Posts with the category “the-front-room”

Consider what is occurring around us:*Amidst positive economic signs, people are nervous about monetary issues and providing for their families.*Mental health issues are more numerous.  Anxiety and depression are rampant.*There is conflict all around the world.*Anger is seemingly more intensified on social media platforms.The list goes on and on.  There, I got that out of my system.  Wow, what opp...  Read More

We continue to see the outward signs of God moving among His people, and bringing new people into the Kingdom of God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.  The hope of the gospel is being demonstrated far and wide to counter a deep-seated sense of despair, and the presence of the Lord, as it always has been, is available to bringing hope and healing. The Bible says this in Malachi 4 (ESV), in ...  Read More

The twisting of biology in our culture has led to some errant, even harmful, ideas with regard to gender.  Now, you have those who believe that a person can have a biological sex that was "assigned," presumably based on parents' or a doctors choice, and a different gender that is based on opinion, or feeling.  This leads to confusion and despair.  Jesus taught on gender, the definition of marriage...  Read More

We have to make sure that we are properly listening to the direction of the Holy Spirit and that we are properly placed in order to accomplish God's purposes.  He calls on us to take what He has given us, whether it be spiritual or natural abilities, or even financial resources, in order to help others.  In Acts 16 (ESV), we can read about a plea from a certain group of people:6 And they went thro...  Read More

There is something very powerful that occurs when God's people come together and engage in corporate worship.  I believe that as we humble ourselves before Him and surrender to His presence, that the Spirit of God will move among us, and we can experience the touch of His hand on our lives - as Psalm 22 (ESV) reminds us:3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.4 In you our fathers tr...  Read More

We have an assortment of amazing stories that we can find in the Bible, which all contribute to the overall narrative of God's interaction with humanity.  We find flawed individuals, sinful people, whom God uses to accomplish His purposes.  And, above and through it all, we find that we have a perfect Savior who perfectly executed God's perfect plan and became the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  ...  Read More

We grow in our faith as we allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts through His Word - the proclamation of truth can be a powerful force in transforming our minds, thinking Godly thoughts, rejecting the ideas of the world, and walking in Christ's power.  We should powerfully contend for the truth in our lives.   Romans 10 tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.  In...  Read More

Today is known as Tax Day, the deadline for filing federal income taxes, and where applicable, state income taxes.  And, as it's been pointed out, when we owe taxes to our governing officials, we can actually celebrate God's provision - because He has blessed us with income.  Kinda changes the focus, doesn't it?  And, our taxes actually go into governmental coffers in order to hire employees who w...  Read More

Sometimes it seems that innumerable topics of speech are fair ground and perfectly acceptable in public settings.  But, let a Christian speak about his or her faith, and all of a sudden, there are issues.  Implications.  Loss of livelihood and dignity.  So many subjects to discuss, but one can sometimes be off-limits.  But, we know why, don't we?  They don't want to hear about and accept God's aut...  Read More

Even though we have professed Christ, have been born again, and have the Spirit of God living in our hearts, we are prone to what has been called, "spiritual amnesia." We are prone to forget what God has done for us.  And, I believe that we are in a season in which God is calling us to remember Him - as a Church and as a nation.  We need Him day by day, and we must be careful that the cares of thi...  Read More

The observance of Easter and the events surrounding it give Christians an opportunity to not only reflect on what our Savior experienced for us, but to share it with the world. Realizing we possess the power of the Holy Spirit, we can depend on the Lord to display His glory and truth to His people as we testify to His greatness and love.  In Psalm 40 (ESV), we can read these words:7 Then I said, “...  Read More

God is intent on getting His message out - He has provided His Word for us, and Bibles are available in many nations of the world: legally in many places, illegally in others.  He uses His people to speak to others about Jesus.  And, throughout our nation, Christian radio is a powerful force and available to an overwhelming majority of Americans.  Psalm 67 states:1 May God be gracious to us and bl...  Read More

As people dedicated to Christ, following Him in whatever role He calls us, we can reflect His very presence.  That includes that call to be husbands and wives, mothers and fathers - the Holy Spirit is available to empower us to demonstrate God's strength and guidance and provide strong examples for our families.  Deuteronomy 6 (ESV) states:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 You...  Read More

