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Most of humanity lives in kind of dream world of self seeking the “the good life”. This is to be expected since they have been born into a world of self seeking. As a saying goes, its just “what we do…”. Its natural. It has been so since the fall of Adam and Eve. The world has not yet realized that all things, all acts, all lives that been lived down through the eons of history have consequences, regardless of who they are and where they are. Job understood this truth, as he struggled with the meaning of his affliction when he said: ““Yet…  ( Click for more )

Most of humanity lives in kind of dream world of self seeking the “the good life”. This is to be expected since they have been born into a world of self seeking. As a saying goes, its just “what we do…”. Its natural. It has been so since the fall of Adam and Eve. The world has not yet realized that all things, all acts, all lives that been lived down through the eons of history have consequences, regardless of who they are and where they are. Job understood this truth, as he struggled with the meaning of his affliction when he said: ““Yet…  ( Click for more )

If you are a Christian, is there a way of life by which you may be assured that you will inheret eternal life? If there a pattern of living a spiritual life by which we can live our lives and know we are saved?

Consider the live of the Apostle Paul:

"Finally my fellow believers, continue to rejoice and delight in the Lord! To write the same things are no trouble for me, and it is a safeguard for you.

But whatever former things were gain to me, these things I have to come to consider as loss for the sake of Christ.

But more than that, I count everything as loss…  ( Click for more )

It has been declared by some that as long as one confesses that he or she does not believe in God or Jesus Christ, that person has no obligation to believe.

However, God the Father and Jesus do not see it that way.

"For (God does not overlook sin and) the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against ll ungodiness and unrigheousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth, because that which is known about God is evident within them (in their inner consciiousness), for God made it evident so them. For ever since the creation of the world His invisible…  ( Click for more )

The story of Job in the Bible is a true story that has probable been at least heard of by almost everyone. Much has been written about and speculated about this book down through the ages since the event occurred. Many ideas, opinions, and speculations have come forth as to why…why Job? Was he not a righteous man. His righteousness is even allotted to by God Himself. Then why? Why the terrible suffering, and why was it recorded so that we could read the torrid details? There are many lessons to be observed and learned from reading the book of Job. However,…  ( Click for more )

Our lives are made up of many things - uncertainties, fears, guilt, worry, insecurity. The list may go on. Life is made of small things generally. The only seem large when they are pressed too close together. But above all these things, you have been sealed forever from the time you first really believed in Jesus from your heart. The summation of your life has been settled the day you believed in Him and asked Him to guide your life. Love - His love with yours - it is the sum of all things, the summation of all. If you love Jesus Christ, and are unconditionally devoted to Him,…  ( Click for more )

Are you growing as a Christian? We all should be living in the soil of the grace of God in order to mature as grown-up children of God. We grow downward and then upward. The spiritual life of all of us is similar as an analogy. Grace allows growth, humility enables grace. When a plant is introduced into the soil in which it must grow, it grows in two directions. It begins by growing downward then upward. That which was originally planted, slowly begins to die as it grows upward. The original seed dies as it becomes new as it moves upward, and finally returns to the soil downward.…  ( Click for more )

We have all probably heard the expression that there are always consequences. In every act, every plan or lack of plan - even with our thoughts, since thoughts often lead to actions. And so it is. The Bible illustrates throughout the Old Testament, an overarching meaning in almost every book penned by the prophets. God proves there are consequences for not acknowledging and obeying God. He sets the boundaries of right wrong, truth and untruth. This begins in the Old Testament, especially the prophetic books, and continues to be shown until the book of Revelation. In short, He (God)…  ( Click for more )

It seems so easy - and natural - sometimes, to carry attitudes and opinions about others. Usually it isn't calculated or planned... it's just the natural fallen-nature kind of thing to do - it just is... We, as Christians, are tempted constantly to make summary judgements about others. Believers and unbelievers. How and why does this occur. Of course, we can say, correctly, that it is caused by our fallen nature that still influences our feelings and attitudes. Realization and observation are not the same as condemnation. The former is knowledge; the latter is judgment, based…  ( Click for more )

Repentance

(NOTE: This article was written several years ago, and is reprinted asof this date - May 26,2016. As of this date, many calls have gone out asking for prayers that America will restored to its former character and greatness. This writer feels very deeply that something is missing in these pleas. NO ONE has yet even mentioned the word REPENTANCE. If Ameica is to be saved and restored to it former greatness, it must first repent, and seek forgiveness of its sins. The sins are great, and almost all encompassing. God will hear, then forgive, and then restore only if there…  ( Click for more )

The love of money...not money per se, but the LOVE of money, and what it can do. The love of money, and the possession of it, leads to power - power over others, and power over nations and peoples. If there is enough money involved, the power will follow eventually. Power over individuals, businesses, and nations. Every level of every human existence is pervaded by money and/or the desire for it. If there is an avenue by which enough money can be obtained without threat of being discovered if it is illegal, the necessary effort will be made to obtained it by someone. "But…  ( Click for more )

A comedy TV show from the past sang a closing refrain entitled "thanks for the memory...". We, as Christians, should have many thanks to God for our memories. Yes, many times we recall events, words, circumstances that now seem almost unbearable to recall for anything but a passing thought. When dwelt upon in the wrong way, or at the wrong time, we run from them. I know of a Christian married couple who, late in their lives, confessed with each other that they could not recall a single good memory of any kind in their long married relationship. Blinded by hardships and…  ( Click for more )

Bad Things - Good People

We all have wondered from time to time, why so many bad things seem to happen to good people.

