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

In California, parental rights have been under assault, and one particular law allows public schools in the state to keep information about a student's so-called "gender transition" secret from his or her parents.That has now been placed on hold by the U.S. Supreme Court; Worthy News and The Center Square reported: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of plaintiffs in a lawsuit against a Cali...  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

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