Is Your Faith Gathering Dust? We live in a world that constantly demands our attention, pulling us in many different directions. Amidst the noise and the busyness, it's easy for our faith, that precious gift, to become something we acknowledge but don't actively engage with. Like a treasured photograph tucked away in a drawer, it's there, we know it's there, but how often do we truly take it out, dust it off, and allow its image to impact our present? Think about the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The master entrusts his servants with different amounts, expecting them to invest and increase what they've been given. Out of fear, one servant buries his talent. How often do we, perhaps unintentionally, bury the gift of faith we've been given? We go through the motions, attend services, and offer a quick prayer, but is our faith truly growing, expanding, and impacting the world around us? Consider the story of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. Jesus uses her … [Read more...] about Dusting Off Your Faith: Practical Steps to Increase Your Trust in God
Faith in the Fire: Holding On When Life Heats Up
Scripture Focus: Daniel 3:19-25 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore, because the king’s command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the … [Read more...] about Faith in the Fire: Holding On When Life Heats Up
Abiding in the True Vine: A Study of John 15:1-11
In John 15:1-11, Jesus presents a powerful illustration of what it means to live a life connected to Him. He describes Himself as the “True Vine” and identifies His followers as the branches, urging us to “remain” in Him to bear fruit. This passage offers vital insights into discipleship, spiritual growth, and the Father’s purpose for us. To fully grasp this teaching, we must pay close attention to Jesus’ words, particularly verse 2, where He introduces the idea of pruning, and verses 7 and 10, where He emphasizes the importance of remaining in Him and keeping His commandments. These actions are the pathway to the beautiful promise of joy in verse 11. The Vinedresser’s Pruning Process (Verse 2) In John 15:2, Jesus says, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” This verse reminds us that God is unsatisfied with our unfruitful or stagnant lives. He acts as the Vinedresser, actively … [Read more...] about Abiding in the True Vine: A Study of John 15:1-11
Not Peace, but a Sword: A Deeper Look at Matthew 10:34-39
When we think of Jesus, we often associate Him with peace because He is called the “Prince of Peace” “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NAS20). However, in Matthew 10:34, Jesus says something that may seem surprising: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” This passage may appear contradictory to our understanding of Christ’s mission, but upon closer examination, we discover profound truths that challenge and inspire us. Jesus Came to Bring Peace with God, Not Worldly Peace The core of the gospel is reconciliation. Humanity’s relationship with God was broken due to sin, but Jesus came to restore that relationship. As Paul writes in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This … [Read more...] about Not Peace, but a Sword: A Deeper Look at Matthew 10:34-39
The War Within: Victory Over the Flesh through Christ Jesus
Romans 7:14-25 is a powerful passage that reveals a fundamental truth: there is a battle between our spirit and our flesh. The Apostle Paul, who authored Romans, captures all believer’s tension in the war between wanting to do good and struggling with sin. This battle may sometimes feel discouraging, but we are given hope and the tools to overcome in Christ. Let’s dive into this text and explore three key lessons that can transform our walk with God. 1. Your Spirit and Your Flesh Are at War! Paul’s words in Romans 7 highlight the struggle between spirit and flesh. He writes, “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want” (Romans 7:19 NAS20). This conflict, described by Paul, is familiar to anyone trying to live a life pleasing to God. It is as if our spirit, which craves holiness, is at constant odds with our flesh, which is drawn to sin. This inner conflict is beautifully summarized in Galatians 5:17: “For the desire of the flesh is … [Read more...] about The War Within: Victory Over the Flesh through Christ Jesus
Choosing to Sin or Not to Sin: The Power of Free Will in God’s Plan
