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
Spiritual warfare
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
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
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
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
Lessons from Jeremiah 38: Faith, Compassion, and Courage
In the midst of turmoil and adversity, Jeremiah 38 presents a powerful narrative of faith, courage, and perseverance. This chapter highlights the prophet’s steadfastness in delivering God’s message despite severe opposition. Let’s explore the key events of Jeremiah 38, draw valuable lessons, and connect them with other scriptures for a deeper understanding. The Plot Against Jeremiah In Jeremiah 38, there is a plot against the prophet Jeremiah. The princes of Judah were unhappy with his prophecies about the fall of Jerusalem. They accused him of demoralizing the soldiers and people (Jeremiah 38:4). “Then the officials said to the king, “Let this man be put to death, for he is weakening the hands of the soldiers who are left in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man is not seeking the welfare of this people, but their harm.” They convinced King Zedekiah to let them imprison Jeremiah in a cistern, where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah … [Read more...] about Lessons from Jeremiah 38: Faith, Compassion, and Courage
Understanding God’s Ways: Insights from Isaiah 55:9-11
In Isaiah 55:9-11, we find profound truths that reveal the transcendence of God’s ways and the infallible nature of His Word. These verses are a cornerstone for understanding how God’s thoughts and plans are vastly superior to ours and how His Word unfailingly accomplishes its purpose. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:9-11 ESV). God’s Transcendent Ways The opening verses, Isaiah 55:9-10, highlight the significant difference between God’s and our ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, God’s thoughts and plans exceed … [Read more...] about Understanding God’s Ways: Insights from Isaiah 55:9-11
The Sacred Tradition of Anointing Oil: A Biblical Perspective for Christians
Within the Christian faith, several traditions and practices hold profound spiritual significance. Among them is the use of anointing oil, a practice that has been upheld by believers for centuries and has its roots in biblical teachings. This post explores why Christians should consider embracing this sacred tradition, providing relevant scriptures, and incorporating prayer. Understanding the Significance of Anointing Oil Anointing oil has always held a unique and significant place in the Christian tradition. It is considered a symbol of consecration, empowerment, and healing. Its usage can be traced back to ancient times when it was employed in religious ceremonies to set apart individuals for specific purposes or to invoke God’s blessings upon them. Over the years, anointing oil has been used in various ways, from anointing the sick to anointing kings and priests. This holy oil is believed to have the power to heal both the body and the soul and to bring about spiritual … [Read more...] about The Sacred Tradition of Anointing Oil: A Biblical Perspective for Christians