But there is a reason. Perhaps first we should define what the word “bad” is understood to mean - what it means to whom, and how do “people” perceive it as they do. The meaning of the word has about as many definitions and applications as there are people to define it. God plainly affirms that there are many afflictions experienced by “the righteous”, as well as to the unrighteous, but God delivers the righteous…  ( Click for more )

You and I were created and born to worship. Even if we are presently unaware of it. Even if it exists only in our minds - something or someone outside of that which we call the “self“. Indeed we, as human beings, are put together spiritually and even mentally and physically, to worship something or someone, who is outside of the “self” entity. One simple definition of “Worship” could be described as whatever a person puts first in life. God gives you and me the freedom to choose the what or the who. Along with this freedom, God commands…  ( Click for more )

Since the time that Satan was cast out of heaven, he has been orchestrating and manipulating the world....unseen and silent - except for what can be seen as the results of his activity. However, the world in the main does not make the connection. It sees only the results. This has always been true. In all world affairs, in the lives of all peoples, Satan and his minions have influenced and controlled this world. But as a paradox, he really is not in control. He can only do that which God via the Holy Spirit allows. In past ages prior to the first coming of Jesus Christ, angelic…  ( Click for more )

Has the earth reached a breaking point? Has God allowed a way to get mankind’s attention that cannot be ignored any longer? Has the world reached a kind of “breaking point? A "point of no return"? It is amazing that there is very little desire to look beyond the carnage and ask “who” and “why” Of course we hear much human logic about the physical causes of what was and is occurring, but very little concerning what is occurring above the fires, The One who controls all things in heaven - and earth. There is much comment by…  ( Click for more )

At one time there was a popular love song that included a lyric that was repeated over and over: “ You always hurt the one you love…” True love seems so very fragile in our world…it can break in pieces with a gentle impact or disturbance. True, faithful and enduring love, seems indeed to be very rare. In addition, once it exists, it becomes very fragile, and easily bruised. True, unaffected, unpretentious love one might say, is almost nonexistent There is form of affection that often passes for love, but is more friendship, or at worst, lust. Lust…  ( Click for more )

Do you know, or know of, a person that seems to be a perfect person - at least as perfect a person as a human can be? If you do, you are not alone. I know one also. A good person. But not a Godly person. It has seemed for a long time to be such a contradiction - this person seems sinless, as much as can be seen, observed or discerned. Human perfection in almost every way. Ironically however, this person is not a Christian, has no interest in becoming a Christian (as far as we can see…), but seems to lead a life in many ways that Christians should be living.…  ( Click for more )

How many times have we heard the expression "what, me worry...?" Of all the conditions of mind rampant in the human race, there is one that comes closest to being universal. It consists of only five letters in English. It is one of the most universal - if not THE most universal condition of humanity on this earth…everyone has it even if not evident, it is a silent, sometimes infectious “disease”, which to this date seems completely resistant to any attempt to find a cure. There are many labels given to those that are rather notorious. Worry. …  ( Click for more )

In our memory, heart, and mind, loved ones never die. It is something that can never be completely forgotten. So it was also, with Jesus. There are times in everyone’s life when death strikes. Seldom is it anticipated, unless someone has endured a long illness, And when a friend or a someone well known to us dies, there is sadness that can be inexpressible. There is recorded in the life of Jesus when He dwelled on earth that has seemed somewhat strange to some. When Jesus heard of the death of one near to him, he was sorrowed and wept in sympathy for the relatives…  ( Click for more )

In one the Apostle Paul’s letters there is a statement by which he begins to summarize what he had just written. He had begun with his treatise in Romans chapter 7. Many times in this writer’s journey as a Christian, I have hurriedly turned to only one verse in his summing up of the Christian life, and the Christian’s destination. And this encouraging scripture is contained in less than one verse, actually only two words in one verse: “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe…  ( Click for more )

Most of those of us who confess to be Christians are familiar with the following: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” - Luke 10:27 There is a peculiar irony concerning us as humans - and especially so of those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Why is it seemingly much easier to love God (who we cannot see), than it is to love another human being? Of course there is “romantic love” between man and woman,…  ( Click for more )

Nothing strikes terror in the mind of a student in school more than the word “test”! Our lives are, as Christians, sometimes filled with God’s testing. His testing is not to determine whether we “fail’ or “pass“. If we belong to Christ, He sometimes tests us in order to strengthen us, not to cause us to fail in anything. Often our testing is just to inform us, or to guide us, or set us on a different path in life. Regardless of His reasons, they are for our good. We may never know, until our resurrection, His reasons for the tests. …  ( Click for more )

The Beginning? There are several references in the Bible that refer to a “beginning” or “beginnings”. Some include reference to an “end” or “endings” of an event or events. Jesus refers these dramatic events as the beginning of the end. Sorrows and unimaginable suffer is described as only the beginning. These, in most instances include in the context of crises. or times of crises, involving disastrous events, either locally, and in a few instances universal events involving the whole world. The Bible in most instances refer…  ( Click for more )