help?
It’s easy to imagine someone who’s better qualified, tempting to believe that your personal failures render you useless. We all want to conceal our dirty laundry, but followers of Christ must remember that we’re called to serve where we are and to offer ourselves in that service. We’re all gifted so we can offer those gifts in service to others.
Four Questions For Broken People Read More »
I felt lost, and I desperately wanted God to show up. Instead, people appeared and gradually helped me toward the light. Only later did I realize that was how God shows up.
How can you help someone who needs you?
I’ve been working on a presentation for folks who are working in difficult areas of ministries. Since I’m a wheelchair user, I’m supposed to offer a seated perspective of things people have done that have been helpful and some that haven’t.
Here’s my list so far. Hopefully you’ll help me with something I’ve missed.
Ten Things Someone Might Need From You Read More »
Note: This event occurred prior to my injury. In a time of confusion and loneliness, I wandered into an unfamiliar church. I sought a bit of peace in a sea of turmoil. I found a good deal more.
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20
Singing. That’s mostly what happened in Sunday night church. Familiar songs, though I hadn’t attended church since high school. Someone selected a hymn and everyone sang accompanied by a piano.
One of my favorite quotes from the bible is what Paul said in Romans because I believe it is so accurate. See if it rings true for you too.
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NIV
Paul was right when he penned this quote, but what kind of suffering is Paul talking about and why do Christian’s have to suffer? That does not seem fair. We are doing everything right in the sight of the Lord, so why do we suffer for it? Christ Ones will suffer for doing what’s right, that’s all there is to it.
Suffering Produces Perseverance Read More »
What is God’s will for our lives? God’s purpose for our lives should always take a precedent over our own desires, and that includes all aspects of our marriage, work, career, family, and play. If we are not sure if we are doing the will of God, then we need to carefully consider our actions and pray about it. I know it is difficult to make God first in our lives, but He has shown us how to give Him first place in our hearts.
So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” Or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31 NIV)
Where Do Your Treasures Lie? Read More »
I keep reading in various articles and in marriage self-help books that the reason a spouse cheats is because of something the other spouse did or didn’t do? But this is incorrect information. To blame one spouse for the sexual indiscretions of the other only gets the cheater off the hook, so to speak. What a web of deceit we can weave. It’s wrong folks.
Couples spend hundreds, and sometimes thousands of dollars listening to a stranger tell them what is wrong with their marriage. But if the marriage does not have the proper foundations established for it in the first place, none of it matters! What is important is getting to the root of the issues facing couples today in their marriage, not arguing over who is right or wrong.
What Really Causes A Spouse To Cheat Read More »
by Tim Keller
The Greek term “gospel” (ev-angelion) distinguished the Christian message from that of other religions. An ‘ev-angel’ was news of a great historical event, such as a victory in war or the ascension of a new king, that changed the listeners’ condition and required a response from the listener.So the gospel is news of what God has done to reach us.It is not advice about what we must do to reach God. What is this news? God has entered the world in Jesus Christ to achieve a salvation that we could not achieve for ourselves which now:
1) converts and transforms individuals, forming them into a new humanity, and eventually
2) will renew the whole world and all creation.
This is the ‘good news’—the gospel. And it is good news in three important ways.
The Gospel – Key To Change Read More »
Are you looking for a thrill?
A superhighway!
I started out on the road of life like any other 17 year old. An older friend showed me a destination sign that said, “Penthouse”. I was rather excited. My adventure had started. I didn’t just want to drive to and from home, work and church. I wanted to drive clear across the country and even around the world. I wanted to experience a few worldly things. My journey lasted 30 years.
The Super Highway of Porn Addiction Read More »
God does not allow evil and suffering to continue because He does not love us, or is in some way detached and removed from us. God takes our suffering so seriously, that he took it upon himself on the cross. ~ Tim Keller
When I speak to a group about RELENTLESS GRACE, the questions are frequently penetrating and gut-wrenchingly honest. One question is asked more than any other. “Do you believe that God caused your injury?”
God’s Role in Tragedy Read More »
