Proverbs 2 provides a window of understanding for least one reason why we have periods of spiritual apathy. If you ever have a question about why God seems distant at times, here is an explanation. Solomon says to find the knowledge of God, you must be passionately committed to your search, you must be all in. Suppose I told you that you could find millions of dollars of treasure in your back yard, all you have to do is go find it. Would your response be passive? Would you start your search after you have had a nap or watched your favorite TV program? Would you put your search off until a more convenient time? Would you worry about the […]
Blog
2441 posts
Peace is not the absence of conflict. Peace is knowing God in the midst of conflict. While the earth remains, conflict remains. Peace is found in Christ, not in circumstances. Don’t waste your time looking for peace in a world which has none to give. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 [hr]
There is much debate this day about how to respond to horrific waves of violence. The Bible is clear. Evil inhabits the world we live in. Sometimes evil takes a violent form. When this happens a violent response is appropriate, even mandated! This is an important truth, a fact of life that your children must know. It is important to train and encourage people to turn against evil and violence. The virtues of peace must never be forgotten. However, when violence occurs under the banner of evil, those who do such evil should fear the sword. If these evildoers have no fear of a violent response against them, then there can be no expectation that their violent acts will be […]
Life is busy. It is tempting to think it doesn’t matter how we get our children to obey as long as they obey. This thinking may well achieve its purpose today, but create serious problems in the years ahead. Specifically I am talking about the distinction between instruction and manipulation. In it’s truest sense instruction means to teach children about God and his ways so that they are challenged to long for a deepening relationship with God. (see Deuteronomy 6:5-7 & Ephesians 6:4) Manipulation cares not for establishing a relationship with God. Manipulation is for rescuing yourself from a crisis of the moment. To illustrate: The pressure is on. It seems as though there are 17 appointments, 6 music lessons, and […]
One thing that the Fifty Shades book trilogy brings to light is that women also are consumers of pornography. The secular publishing industry has given the Fifty Shades books their own genre classification – Mommy-porn. With tens of millions of copies in print and record success at the box office, mommy-porn, is now part of our culture’s social landscape. Why, because it sells! Rachel Coyle has written a much needed mini-book, Help! She’s struggling with Pornography. This mini-book is part Shepherd Press’ collection of Life-Line mini-books that address everyday problems that Christians face with direct, concise, biblical help. I will place links to Rachel’s book and to the entire mini-book series in the comment section below. Pornography is not just […]
Even when you hurt, you are never alone. Whenever you are hurt by others, you can take comfort that Jesus deliberately planned that he would experience exactly the same hurt and pain so that he would know first hand what you are going through. He did this so that you would know that no matter how isolated and discouraged you may feel, he has been there before you and trusted his Father, so that you could also trust him. Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he […]
Love delights when others delight in God. Love is satisfied most when the one you love is satisfied. Love anticipates God will always care. Love offers encouragement when none is expected. Love does not regret the success of others. Love does not announce one’s own success. Love takes refuge in humility. Love seeks the honor of others. Love is not interested in self-promotion. Love knows joy before it knows anger. Love does not keep score. Love is thrilled when the truth is known. Love guards others even when it hurts. Love accepts care from others. Love is always certain of God’s promises. Love never caves. This love is the true standard of Valentine’s Day. From I Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is […]
From the bedroom to the schoolroom modern culture has become obsessed with a democratic spirit. If I want to do something, why can’t I? The idea that even one’s most intimate, hidden and personal thoughts will be held accountable to the God of the Bible is abhorrent to our culture. Even Christians have become embarrassed to state such an idea openly. The modern attempt is to put God and his Bible in an intellectual box and then label that box bigotry and intolerance. Surely we can do what we want with our bodies, our unborn children and our thoughts. The spirit of the people of Babel lives on with great passion! Then they said, “Come, let’s build a great city […]
Let’s get one thing clear. The Fifty Shades movie opening this Valentine’s Day weekend is an assault on young women and God’s institution of marriage. Pleasure is found in pain, in yielding to the lusts of perverted men who whose desire is to dominate women. This is somehow packaged as the ultimate sexual / romantic adventure. This marketing lie appears to be effective. All indications are that this 100 minute long movie will dominate the box-office, perhaps even setting records for a Valentine’s Day weekend. For years Hollywood’s message has been: Sex is about sensual experience, pain, and perversion. Biblical love is outdated and dull. Experience is ultimate. Pornography is the best venue for learning about sex. Make no mistake, […]
Six year old Jennifer has shown a pattern of not responding quickly to her mother. Mom realizes the problem lies more with her than with Jennifer. Mom had allowed herself to be distracted by other things. So instead of scolding Jennifer for failing to come eight times in a row, mom says this: “Jennifer, please forgive mommy for encouraging you to disobey me this afternoon.” “Mommy, I don’t understand.” “I realized that I have allowed you not to come when I called. Do you remember not quickly obeying mommy?” “Uh, yessss.” “Do you remember how God wants you to obey?” “To do exactly what I am told, right away, with a good attitude.” “Exactly! This is why I am asking […]