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
Divine renewal
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
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 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
Hearing and Heeding: A Deep Dive into Mark 4:24-25
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus often used parables and sayings to convey profound spiritual truths. Mark 4:24-25 is a powerful example of this, where Jesus encourages His audience to listen closely to His words. This passage emphasizes the importance of attentive listening and conveys spiritual development and accountability principles. Jesus’ teachings in this passage underscore that our response to His Word determines the extent of our spiritual growth and the blessings we receive. By exploring these verses, we can discover significant insights guiding our faith journey and relationship with God. “And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Mark 4:24-25 ESV). The Parable of the Talents To better understand these verses, consider the Parable of the Talents … [Read more...] about Hearing and Heeding: A Deep Dive into Mark 4:24-25
Seeking God’s Face: Exploring the Timeless Messages of Psalm 5
Psa. 5:1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my meditation. Psa. 5:2 Give heed to the voice of my cry, My King and my God, For to You I will pray. Psa. 5:3 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up. Psa. 5:4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. Psa. 5:5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. Psa. 5:6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. Psa. 5:7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Psa. 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; Make Your way straight before my face. Psa. 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is destruction; Their throat is an open tomb; They flatter with their … [Read more...] about Seeking God’s Face: Exploring the Timeless Messages of Psalm 5
Unveiling the Tallit: A Symbol of Power and Authority in Intercessory Prayer
In religious traditions, certain symbols hold deep significance, weaving together threads of spirituality, tradition, and faith. One such symbol is the tallit, which stands as a timeless emblem of Jewish heritage, embodying centuries of tradition and spiritual depth. Worn during prayer and sacred rituals, the tallit serves as a tangible reminder of God’s presence and promises within Jewish tradition. Scripture provides a rich tapestry of references to garments as conduits of spiritual power and authority. In the book of Numbers (15:37-41), God commands the Israelites to attach tzitzit (fringes) to the corners of their garments, serving as a reminder of His commandments and their covenantal relationship with Him. This divine directive laid the foundation for developing the tallit as a sacred garment for prayer and worship. The tallit is also interwoven with the concept of intercessory prayer, a practice found across various faith traditions. Intercessory prayer involves advocating … [Read more...] about Unveiling the Tallit: A Symbol of Power and Authority in Intercessory Prayer
Learning to Let Go: Embracing the Wisdom of Release
Love is a strong emotion that can make us want to cling to things, people, or situations that make us happy and content. But sometimes, we need to let go and move on. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the concept of letting go and find insights from scriptures that help us understand the importance of release. 1. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – A Time for Everything: The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that everything has its own time and purpose. Love is no different. It thrives in its season, but there comes a point when it’s essential to let go. This scripture inspires us to accept the ups and downs in life and understand that holding on too tightly can prevent us from progressing forward. As we grow and evolve, our goals and desires change, too, and the job that once brought us immense satisfaction might not seem fulfilling anymore. It’s crucial to acknowledge when our aspirations have shifted and be willing to let go of what’s holding us back. Doing so could pave the way for new … [Read more...] about Learning to Let Go: Embracing the Wisdom of Release
Closing the Door on 2023: Stepping Out in Faith into 2024
As we approach the beginning of a new year, it’s common to look back on the one we just finished. The year 2023 was a journey that included various challenges, triumphs, and lessons that helped shape us into the people we are today. It is time to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities in 2024, not looking back or dwelling on the things of 2023.“Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62 ESV). Closing one door and opening another is not just a symbolic symbol of time passing. It is an invitation to embrace change, growth, and new beginnings. As we enter 2024, it is essential to approach it with a mindset that goes beyond the ordinary and mirrors the faith demonstrated by Peter when he walked on water. According to the Gospel of Matthew (14:29), Peter performed a miraculous feat by walking on water. One stormy day, Peter saw Jesus walking on the turbulent sea and expressed his desire to do the … [Read more...] about Closing the Door on 2023: Stepping Out in Faith into 2024
Unmasking Idolatry: A Christian’s Call to Obedience
Idolatry is a recurring theme in Christian teachings that urges believers to examine their hearts and lives. While it is generally considered the worship of physical idols, it can also refer to any devotion that competes with the worship of the one true God. In this exploration of idolatry, we will examine disobedience as a subtle yet powerful form of idol worship, uncovering its presence in our lives and challenging us to reevaluate our priorities. The theme of idolatry, which warns against the worship of anything other than God, is prevalent in the Bible. The Old Testament contains many instances where the Israelites strayed from God’s commandments and turned to idols made by human hands. However, idolatry is not just a thing of the past and can also manifest in modern forms, often disguised as success, wealth, relationships, or even personal goals. The Bible draws a significant connection between disobedience and idolatry. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel warns King Saul … [Read more...] about Unmasking Idolatry: A Christian’s Call to Obedience