A preacher passionately delivers a sermon to a diverse congregation inside a church. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Watching so many of those who claim to be spiritual leaders fall from grace leaves my heart searching for answers. This week, the topic of legalism or …
The Unprecedented Rules of the Kingdom
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 Since the beginning of time, humans have imagined their deities as wrath-filled gods in need of appeasement. Ultimately, every man's god was like the man himself: flawed, doling out justice in his own best interest, given to fleshly desires and appetites. Kings, …
Realigning Ourselves Under King Jesus
An ancient mikveh in Israel. When my daughter and I visited Israel in 2019, we learned about the ritual cleansing baths called mikvehs. Mikvehs were closely associated with the temple so that priests could be cleansed before entering to offer sacrifices. Often, one set of steps led into the water, and another set of steps …
Counterfeit Christianity and God’s Wrath
A beautiful church with a cross on the steeple welcomed the mourners of a father who had died much too young. The woman dressed in the robes of her denomination took her pastoral role seriously, trying to comfort her flock. She declared that all are God’s children, and He welcomes them back to heaven upon …
Prepare for War: 1 Peter 5
Faith was never meant to be a comfortable journey from here to eternity. If yesterday’s assassination of one who championed the name of Jesus reminds us of anything, it is that the enemy has declared war on God and His saints because he knows his time is short. Followers of Jesus are not wrestling against …
Worship: Loving God with All My Mind
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true…think on these things. Philippians 4:8 Who has walked through the valley of depression without learning a few lessons about how thoughts and emotions intertwine? Anxiety, panic attacks, and highly stressful situations can also teach us a similar lesson. It may seem like emotions are in the driver’s seat, …
The Piercing Sword
Advent Day #17 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be …
We Cannot Teach What We Do Not Know
As an upcoming, first-year teacher, the beginning of the school year looks daunting. Thankfully, my schedule is light, and I have had time to prepare. Health is already a passion, so diving into the curriculum and searching for supplemental aids to teach four classes a week is much more enjoyable than a subject like math …
Aligning With the Enemy or Overcoming Him?
The enemy wins when we engage others with his own tactics. Angry, hateful accusations tread on his territory. Election season must be a fruitful season for his work to be accomplished, but no special occasion is necessary. Gossip, criticism, and disrespectfulness can become daily habits in our homes and churches. Election season will just magnify …
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What Do You Know For Sure?
“I am sorry to tell you that the results say you only have six months to live.” “The test is positive. Your situation is incurable. Let’s talk about how we can manage it now.” “Years of skipping annual check-ups have led us to a point of no return. There is nothing we can do now.” …
His Song in the Night 