We recognize that our Savior suffered and died so that in Him we can be set free from the power of sin and death.  Because of sin, we deserved to die, but because Jesus was the perfect substitute for us, He took our punishment on the cross and was victorious because death could not hold Him.  But, the Bible tells us we are not exempt from suffering.  1st Peter 4 says this:12 Beloved, do not be sur...  Read More

It's called March Madness for a reason - players performing at their highest level, clutch plays, buzzer-beaters, and an expectation of the unexpected.  Our lives can seem like sea of madness, with chaos, pressure, challenges, and daily decisions to make, but in the midst of madness, we can abide in the peace that passes all understanding, that comes from the Lord.  Philippians 4 (ESV) shows us ho...  Read More

Today is what is known as Maundy Thursday, a day that contains so many compelling images of the final hours of the earthly life of Jesus - from the Last Supper He shared with His disciples to the dramatic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, then the arrest of Jesus to stand trial before the religious leaders and the governmental officials. We see a clash of spiritual forces, a conflict of authoriti...  Read More

The suspense was building as what is now called Holy Week progressed in Jerusalem during the final days of the earthly ministry of Jesus.  The Passover was approaching and the perfect sacrificial lamb, the Savior of the world, was about to be brutally beaten and crucified.  The object of hostility and scorn, Jesus was facing the ultimate act of love.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 26 (ESV):1 When ...  Read More

At the heart of the Easter message is that we can be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of life - through Scripture, we recognize that we can become new creations in Him.  The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The Church should be effectively communicating life transformation and proclaiming how that has become a reality for those who are called...  Read More

We are encouraged to do all that we do for the glory of God - whether it's our individual well-being, our life at home, at church, in the workplace, or in the community, we can be challenged to be excellent representatives of the Christ within us, a manifestation of the risen Savior.  And, for those participating in sports or the arts, a person should attempt to perform at his or her highest level...  Read More

Popular culture has this propensity, unfortunately, to define Christianity on its own terms, and its not necessarily accurate, or even good.  And, you have those who want to redefine Jesus and, as it's been suggested, make Him into their image rather than allow Him to make them into His.  And, the rejection of the gospel, which is an incredible sense of hope, enables people to be the losers in a h...  Read More

The Bible teaches us about good stewardship, recognizing that God is our provider, and He has entrusted to us resources that, as it's been taught, ultimately belong to Him.  There are all sorts of opportunities that we have to spend our money, and we have to be responsible for those choices.  And, we must always make sure that we are generous with what He's given to us.  1st Timothy 6 says:6 But g...  Read More

While Israel continues to partner with the U.S. to advance against the menace known as Iran, around the world, antisemitism continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and not in a good way.  We have to recognize the role of Israel in the world today and in the plan of God for the earth.  His covenant with the Jewish people has not been canceled, and as stewards of His truth, we have to recognize...  Read More

In a world that I believe is looking for hope, we can find our hope in a Savior who came to give His life for us, who cares for each one of us, and calls us to follow Him.  He is the One who can sustain us even in our darkest hours and can provide light even in the deepest darkness.  If 1st Corinthians 13 is the "love chapter," I might refer to Romans 15 as the "hope chapter."  It says:3 For Chris...  Read More

Sometimes we are called to speak in certain situations; at other times, we are supposed to listen, to be what is referred to as a "ministry of presence."  And, we should know the difference.  In James 1 (ESV), the Bible illustrates for us how we should appropriate the use of our mouths and our ears:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;2...  Read More

Our Savior performed the ultimate act of service when He gave His life on a cross so that humanity might be saved.  Many are celebrating a season called Lent, leading up to the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection.  Through that new life He brings to us, He empowers us to engage in a life of service.  In Mark 10 (ESV), we can read these words:42 And Jesus called them to him and said to...  Read More

It has occurred to me that there are people who try to distort what they regard as the teachings of Jesus in order to support their political agenda.  We have to be careful not to stake out a particular position and then attempt to make the Scriptures fit our own personal agenda, rather than start with the Word and conform our thinking and behavior to Him. Jesus taught in Matthew 13 (ESV):13 This ...  Read More

