“The implications of past disappointments can loom heavily over the present, and the possibility of future disappointments sits as a constant threat on the horizon. Yet along with every disappointment come promises from God that are strong enough to steady us, comfort us, and lift our eyes to him.” From DesiringGod.org………………….
This article deals with a very important issue: Will we not only accept the provision we receive from the Lord’s hand, but will we receive it with gratitude and thankfullness? From The Navigators………….
Another in an occasional series of articles on the Book of Ecclesiastes. In this one, we are now in Chapter 4, and the focus is on work, and the Preacher/Teacher claims how valuable work is for our lives. From Jared Ingle…………………
This is another in an occasional series of articles on God’s attributes. this time, it is on one of God’s communicable attributes — or one of His attributes that He shares partly with humans. In this case, it is His righteousness, which we share through Christ. From Place for Truth………………..
Be honest now, you have probably talked to God a time or two about how messed your church is, and why doesn’t He fix this or that? Right? Maybe instead we should express thanks to the Lord for our messed-up church and for the opportunities to grow spiritually all around us there! From Core Christianity……………..
We may all be familiar with the Apostle James’ admonition to “count it all joy” when we face trials, but how many of us also then ask the question, “How?” This article does a pretty good job of providing at least one possible answer. From Ligonier.org………………..
Here is a nice article that calls us to remember that even John the Baptist had his moments of doubt and needed reassurance from Jesus that he was on the right path for his life. From pastor Craig Thompson……………….
This article looks at the first Epistle from Peter, where he reminds his readers that God has made certain promises to His children, and so they can be certain that they have everything they need for both life and for godliness. From Crossway.org………………………..
Just as a flag waving in the distance on the battlefield could be a rallying point and a source of encouragement and even bravery, so is our God! From author Ann Spangler………………
Yahweh Nissi — The Lord My Banner
Here is another in a continuing series of articles from pastor and scholar Rick Renner, as he digs deeper into the Greek words in the New Testament to draw out more meaning from familiar passages. This time, he is covering Hebrews 3:9…………………..
Sometimes when we reach a certain age, we may prefer to look back foundly, rather than to look ahead with expectation. But the Bible would encourage us to strive to maintain an attitude of hope always. From Core Christianity……………………
When I was young growing up in the South, you might hear a person described as being a “God-fearing” man or woman. But what is a God-fearing person? This article addresses that question. From Christianity.com……………………
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-god-fearing-christian.html
Theologically speaking, God’s attributes can be divided into two categories — incommunicable, meaning that they only belong to God; and communicable, meaning attributes that He shares with humans. In this brief article, it covers the communicable attribute of kindness. But remember: God is NOT kind like we are, people are kind like GOD IS. He is the definition of kindness! From Place for Truth……….
To forgive is a Christian virtue, but it is especially hard to do that when the one who has wronged us either is unable or unwilling to ask for our forgiveness. What then? This article provides some answers to how to handle such situations in our lives. From Eternal Perspectives Ministries…………………..
A new article in a series on the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes from pastor and biblical counselor Jared Ingle. Here, he is in the last few verses of Chapter 3 and first few verses of Chapter 4, where the Preacher is examining those in authority, and how they often abuse their power over the weak and powerless. But a day of judgement is coming for all………………..
A long title for this article. What it is referring to is the scriptural teaching that every believer will have their lives for Christ reviewed for rewards (not for entrance into heaven — that is already and always assured!). Here, author and pastor Randy Alcorn makes the case that God looks kindly on how pursuits of hobbies and leisure activities as signs of our enjoying our salvation in God. From Eternal Perspectives Ministries………………..
When Jesus turned the water into wine at the marriage in Cana in John 2, the apostle says that this was the first sign of divinity of Jesus. This article does an admirable job in parsing out the significance behind this particular miracle, and what it symbolized about the life and ministry of Christ. From Crosswalk.com…………………
When we truly understand the gospel message of grace, it should give us great comfort and security. This is because God, through Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit, gives us the faith we need to live a godly life. God knows our frame and that we are but dust. Whatever God calls us to do, He also enables us to do! From Crossway.org……………….
