All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every god work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)      It seems that the primary objective of God’s revelation of himself in Scripture is to equip people to accomplish what he has purposed for them. Contemporary culture, however, seems to be more interested in being rescued than being equipped.      We have become... Read more

“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry…” (Matthew 12:18-19). Is it possible that God is even now looking for that man or woman whom He may place His hand of blessing and anointing upon, raising them up in our time of need to serve as a Deliverer, a Judge, a... Read more

Whatever we do in word or deed we must do so with the peace of God abiding in our hearts. There is a great temptation to let people take our peace away. This happens whenever we become angry, bitter, or vengeful when others do not respond favorably to the kindness we bring them. Our God gives us peace in the midst of the storm, and calls us to love even our enemies. Do not let others rob the peace of... Read more

Philosopher George Santayana famously stated, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it” So what lessons from history should we have learned about how to navigate economic crises? Consider the recession in the United States from 1873 to 1879. Up to that time, this was the greatest economic challenge faced by the nascent country. The cause of the crisis was speculation driven by greed, associated with expanding the railroad network. Loans were made that should not have... Read more

We are afloat in a virtual ocean of relationships every day.  We have to be able to swim to truly live in this world. Some float by in their life jackets. Others use boats to ride by without getting wet. Both miss experiencing the ocean – the danger, the excitement and the joy of real relationships. Good relationships are key to a successful society.  Here I not only refer to good business relationships or stable political relationships, but in fact... Read more

Beliefs – the stuff of which civilizations are formed.  Beliefs – the catalysts from which movements are spawned.  Beliefs – the causes for which men live and die.  Differing beliefs about the nature of reality, ethics, and values lead to differing behaviors.  The dominant belief of a collective people or of the leaders of a country will drive that culture.  All of life grows from, is maintained by, and bears the fruit of mankind’s beliefs. For example, a Marxist worldview... Read more

Sincerity is not truth and often sincerely wrong. No one but God can tell you who you are, what to believe, or how to live. When you discover truth for yourself, you will never let anyone snatch it. We are told what we should think and how we should live our lives based on what others may think is correct. But you are an individual; know what you believe, stand within it, and let the truths of God permeate your... Read more

When my two sons were very young, I learned that one of the most difficult things to instill within a child is the ability to know when it is time to play and when it is time to be gentle. Playtime is often the easiest to initiate. Wonderful things happen in intimate moments of tickle time and storytelling. Likewise, we bond with our children as we walk with them through times of difficulty, disease, heartache and sorrow. We hold them... Read more

The fear of God should not be induced by fear of judgment. It is in knowing the depth and kindness of a God who is willing to share His love, nature, and authority with mankind. Happy are those that humble themselves before the majesty, power, and sovereign grace of God. Embracing the revelation of the amazing wonders of our God is the beginning of wisdom, and the beginning of a life in pursuit of His Kingdom glory. Read more

No matter how long we have had communion and friendship with God, there is a mysterious depth in relationship that has no limit or end. When we come into this sweet relationship, we are beginning to learn breathless adoration of the attributes of our God and His ever increasing presence in our lives. These perceptions and the consciousness of His divine Presence reveal what the Bible calls “the fear of God”. Read more