Have you ever been accused of being judgmental? Christians today are routinely labeled as narrow-minded, bigoted, hateful, and unloving by the progressive western cultural elites. Some attempt to bolster their position by quoting Jesus as evidence that we are not walking in step with him, saying, “After all, Jesus said “judge not” Right? (Matt. 7:1-7) They misuse this quote as …
The Greatest Gift Of All Time
This month marks the remembrance of the greatest gift ever given to humanity, the gift of the new birth. The day of Pentecost, as recorded in the book of Acts chapter two, succinctly describes the phenomenal events which occurred in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago. Events that literally shook the “gates of the grave” and caused Satan to be …
Different or Difference?
It seems our Western culture has become fixated on those who are different. Going against the social norms is applauded, but to what end? Being different is meaningless. But making a difference is everything. In his time on earth, Jesus was undoubtably the most different character of his day. While other religious leaders were preoccupied with selfish ambition or casting …
The Godly and the Ungodly
In Psalm 12:1-2, the Psalmist says, “Help, LORD, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men. Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception.” I don’t think I’m alone in noticing that we are living in dark times in America. Each day seems to bring with it new outrages. The Government no …
Everyday Faithfulness
Consider these words from the scroll of Proverbs: Proverbs 20:6“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?” Relationships of every type are built on trust. Everyone desires to love and be loved. Some exhaust themselves extolling flattery, gifts, or the like; attempting to demonstrate their loving devotion. But, here, God’s Word makes a simple, direct …
Change Offers Growth
One of the hallmarks of weak leaders is the insistence that the followers give unquestioning loyalty and adherence to them, often at the exclusion of all others. Such leaders usually employ subtle intimidation tactics to create fear in their followers. Governments rule by the threat of force, and religions by the threat of rejection. Both create fear and fear is …
Get Wisdom
“Life is _ (fill in the blank)”. In many ways that is precisely what God invites us to do… “fill in the blank”; and how we choose to perform that feat will, in large part, determine who we become. Certainly, some things affect us which are beyond our control. But most of our lives are directed by our own choices. …
Too Good To Be True
The first Christmas I remember was 1962. I was five years old. I recall rubbing my eyes in wonder and eagerly watching as the gifts were passed around by my two older brothers and sister. To my complete surprise, I got a BB gun; a small, lever-action Daisey BB gun! I was shocked and remember thinking, “Surely Santa made a …
Become Like Christ
West Virginia’s mountains are ablaze with color, announcing the change of season from summer to fall; which is by far my most beloved time of year. The smell of a fresh, cool, fall morning is unlike any other. Perhaps it is the fond memories of camping and hunting with my Dad and brothers. Or maybe the memories of high school …
Joy Of The Lord
Joy, is clearly a rare condition in our world today. Few people even feel happy, much less joyful. When we focus on the present state of our world it seems impossible to “feel” joyful. Yet, God’s word tells us about many believers who experienced joy in the midst of austere conditions. So how can we, today, experience and hold onto …