One of the purposes of my blogs is to point people to helpful blogs, websites and Christian resources that they might not be aware of. This article is drawn from one of those resources, The Theology of Work Project. They have an online Bible commentary that helps believers apply the Scriptures to the workplace, and this particular article looks at the topic of how to relate with non-believers, using II Cor. 6: 14-18 as the launching point……………………
The title of this article illustrates the upside-down aspect of true Christianity, compared to the ways of the world. Everything in society and social media these days tells us to “follow our hearts” to find true happiness and fulfillment, but the Bible teaches just the opposite! From The Gospel Coalition………………..
We have never known a person genuinely devoted to serving God and others from an agape-centered worldview to have a problem discerning the “meaning of life.” To love God with divine love is to be constantly seeking to do, and be involved in, what is good, to and for God, which is also to be simultaneously committed to the good of our “neighbors.” This is why each of the Ten Commandments conveys key relational dynamics that provide common benefits to the individual as well as the community. This becomes more obvious when Jesus teaches that the internalization of these laws or ways sets us free to live life at its fullest (Matt. 5–7). This comes when the ways of God are written, or imprinted, on the heart, the motivational centerpiece of human life.
From The Divine Conspiracy Continued: Fulfilling God’s Kingdom on Earth. Copyright © 2014 by Dallas Willard amd Gary Black Jr. All rights reserved. Used with permission of HarperCollins Publishers.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Some good insights here. For instance, the word “alert” here is the kind of alertness that is a continual and perpetual alertness. From Crosswalk.com…………….
This article wades a little deeper into Psalm 90, to show us some important points for us to take to heart: our lives are short; God is eternal; so, it is best for us to seek God’s favor now, and to enjoy Him forever after our short lives are over. From Knowable Word………………
The title for this article alone drew me in, because it certainly seems these days that peace and unity are really hard to come right now. In fact, I am a fan of the Denver Broncos, and I had to endure through a summer of arguments between the fans who were split between the two different quarterbacks who were vying for the job as the starter! We need help, folks! From Core Christianity………………….
Another very nice overview of a biblical book that Knowable Word is known for. This time it is for Mark’s Gospel………………..
I live in Colorado, so needless to say, I love mountains. And I believe God does too because He certainly likes to hang out around them! Here are some insights about mountains in the Bible from Crosswalk.com………………
https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/why-are-mountains-so-important-in-the-bible.html
The answer to this question is this article might surprise you. Jesus didn’t get most angry with His disciples and their lack of faith. Neither did He get most angry with people suffering illness due to lifestyles of sin and neglect of God. No, Jesus got most angry at those who tried to impede those who most needed God from gaining direct access to Him through Christ! From FaithGateway.com………………
Spoiler alert: We can trust the Bible because Jesus trusted the Old Testament. God superintended and protected the Old Testament for almost 1500 years up to the time of Jesus, and He has protected the New Testament for the last 2000 years in the same way! From Knowable Word………………
Many people, including even many believers, want to make the Book of Revelation a book about the wrath and judgment of God. While God’s judgment is an aspect of that book, as this article illustrates, it is merely a facet of the love of God for His people. From Determine Truth………………….
Have you ever tried to have a meaningful conversation with a person who would not shut up for 5 minutes? Well, God would like to speak with us more often, but sometimes we need to be more quiet. This article discusses that more in depth. From BibleStudyTools.com………………….
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/how-to-meet-god-through-silence-and-solitude.html
This article reminds us that when we walk the path of righteousness with Christ, we will always have enemies trying to get us off that path. But we also have four friends who will help us to stay on that path. From A Place for Truth…………
Here is a very worthwhile article from a very wise and conservative biblical scholar, Vern Poythress. Enjoy! From Desiring God………………………..
Like Bob Dylan once said, “You gotta serve somebody.” It is a good thing to belong to Christ rather than the Devil. An encouraging article from Sam Storms……………
https://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/-you-are-not-your-own—living-as-slaves-of-christ-
Another in a recent series of articles on the Book of Ecclesiastes from biblical counselor and minister Jared Ingle. This time, he digs into the Preacher’s summation of the best things in life…………..