God Gives Us a Choice When It Comes to Sin Throughout history, God has given us free will, allowing us to make choices, including deciding between right and wrong. This concept is beautifully illustrated in Genesis 4:7, where God tells Cain, “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7 NAS20). In His mercy and grace, God has always invited humanity to choose Him, giving us the freedom to follow His ways or pursue our desires. God's mercy and grace are evident even before the creation of the world. He created the earth from nothing, filling it with animals, plants, and trees (Genesis 1). In His love, He gave Adam and Eve a choice to obey His command or follow their desires. Genesis 2:16-17 shows this when God warned them about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, saying, “The LORD God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may … [Read more...] about Choosing to Sin or Not to Sin: The Power of Free Will in God’s Plan
David’s Heart for Worship: A Journey of Faith and Restoration
David, a man after God’s own heart, is often celebrated for his deep and authentic worship of the Lord. His story is one of highs and lows, triumphs and failures. Yet throughout it all, his heart for God remained steadfast. Even in the moments when David stumbled, his relationship with God served as a testament to both the power of worship and the grace of the Lord. David’s Downfall: A Reminder of Our Imperfections David was not without fault. His infamous sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) is a striking example of how even those closest to God can fall short. David coveted another man’s wife, committed adultery, and orchestrated the death of her husband to cover his sin. Despite his intimate relationship with God, David’s choices led him down a dark path. In many ways, David’s fall mirrors our struggles with sin. As humans, we are prone to stumble, just like David. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NAS20). We are not … [Read more...] about David’s Heart for Worship: A Journey of Faith and Restoration
Reflections on Psalm 1
First, I owe all of you a heartfelt apology. It has been over a month since my last post, and I am deeply sorry for that. Life has a way of getting in the way of our plans, and sometimes, our priorities become misaligned. I appreciate your patience and grace and hope to make it up to you with today’s post. Let’s dive into the beautiful and powerful message found in Psalm 1. Psalm 1 introduces the book of Psalms, depicting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It uses imagery to illustrate the blessings of following God's ways and the consequences of living without Him. The psalm compares a tree planted by streams of water, symbolizing a life rooted in God and flourishing, with chaff blown away by the wind, representing the instability of a life without God. Psalm 1 emphasizes that a blessed life starts with a choice: to find joy in God's Word and follow His ways. It lays the groundwork for the rest of the Psalms, encouraging us to live a life based on His truth and … [Read more...] about Reflections on Psalm 1
The Sign of the Fleece: Gideon’s Faith and Our Modern Trials
In the Book of Judges, we encounter the captivating account of Gideon, a man appointed by God to lead Israel against the oppressive Midianites. Gideon’s transformation from a hesitant and uncertain individual to a confident leader, buoyed by divine assurance, is one of the most relatable and uplifting narratives in Scripture. One of the most remarkable aspects of Gideon’s story is the sign of the fleece, a pivotal moment that showcases both his faith and his human need for reassurance. This incident demonstrates God’s willingness to provide reassurance and emphasizes the significance of seeking and receiving divine guidance, particularly when confronted with daunting challenges and overwhelming opposition. Gideon’s tale serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and the remarkable ways God empowers those He calls to fulfill His purposes. The Story of Gideon and the Fleece In Judges 6, Israel is suffering under the harsh rule of the Midianites. God calls Gideon, a … [Read more...] about The Sign of the Fleece: Gideon’s Faith and Our Modern Trials
Understanding Mark 16:17: The Power of Belief and the Signs That Follow
In the New Testament, the Gospel of Mark conveys a powerful message about faith and the extraordinary signs accompanying believers. Mark 16:17 states, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” This verse is often referenced in discussions about the supernatural manifestations of faith, spiritual authority, and the power of belief. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of this verse and its implications for believers and examine cross-references to gain a deeper understanding of its significance. Mark 16:17 is part of the concluding chapter of the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection and gives them the Great Commission. This verse emphasizes the miraculous signs that will follow those who truly believe in Him. Let’s break down the key elements of this verse: 1) Signs Will Accompany Those Who Believe: This phrase emphasizes that faith in Jesus … [Read more...] about Understanding Mark 16:17: The Power of Belief and the Signs That Follow