5. Realize that giving can be fun. McKeever says that giving money can be fun once you get the hang of it. “You surprise yourself in the realization that giving money is far more fun than getting it.” At first, you’ll be practicing and it won’t feel good. Then one day something will change. You might witness the expression on someone’s face when he

After having been forgiven so much by his king, you’d expect this man to be eager to forgive those who owed him far less. His unforgiveness shocked all who saw it. Of course, the king represents Jesus, the King of kings. We are the servant who was forgiven much. To not forgive a lesser sin after receiving so much grace — after all, our sin crucifie

Are People Truly Good?One of the key beliefs of Transcendentalism is in the inherent goodness of the individual, who can overcome his meaner instincts, and that over time humanity can be perfected. If people are inherently good, then if humanity collectively can eliminate the sources of evil – whether it is lack of education, monetary need, or some

Who Were Some Other Authors of Psalms? While David wrote about half of the Psalms, other authors contributed songs of praise, lament, and thanksgiving. SolomonOne of David’s sons, Solomon succeeded his father as king and became world-renowned for his great wisdom. He was young when he came to the throne, but 2 Chronicles 1:1 tells us “God was with

1. Motivation Over Expectation Let’s be honest with ourselves. What truly is our expectation in seeking Jesus? J. I. Packer puts it this way in his book Knowing God. He asks, “What is my ultimate aim and objective in occupying my mind with these things?” Is it to be nearer to God or become better in God’s eyes? Is it to know Him more or do more for

What Does This Verse Mean for Our Everyday Lives?There is one thing that comes to mind when I read Romans 5:8 and you might think it’s a strange word. That word is confidence. No not arrogance, confidence. Here is what I mean. You can have confidence in God’s great love for you, you never have to doubt it.I know sometimes life hits hard and it can

What Does the Bible Say about Prayer? Having a vibrant prayer life is often cited as a significant spiritual practice among followers of Jesus. In fact, when we read about the life of Jesus, we discover that he made prayer a priority. We learn from Jesus how meaningful time for prayer is to the life of a believer.“Jesus often withdrew to lonely pla

A plan for healing actionAfter the days of grieving were through, though he went back to work, he continued to fast and pray. Because his pain had been soaked in the presence of God, it had birthed in him a plan. Because he had a plan, when the king asked him what he was so sad about, he knew exactly what to say. Maybe he was like those of us who r

Let's Read the Psalm TogetherPsalm 139For the Director of music. Of David. A psalm.You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem m

Paul had to completely change directions in his life in order to be used of God to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-19).God will always make clear what actions we need to take in order to adjust and get in a position to obey Him, because He wants to bless us.You see, not only can we not stay where we are and follow God, but we cannot fol

Why Does Satan Have So Many Names?Satan is one of many names for the evil Christians who fight daily. Other names include Prince of Darkness, Lucifer, Prince of Demons, Father of Lies, Moloch, and Antichrist. All these names refer to the same being. There is only one God with one name, yet Satan has many. Why?Satan is considered the author of confu

Genesis 2:22, 25 – (God called everything He made good.)Genesis 2:24 – (The husband and wife will be united as one, this includes their sexual union.)1 Corinthians 7:3-5 - (A husband belongs to his wife, and she belongs to him, and they are not to withhold intimacy from each other.)Song of Solomon – (The whole of this book is centered on the love a

(See Hebrews 4:12). The Bible declares itself to be sharper than a double-edged sword, which judges the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. The often bold and faithful words within Scripture are exactly the powerful words that our prayers need to be filled with to align with God’s holy and righteous ways.8. Scripture helps us pray for God’s will.

1. Listen “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)We cannot say we are showing love if we do not first listen to what the other person has to say. While many people think they are listening, they are not listening with the right mindset or heart.First

The Pleasure of Grace and Good Works As I meditated on Psalm 135:6, I was continually reminded of my own hospital isolation. My youngest daughter was admitted with a virus at two months old, which landed us in an isolation room for two weeks. Separated from my husband, eldest daughter, and community, I wrestled with why this sickness was taking pla

What Is Unfailing Love? God’s unfailing love or steadfast love is who He is. In 1 John 4:8 it says that “God is love” - it is His very nature. This steadfast, unfailing love can only be met in God Himself who is love. His love for us is clearly demonstrated through the death and resurrection of Jesus, for when we were still far away and enemies of

1. Cultivate a Grateful Heart “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1-2).To give thanks, we must first begin by setting our hearts straight. Some days, it may seem like a challenge to find things to

Many teach the baptism of Jesus to show “identification” with His people. While we do not see this symbolism as the preeminent meaning of Jesus' baptism—it was an undeniable facet of the event. Jesus' identification of High Priest became a secondary meaning in the text: it is a foreshadowing of the High Priest who took the sins of His people on Cal

Second, false prophets will not only claim divine visions and words, but they have the ability to perform signs and “miracles.”Because they have Satan on their side, they will be able to wield a certain amount of supernatural power. A miracle or sign does not always mean God was behind it. Third, they do not speak from Scripture. Most of the time y

Self-Based Faith“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” (John 6:26).Here Jesus accuses this group of following Him not because of the miracles He did, but because they were fed. This faith in Him was based solely on what they receive