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 …
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 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 …
Looking to Jesus in Prayer
Jesus taught that if we ask for anything in his name, believing that we will receive it, we shall. But what does it truly mean to believe? What action does belief necessitate? Jesus provides insight into this in John 3:14–15, referencing Numbers 21:7–8. In the Old Testament passage, God instructed the Israelites, who were bitten by serpents, to look at …
Jacob Humbled Himself
As a historical biblical figure, Jacob, the son of Isaac, is not someone we would typically associate with humility. Perhaps terms like craftiness or selfishness come to mind when we think of this patriarch of Israel. Yet, when we examine his life more closely, I believe we can learn a great deal about humility. Like many of us, Jacob may …
Stepping into 2025
As we step into 2025, it’s natural to contemplate the path ahead, particularly concerning our relationship with God and Christ. How disheartening it must be for those who lack a burning passion, who see no grander purpose in their existence, and who settle for a life of distractions. Surely, life offers more than simply avoiding disaster while filling our time …