Life is hard. There are no two ways about it. The Bible refers to life as a race. And in the running of this race, we encounter hurdles of trials along the track. When we hit those curves in life, the Lord calls us to dig our heels deep into our faith, keep our eyes on Him, and patiently endure to the end. …
Running With Endurance – Hebrews 12Read More »
Running With Endurance – Hebrews 12 Read More »
One of my heroes in the Bible has always been Paul. He is the perfect example of how no one is beyond God’s reach. Previously known as Saul of Tarsus, he was a respected and highly educated Pharisee, who not believing Jesus to be God, saw Christians as blasphemers deserving of persecution and death. So it should come as no surprise when we learn in Acts 9:1-2 that Saul asked for letters from the high priest that he could present to the synagogues in Damascus, allowing him to take all followers of Jesus as prisoners. (Acts 9:1-2). …
Going From Glory To Glory – (2 Corinthians 3) Read More »
The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations during his ministry. He was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Paul lived under constant fear of death, and often went hungry, thirsty, and cold. And even with all of this, God allowed him to be broken further by giving him a constant thorn in the flesh. But instead of giving in or giving up, Paul drew closer to God. And in the process he learned that there is strength in weakness. …
The Value of Weakness – (2 Corinthians 12) Read More »
After returning to Antioch, Paul learned that Judaizers, (Jewish Christians who believed in salvation through both grace and works) were stirring up trouble in the churches of Galatia. These Judaizers were teaching a false gospel of Gentiles being required to keep the Jewish laws in order to be saved. So in response, Paul wrote a letter to the members calling them back to the one true gospel. …
The One True Gospel – (Galatians 1) Read More »
The Bible tells us that the Christian walk is made up of two paths. Daily we must make the choice of either following the path of godly living which leads to life, or the path of the world which leads to death. For as James reminds us, we can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil. …
Friends With The World – (James 4) Read More »
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.” This hymn by Joseph M. Scriven, is one of my absolute favorites. It always brings up wonderful memories of my Grandmother and her sisters gathered around the organ singing with glee. And it’s also the first thing that enters my mind when I read Matthew chapter 26. …
What A Friend We Have In Jesus – (Matthew 26) Read More »
When reading chapter 8, what stuck with me was Mark’s account of Jesus feeding the thousands. He describes a large crowd who has gathered to witness miracles, seek healing, and hear the teaching of Jesus. These people had been there for three days and were without food. Knowing that some would not make the return journey home without fainting, Jesus shows compassion on them by multiplying the few loaves of bread and fishes and feeds them all. (As a side note did you know that bread being a carbohydrate gives us energy, while fish being a protein gives us endurance? A perfect analogy of the Word of God!) …
The Bread of Life – (Mark 8) Read More »
Because of its command of the trade routes between Asia and Rome, the city of Corinth was quite the melting pot. People from around the world came to buy and sell their wares. Because of the many different cultures and peoples, the city became known both for its fierce competition and immorality. …
Stuck In The Mud – (1 Corinthians 3) Read More »
In a previous visit to Corinth, known as the “painful visit”, Paul’s authority had been openly challenged by a member of the Corinthian church. Disheartened by the lack of defense for him by fellow church members, Paul returned to Ephesus. There he wrote what is called the “severe letter” insisting the church turn away from their sinful actions and the offending brother be disciplined. …
Forgiveness…A Stronghold Against Satan – (2 Corinthians)Read More »
Forgiveness…A Stronghold Against Satan – (2 Corinthians) Read More »
In 1927 a submarine of the Navy was accidentally rammed by a Coast Guard destroyer, and quickly sunk. Heroic efforts were made to rescue six known survivors trapped in the forward torpedo room, who had exchanged a series of signals with the rescue force, by tapping on the hull. As the trapped men used the last of available oxygen in the sub, they sent a Morse-coded message….”Is there any hope?” …
Is there Any Hope? – Psalm 3 Read More »