Words shape us in ways we never expect. Whether they are words of encouragement or careless words spoken in anger, we have all experienced their power. Words are not neutral—they either bring life or destruction. The book of James warns that the tongue, though small, is like the rudder of a mighty ship, determining the course of our lives (James …
A Dialogue With God
For more years than I care to admit, my prayers consisted solely of me talking to God at length. I would go on and on, asking Him for this or that, thanking Him for past blessings, and praising Him for His love and goodness. But I never listened to what God had to say! “But when ye pray, use not …
Giving Meaning to Life Through Death (Part 2)
Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, is often misunderstood as suggesting that life has no meaning or value. It portrays a world filled with unpredictability and chaos—where, despite our best efforts to control outcomes, things often don’t go as planned. To make matters more sobering, Ecclesiastes highlights that for most, death is an unavoidable reality. Depressing? If that were the book’s …
Worship: Actions of Surrender and Submission
In this teaching, Gary Lee Corns delves into the essence of worship, focusing on John 4:24, where Jesus calls believers to worship in spirit and truth. He emphasizes that biblical worship is not merely an intellectual or emotional experience but also involves physical expressions such as bowing the head, lifting hands, and kneeling. These outward acts, he explains, symbolize a …
King David: A Journey to God’s Heart
In this months Connected in Christ, we take a deeper look into the life of King David. What qualified him to be king, and why didn’t he immediately assume the throne after being anointed by Samuel? What temptations led him away from God’s heart and toward his own selfish desires? At what point in his life did he earn the …
The Dangerous Drift
I’ve been reflecting on the changes we’ve seen in our nation, and perhaps you have too. There was a time when faith, integrity, and community were the foundation of our daily lives. But somewhere along the way, we started to drift. It didn’t happen all at once, but little by little—through small compromises, shifting priorities, and the pressures of a …
The Path to Restoration
I trust that we all take to heart Franco’s article, The Dangerous Drift. It is a sobering message, one that should prompt each of us to engage in a more diligent self-examination of our spiritual health. Our “righteousness in Christ” through salvation does not make us immune to sin, which at its core, is a desire to live according to …
Overcoming Regret
Have you ever struggled with regret? I know I have. There are things in my past I wish I could undo—words I shouldn’t have said, choices I shouldn’t have made, opportunities I let slip away. Regret can be a heavy burden, one that weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward. Philippians 3:13-14“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward …
Exhausted but Not Alone
Life often feels overwhelming. The weight of responsibilities, disappointments, work pressures, relationships, and uncertainty can drain us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. At times, it seems as if there is nothing left to give. The exhaustion of simply being exhausted can leave us feeling depleted and burdened beyond measure. When life becomes too heavy, we may seek various forms of relief. …
Giving Meaning to Life Through Death (Part 1)
This world is not the one God originally created. Because of Adam’s rebellion, it is now filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. No one knows exactly what the future holds. Yet, despite this reality, people often live as though they can control what lies ahead. Whether in work, finances, health, or relationships, life is full of unexpected—and often unpleasant—surprises. King Solomon …