Yes, I am a phony. I am not really as holy and righteous as I might appear. But neither are you….or you over there. But God knows this, and He is not surprised. Nor is He done with us! From Your Mom Has a Blog……………….
I feel that when we combine our understanding of God’s love with His sovereignty, this will equal a security and comfort for believers in every circumstance. Here is a helpful article from Crossway.org…………….
https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-gods-sovereignty/
Jesus told us that Scripture was real spiritual food, and so we should see the Bible as more than a source of pithy memes. This short article encourages us to move beyond basic applications to a deeper appropriation of the truths of Scripture into our spirits and our minds and hearts. From Knowable Word……………..
This is some beautiful writing from Randy Alcorn. And I suspect this article will be an encouragement for believing loved ones who are watching their loved ones prepare to meet Jesus. From Eternal Perspectives Ministries………………
I enjoyed this short article from Seth Lewis! Lord, let our actions line up with our words!!
Answer: Very; more than we can imagine. And that is very good news! From Beautiful Christian Life…………………
https://www.beautifulchristianlife.com/blog/how-patient-is-god-with-us
This is a continuation of a recent series looking at the Book of Ecclesiastes. In this article, Jared Ingle is still in Chapter 3 of the book, but he digs a little deeper to ask what God’s will really is, and how should followers of Christ interact with what the Bible teaches about “following God’s will.”
The title of this article kind of says it all: That real rest in our society today does not come easily or automatically. So, it takes some work on our part to enter the rest that God has provided and gifted to us. From RickThomas.net……………….
This is an article that is eminently practical and biblical on the important topic of spiritual gifts. It comes from a trusted source of biblical wisdom and discernment, Randy Alcorn, so I hope you find it helpful! From Eternal Perspectives Ministries…………..
With this article, we have a concise and informative theology lesson on a very important topic: what is salvation? From Crosswalk.com……………..
It is important for us to remind ourselves that God is not far off, but is as close to us as our own hearts. But He also has walked among us in the earth….and still does today! From Core Christianity…………….
by Josh McDowell and Ben Bennett (Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2021)
The authors, well-known author and apologist Josh McDowell, and pastor and speaker Ben Bennett have joined forces to examine why so many Christians struggle through life rather than thrive as children of God. Due to their own experiences and their years of ministry, they believe most believers are suffering due to unmet needs in their lives.
McDowell and Bennett make the case that God has designed all people with seven basic needs:
The authors contend that hurting Christians with unfulfilled longings suffer because they try to satisfy those longings themselves or with other earthly things or people. But God placed those longings in us so that we might always go to Him with our needs.
McDowell and Bennett are unusually open and honest in sharing their own unmet longings and the adverse effects those had in their personal lives and ministries. Writing as fellow strugglers, they encourage readers to understand that they are not unusual in trying to satisfy their longings without God and give practical steps to begin looking to God for help and comfort. The book concludes with helpful appendices of the Longings Table and websites and books for further ongoing support. I heartily recommend this book.
It is very hard for me to understand in my heart that God actually likes me. But the Bible is full of proof that God loves His children with a love that is so great that we cannot fathom it! From Crosswalk.com………………..
When we were kids, we did not want to wait for our birthdays and Christmas, and if we are honest, as adults, we are not really big fans of waiting still. But God operates on His own timetable which is practically never on our schedule. Why is that? This article tries to answer that. From Two Journeys………………..
I have often wondered about this passage in I Corinthians, and this article addresses it with some possible answers. From The Gospel Coalition………………..
Wow….the topic of this article really touched me, and the writing is simply gorgeous. Here is a brief sample: “As God’s royal priest, you are meant to, very intentionally, share the love and presence of Jesus with every person you come in contact with – be it a friend, stranger, or enemy – by naming them well.” From Christians in General……………..
This is one of my favorite names for God; and of course, it is most closely associated with Jesus and His earthly ministry of peace. From author Ann Spangler……………..
Sar Shalom — Prince of Peace
