“And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). Consistency always appears to be the problem when there are so many things that have a beginning. But, they fall apart over time. Words often fade and their meanings are altered by those who feel differently when circumstances shift in a different direction. Who is able…
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). A new commandment is given because a new power is made known. It is a power that existed in eternity but now is being revealed in time through Jesus Christ. He makes known to humanity…
From the dead of winter and into the dawn of Spring, there is a message in every seasonal change. God speaks to us in many ways. Although some things may have died, He presents hope through the signs within His Creation. “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that…
“Therefore, I say to you, ‘Whatever things you ask when you pray, believethat you receive them, and you will have them’ ” (Mark 11:24). The condition of the heart qualifies one for answered prayers according to the will of God. He brings us into compliance with His will in order for us to see with Him what He sees, thus…
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). Authority is given by God in order for it to be used in ways that honor Him. When He is dishonored, authority is then corrupted and His face is veiled by those who make decisions independent of His counsel. Prayer…
“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28-29). A healthy fear is necessary for a balanced life. It helps one avoid carelessness and reckless living. Yes God is love and He initiates the process by loving us…
“Think of it! One solitary man when I called him, but once I blessed him, he multiplied” (Isaiah 51:2 MSG). Abraham was blessed to be called and called to be blessed. He was one man standing alone but obedient to God. He was awaiting his assignment after having received the promise of blessings. When our future is in His hands,…
“Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, The Lord will be a light to me” (Micah 7:8). There is a future after a fall. There is life and victory on the other side of apparent defeat. It is the enemy who has devised the plans and set the traps…
“How is it you do not understand?” (Mark 8:21). Every act on the part of Jesus has a much deeper meaning than we have yet come to realize. It was not just the feeding of the five thousand on one occasion, nor the four thousand on another. He was instructing them to trust Him for their provisions when it appeared…
“And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 The order of the Church and our lives is to be arranged by the Holy Spirit. He guides us through the gifts that were given to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. Though many gifted people have not fully understood what it would take in order to…
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35). Once confidence has been attained, there is nothing standingbetween God’s promise and the fulfillment of the promise. To trust in the Lord with all of our hearts comes as a gift to believers. This is a level of trust that does not demand further evidence, butstands on God’s…
“Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). The pronouncement of the two angels at the empty tomb is the challenge to this generation. We need answers. This is a desperate time for so many in searching for real answers. People are tired of pacifying words that merely delay the imminent failures that they have grown so…