Many of us want to know how our ancestry has influenced our development as individuals. Are we willing to make the sacrifices that are necessary to really leave the world a better place for our children? I watched a DVD collection called, “Against All Odds Israel Survives, ” and I realized that the state of Israel became one of the world’s most significant contributors to man’s development with scientific advances and simple life styles, as warriors and appeasers, with spirited,…..
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a man of great strength, courage, and faith. I am struck by his authentic questioning of who he was while waiting in a desecrated Lutheran church and about to be taken to the Flossenberg Concentration Camp in April, 1945. The questions he asked in 1945 are still relevant to us in 2021. What will people need in this new world of COVID to survive into the next century? We will need religion and faith in Jesus Christ. …..
Have you ever had to defend your actions and beliefs? (Romans 12:2) Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We shouldn’t be afraid to stand up for who we are as Christians; we shouldn’t hide our identities simply because the world says we should. Unfortunately, our society tells us what we should be and turns its…..
The Holy Trinity is made up of three parts: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, and that Spirit is here to help us with a full, robust, energetic, and renewing life. God hears us and wants to lead us to our Eternal life. Many people sleep through the Holy things in their lives. They pass through seasons of disconnect from God without realizing that if they don’t have the Spirit…..
Do you consider yourself to be wise and understanding of others? Are your deeds done with wisdom covered in kindness? If you think of yourself as envious and selfish in your ambitions, do not boast or lie about your achievements. This knowledge does not come from above; it is earthly, non-spiritual, and devilish. Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder and wickedness of every kind. The wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, gentle, willing to compromise,…..
I’ve just finished reading John Lewis’ book, “Walking with the Wind.” Admiration for this courageous and complex man doesn’t seem to describe the man that I discovered while reading his book. He believed we can achieve great things together as a nation but not through violence and chaos. We should be allowed to disagree with the government’s policies through peaceful negotiations and non-violent protests. He was willing to go to jail for his beliefs and the civil rights of all…..
COURAGE… What is it? Some say it’s using a machine gun to defend your platoon in a bloody battle. Others say it’s using your words and deeds to fight for the rights of others, despite your own personal safety. Some say it’s calling your wife after an airplane deliberately hit the building you work in and knowing there’s no way out. Others say it’s taking responsibility for your actions in a personal relationship. Throughout history, there have been many heroes…..
Are you open to Christ’s voice? Do you listen when He speaks in the silence of your heart? Do your eyes see what Christ does for the smallest of creatures? Can you feel His presence in the midst of storms? If you answer, “Yes,” to any of these questions, you are “Ephphatha” or open to Christ’s love and grace. In Mark 7:24-37, a Gentile woman begged Christ to heal her daughter who was possessed by a demon. He said, “Let…..
Why does God close doors? Is it because He doesn’t love us? No. Is it because He wants to take our free will away from us and control us? No. Is it because He knows we can’t make decisions on our own? No. They why? I have been struggling with a relationship with my committed partner’s daughter for over eight years since her father passed away. She’s a very manipulative person who feels that she is entitled to everything, and…..
I know angels have surrounded me for years; I have felt their security and kindness in many situations. More recently, I have felt Christ’s presence in almost every moment of my life. I hear His voice; I feel His hand on my shoulder. In the fog of the pandemic, I have seen Him cradling me in His arms as I sleep. Even in times when I think He isn’t by my side, I feel His spirit in my heart telling…..