On this St. Patrick's Day, I think it's helpful to think about how a person taking a brave stand impacted an entire nation.  It's a pattern we see throughout the Scriptures and as we've seen through Church history.  And, we can be devoted to asking God how He would desire to use us to impact men and women for Christ.  In Deuteronomy 31, Moses imparted wisdom and blessing to his appointed successor...  Read More

On this date - 3:16 - I want to focus in on the essence of the gospel and how God has called each of us to be an ambassador for Him, to amplify His truth to the world around us.  We can do this because the Bible tells us in Romans 8 that the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in our hearts.  So, we are saved and empowered to be used of God in a powerful way.  Here's a Scripture pass...  Read More

Throughout the Scriptures, and even through the annals of church history, you see people who were countercultural, people whom you could consider to be "revolutionaries," those who rejected the status quo, lit by the fire of the Holy Spirit, and determined to see God exalted in the times in which they lived, to which they were called.  In the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews (ESV), after highli...  Read More

We have engaged in the annual ritual of moving our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time.  While there is a national debate on whether or not we ought to be changing the time once a year - and some locales do not make the change - this phenomenon can remind us of the importance of taking care of our bodies and our souls, especially when there is potential disruption.  1st Corinthians 6 (ESV) re...  Read More

The Bible is clear that we are called, as Jesus taught, to be salt and light in this world.  The apostle Paul laid out the spiritual framework in which we operate, clothed in the full armor of God and called to stand for truth.  In Ephesians 6, we can find these words (ESV):11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle aga...  Read More

There are opportunities all around us in order to feed the greed that can come so naturally. And, there are especially ways that prey on young people to condition them to take part in unbiblical behaviors that can warp the mind and even produce addiction.  The Bible warns us not to give in to human desires that can put us in bondage.  1st Timothy 6 warns:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into...  Read More

There are a variety of coping mechanisms that are available to us in facing the challenges and troubles of life.  But, not all of these are good for us.  When we choose to deal with our issues using worldly resources, rather than the resources of the Spirit that God makes available, we are cutting ourselves short of the abundant life Jesus has promised to us.  Consider the words of the Psalmist in...  Read More

It's been said that we don't get a U-Haul to carry our earthly possessions to heaven with us when we die.  But, the Bible does say we are to lay up treasures in heaven.  I think that certainly has to do with being good stewards of the earthly resources God has given to us, so that we are using what God has provided for His glory and the glory of His Kingdom. But, I think you could also say that th...  Read More

When we are in a position of trusting God with all of our hearts, we can learn to look to Him and His love and faithfulness, rather than look to the world to get our needs met. We can see beyond circumstances and recognize His presence with us in our circumstances.  By looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, as Hebrews 12 says, we can possess a sense of resilience - an inner streng...  Read More

The exchange of fire continues between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with other Gulf region countries having become targets of Iranian retaliation.  Iran has long had proxies in the region who have done its bidding, and there are people who are sympathetic to the cause of jihad, as directed in the Muslim Koran, spread out far and wide, perhaps even extending to the U.S.  This is a result of policies...  Read More

In the midst of a war against a murderous regime that has shown disregard for human life and for the religious freedom rights of their people, we can also recognize that there is a long-standing war on life in our own country, and we should be passionate about ending that.  The military action against Iran is deserved and just, but we should also remember that we must deal with threats to the sanc...  Read More

When believers in Christ come together - in large groups or small gatherings, God has an intent and a purpose.  The Bible teaches that when we come together and pray together, that amazing things can happen.  God wants His body to display a sense of connectivity. And, this passage reminds us about one element that can happen when we meet together. It's from Proverbs 27 (ESV):17 Iron sharpens iron,...  Read More

God is certainly concerned with perpetuating the message of the gospel to generations to come.  The Bible tells us that following the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land, there came a generation that did not know God, according to Judges chapter 2.  Those who have been around on this earth for a while are called to build a foundation for those who will come behind.  Psalm 78 (ESV) states:3...  Read More

Even though we may profess to know Jesus as our Savior, we can consider whether or not we are acting as a disciple.  That involves surrender - and it entails knowing the Word and following His instructions.  A simple key to doing that is to spend time in His Word.  In Luke 14 (ESV), we can find these verses; Jesus said:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife ...  Read More