The phrase “an ace up your sleeve” is an idiom that implies a secret advantage one holds, ready to be used at just the right time. As we become more familiar with the Bible, we learn to recognize the hidden “aces” that godly men and women relied upon—advantages that gave them strength in their service to the Lord. In this …
Yahweh’s Rest on the Seventh Day
The Hidden Meaning of the Seventh Day To understand the true significance of the seventh day, we must first recognize a crucial distinction often overlooked in the opening verses of Genesis: the difference between God’s original creation and His later work of restoration. Genesis 1:1 declares the initial act—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”—a perfect and …
The Day Death Died
This Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the pivotal moment that secures the future fulfillment of God’s plan: a perfect people living on a perfect earth. This divine plan, disrupted by the first Adam’s disobedience, was restored through the faith and obedience of the last Adam, Jesus. He died, and God raised him to everlasting life. Just as Jesus lives …
The Power Of Your Words
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 …
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. …
Rich Toward God
Money is important. Unfortunately, for many, the pursuit and accumulation of wealth become an all-consuming way of life. This is unhealthy, especially for followers of Jesus Christ. On several occasions, Jesus warned His followers about the dangers of money. One such warning is recorded in Luke’s gospel. The Parable of the Rich FoolLuke 12:13-15: Someone in the crowd said to …