Continue reading“Joy is a choice. It’s a matter of attitude that stems from one’s confidence in God-that He is at work, that He is in full control, that He is in the midst of whatever has happened, is happening and will happen. Either we fix our minds on that and determine to laugh again, or we wail and whine our way through life. We determine which way we will go.” – Chuck Swindoll, Laugh Again
Continue reading“We are in an operation for our home, a war to ensure our existence, a war that we will win…This war was imposed upon us by a despicable enemy — by savages who celebrate the murder of women, children, and the elderly.”
– Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Everything comes with instructions. If the goal is to achieve a satisfying outcome we follow instructions. Basic assembly instructions for a newly purchased gas grill or ceiling fan are found in booklet form in the box or are available online. To assure product success we read and follow instructions.
Americans know instructions are readily available online on how to play golf, drive a car, make lasagna, launder a dress, recover from a cold. Even basics on how to apply suntan lotion correctly and how to properly brush teeth are found in the cloud. Everything comes with instructions to follow in order to achieve a satisfying outcome.
So, Christian America, why aren’t we applying that same principle by following God’s instruction (also available in an online Bible) to heal our nation?
Continue reading
Too often, through trials and tribulations, we doubt we are loved. We doubt there is anyone who cares, I mean really cares for our well-being. Usually we look to people, activities, or achievements for love, only to find disappointment.
The truth is there is someone who loved us before we were born; someone who never disappoints. And, we are specifically created to be in a loving relationship with Him; we are not created to falsely seek love from the affairs of this world.
Unlike what the world offers, God’s son Jesus came so that we may be loved!
Continue reading
To understand the significance of The Cross one must imagine the horrific scene on Calvary hill. Calvary, also called Golgotha (meaning skull), was immediately outside Jerusalem’s walls. Calvary is where Jesus hung, where He was crucified – His earthly body nailed to a man-made cross.
In those days of Israel a cross was a means by which convicted criminals were put to death. Crucifixion was perfected by the Roman empire as a manner of execution; the convicted humiliatingly stripped bare then nailed to a cross outside the city walls. They hung in that specific area, until dead, for all who enter the city to gawk and beware.
Jesus, the only sinless man in all the world, was falsely found guilty of a crime and sentenced to an excruciating death on a cross.
Continue reading
Bad days happen to all of us. They are unavoidable. They quite often contain situations beyond our control. It’s what believers do on bad days (actually we are to do it everyday), that sets us apart from the world. We acknowledge our smallness.
We proclaim God is in control and we live on earth, not in heaven.
To think one has a choice in all of life’s situations is false. Heartache, disease, and unemployment can appear out of nowhere. One may leave home with their head high and a smile on their face, but return feeling the world is against them.
The good news: believers have power over unexpected and unwanted days.
Continue reading
God, the provider of all things, He alone is worthy to be praised!
Isaiah 12:4-6 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”
Our creator and redeemer, God is glorious.
It was Jesus who proclaimed, as He entered Jerusalem the week before His crucifixion, if mankind doesn’t shout His praises then earth itself will:
Continue reading
There are four types of love found in the Bible: Storge, Philia, Eros, and Agape. All four words are Greek terms, each with a distinct and deep meaning for a certain type of love. For some reason unknown to me our American language has pretty much ignored the distinct characteristics of each love term and pretty much bundled all types of love into one big “love” fest.
Though the individual words may be absent, most folks are still blessed to experience each of these loves during a lifetime, me included.
Storge type of love became known to me first and is the central love encompassing my family. Philia love is my love and care of others. Eros love is the intimate love I share only with my husband.
Each of these loves are precious to me, but it’s the agape love of God that gives life!
Continue reading
During the sacrifice of Jesus as atonement for our sin, Jesus willingly shed His blood 7 times for the salvation of mankind. And each time His precious blood flowed, a freedom was returned to us. Read how Jesus’ holy blood redeems you and sets you free from bondage.
Leviticus 16:19 He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times to cleanse it and to consecrate it from the uncleanness of the Israelites.
Continue reading
Christians know as fact that God declares us favored in His eyes. We also know we are here by His grace, to worship and proclaim His mighty name. And though some may try to tempt, persuade, lure or belittle the faith of a Christian, no one can ever take Christ’s light away from us.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Knowing attacks would rage against the Christian body to cause harm, God in His wisdom gave us rules of conduct which Christians are to follow, so that Christians will not imitate the ways of evil.
So, how are we to live our Christian faith and declare His praises even while under verbal attack by those of other faiths, doubters, and especially those with pure hatred of Christ followers in their heart?
I would love you to read five important Bible verses where God offers us instruction to this question:
Read mor
Lift Him Up 