In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung …
The Blame Game
People are inherently programmed to resist and avoid negative or uncomfortable feelings that may arise from facing their own shortcomings or mistakes. This resistance is a fundamental aspect of human psychology, shaped by our instinctual desire to maintain a positive self-image and emotional well-being. In the quest to evade the discomfort of guilt or shame, individuals often adopt various strategies, …
Trust God
Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks …
The Essence of Prayer
The English priest John Chapman is credited with this quote; “Pray as you can, not as you can’t”. His message is clear, bother not yourself with the trivial matters of methods, or how or when, and just pray! We’ve all heard the adage, “Practice makes perfect”. I believe this is especially true with prayer. As we practice the habit of …
Empowered by the Spirit
With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve …
Investing In Truth for Lasting Returns
How many people do you think are out there yearning for the Truth? It’s a profound question that invites us to reflect on the deep spiritual hunger that exists in every corner of the world. The Bible indicates that, largely due to the insidious influence of Satan and the challenges it presents, the seekers of Truth will always comprise only …
Moving From “Need” to “Want”
At some stage in life, everyone has embraced a challenging endeavor with a mix of excitement and hopeful anticipation. We approach these tasks aware that we might not be fully prepared, yet we carry an unwavering confidence. Once we achieve our goal, we celebrate the success, imperfections and all. That feeling of “I did it!” is something that can be …
The New Covenant has a New Commandment
God’s new covenant with Israel, and subsequently with all nations, transcends the concept of a mere contract. Unlike a contract that can be negotiated, amended, or even broken, a covenant is something much deeper and more profound. It represents a fusion, a sacred joining of lives in love, where both parties invest themselves entirely and unconditionally into the relationship. This …
Make a Choice for Christ
Moment by moment, day by day, we face an essential decision that our Lord places before us: the choice to obey Him or to follow the desires of the flesh. This is not merely a one-time decision, but rather a continual, ongoing commitment that defines the essence of our walk of faith. Each day presents us with opportunities to embrace …
Call Evil by its Name
In today’s world, moral ambiguity often complicates peoples choices, making the line between right and wrong increasingly unclear. For believers, recognizing and confronting evil has become an essential message. The Bible provides profound wisdom on the importance of distinguishing between good and evil and courageously naming evil for what it is. Through studying the Scriptures, we gain an understanding of …