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

Last week, following President Trump's State of the Union address, Harmoz Shariat, Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries, issued a statement in response; in it, he said: "Iranians do not want negotiations. Why? The government of Iran is a deceiver and a liar, and they have proven that even if they sign an agreement, they will not follow through with it.  If history has taught us anything,...  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

While technology has changed the face of interpersonal communication, the personal aspect has certainly been an area of concern.  And, with people spending so much times on screens, it can be devastating to the brains of especially our young people.  The Bible directs us to be sober-minded, to renew our minds with God's truth.  1st Corinthians 2 (ESV) says:14 The natural person does not accept the...  Read More

The Bible teaches us, as believers in the body of Christ, to bear one another's burdens, to be compassionate toward one another, as well as toward those who are unbelievers.  And, we are called to walk with other people through their suffering.  Ephesians 4 (ESV) states:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may gi...  Read More

Louisiana legislators had passed a new law requiring the 10 Commandments to be placed in public schools throughout the state.  A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals putting the law on hold.  The entire court heard arguments recently in the case, and it handed down its decision last week.First Liberty reported that the court "issued a decision reversing a preliminary injunction ag...  Read More

We live in a fallen world, and we know that there will be times when illness comes, when our world is rocked by painful and sometimes even perplexing health issues.  We know that God is good, and He is sovereign, but we struggle with these moments where face health challenges, which can sometimes lead to long-term illness and even death.  Through those challenging times, we can remember that God i...  Read More

There are many expressions of religion in our world today, and even many expressions of Christianity - while there are many denominations and churches who believe a variety of principles and doctrines, it is our responsibility as Christians to be discerning, to make sure that our practice of following Christ is consistent with the teachings of Scripture.  Because there are a variety of spiritual v...  Read More