Saturday, February 5, 2011 Never Cease To Be Amazed by Robert Ricciardelli Our goal is to never cease to be amazed at the wonders of our God. We can wake up each day in radical amazement regardless of what darkness we see or are experiencing. The beauty of the world is continually seen through the eyes of the Spirit. Do not take anything for granted in the abundant life and love of God. We have a treasure within that carries... Read more

In my September 2010 article, “Warning Shot,” I quoted best-selling author Anne Rice’s reasons for leaving the church and why she would no longer identify herself with the brand “Christian.” Her actions caused her to be quickly dismissed by some as irrelevant, anti-church, and anti-god. Yet, when I heard this noted writer and her proclamation, it caused me to understand why so many of a new generation are saying they have no desire to be aligned with an institution called... Read more

La Biblia es un libro de cambios y conversiones. Las cosas viejas son hechas nuevas, los muertos resucitan, los perdidos son hallados. Aún quienes fueron los pecadores más envilecidos, capacitados ahora por la gracia llegan a ser la novia virgen de Jesucristo. La Novia Virgen de CristoSomos llamados a ser una novia santa, la inmaculada esposa de Cristo Jesús. Pero antes de convertirnos en esposa, debemos ser vírgenes. En la Biblia, una virgen no era solo una niña libre del... Read more

The Bible is a book of reversals. Old things become new, the dead come to life, the lost are found. Even those who were the vilest of sinners are now empowered by grace to become the virgin bride of Jesus Christ. The Virgin Bride Of ChristWe are called to become a holy bride, the spotless wife of Jesus Christ. But before we become a bride, we must first become a virgin. In the Bible a virgin was not just one... Read more

Are You “Modern,” “Postmodern,” or Something Else? Are you sure? Take this brief test and see. Select which statement in each of the following groups that mostly shares your opinion. At the end of five groups, we will reveal whether you are working with or against history. A. The Church will be ready for the future if it retains its vision of progress . . . if it continually improves what it is already doing. B. The modern idea of... Read more

“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.” (Act 20:32)   Let me set the scene for you. There was a gathering of some of Paul’s dearest friends on the docks of the Ephesian harbor, shortly before was to board the vessel that would take him to Jerusalem – and ultimately to a Roman... Read more

We are in it to win it, despite it! Whatever “It” is does not really matter in the plans of God. He has created you to overcome, and has placed overcoming people around you to walk with you into His victorious destiny. What you are experiencing now is inconsequential to the fullness of what God has in store for you. You are uniquely designed and blessed, and you win through adversity and in the fullness of time. Read more

Our goal is to never cease to be amazed at the wonders of our God. We can wake up each day in radical amazement regardless of what darkness we see or are experiencing. The beauty of the world is continually seen through the eyes of the Spirit. Do not take anything for granted in the abundant life and love of God. We have a treasure within that carries light, love, and life, and Spirit led children are forever amazed. Read more

We often create distance and guard ourselves from others, and miss the wealth of resources, love, and life we can bring to each other. We maintain control rather than trustfully sharing our lives. Just imagine that there was no longer fear among people, no longer any rivalry, hostility, bitterness, or revenge. God says, “That’s what I imagine, a whole world not only created but also living in my image as one.” Read more

How do I…?” Probably 80% of the questions I get begin with those three little words. I shudder now when I hear them, though I don’t always show it. Believe me, I understand well enough. It used to be three of my favorite words, too.     * How do I get the relationship with Jesus I want?    * How do I find other like-hearted believers near me?    * How do I get my spouse to see what I want him... Read more