The definition of “unless” in the Strong’s Concordance is “if not for.” The essence of its meaning is that if certain conditions are not met, then the desired end will not be accomplished. The situation depends completely upon a particular thing, condition, or person.
Read MoreAs amazing as freckles are, there is a mark that God loves even more. Few receive this mark. Why? This mark requires great faith. This mark is painful to those who receive it. This mark deeply changes those who have it. This is a mark God wishes every believer would have. What is this mark?
Read MoreAnd that isn’t the reason at all, the church is filled with only one pastor’s wife, but, many other ladies, we are all called to serve the Lord whether we are a pastor’s wife, deacon’s wife, Sunday School teacher, or whatever position you can think of.
Read MoreAs Christians, we can survive and thrive despite our environment, but we must have good “SON exposure” and adequate watering. We MUST have a close relationship with the Lord and His Word every day!
Read MoreIt’s influence was even found in laws called blue laws that date back to colonial America. These laws restricted and prohibited alcohol sales on Sundays; even stores and business were closed to honor the sabbath. Today, some states still use these laws to regulate certain activities on Sundays. However, the influence of the church has gradually gotten weaker.
Read MoreI love how Paul starts this verse.
“Therefore, my beloved…”
He’s not scolding.
He’s not preaching at them.
He’s speaking to people he loves.
Read MoreIn our life, there are moments when we feel depleted, or discouraged, or maybe even alone. It's in these moments that we must go to the word of God and get a fresh taste of the bread that can sustain us. Matthew 4:4 says..." But he answered and said, it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Read MoreThe book of Proverbs, we know, is a book of wisdom. Literally – a book compiled of wise sayings, truths, and proverbs. Wisdom pertaining to spiritual things, how to treat others, wisdom in raising a family, how to treat a neighbor, etc. Figurative and literal, the use of the word ‘wisdom’ is used so many times and in so many ways, even personified as one that crieth in the streets.
Read MoreWe need the Bible, prayer time, church attendance and encouragement from other believers to grow as a Christian. A watering can is only good for two things...holding water and pouring out water onto plants. You cannot water plants without first filling it up with water. This is true in our lives. You cannot help others grow if you are not first filling up with the things of God.
Read MoreIf we want to make sure that we keep the right perspective, then we need to keep our focus on what matters and remember that the same God that saved us is the same God that will stay with us. Too often we miss seeing what God can do because we are focused on the wrong things.
Read MoreSamuel was speaking to the children of Israel people who had seen God work.
They had watched Him provide, protect, rescue, forgive, and guide them.
And yet Samuel pauses everything and says,
“Stop. Think. Remember. CONSIDER.”
Read MoreIf you have been a Christian and served the lord for a long time then you have probably been asked to help out in a ministry in your church. Maybe you have been asked to help in the Baby Nursery, be a Sunday Greeter, or help with The Big Day! The list is endless.
Read MoreMy husband, six of our children, and I spent just about 24 hours a day/7 days a week together. We ate together, rode in airplanes and cars together, sometimes all slept in the same room together, played games together, and shared one bathroom for most of that time in different homes and hotels from West to East, from North to South. I told my husband before we left the Philippines that we were either going to love each other more or hate each other by the time this was over. I happy to say that we still love each other.
Read MoreInfluence comes from many different sources and in many different packages. I had the opportunity to grow up under Bro. Hyles and attend First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana. My mother taught at Hyles-Anderson College since I was two years old which has allowed me to learn and know of hundreds of individual college students growing up. I have also taught and have been in the ministry for over twenty years. I can easily say I have had thousands of people influence me.
Read MoreEvery visit with my friend included a beautiful talk about our Lord. She would share what she read in God’s Word that encouraged her. We would delight in talking about God, His character, and His Word.
Read MoreThese verses might not mean anything to you right now. You might not even understand the depth of these verses until you face sufferings in your walk with the Lord. It’s kind of strange to say to know Joy you must suffer. These words are the opposite of one another in my opinion. However, God knows more than we do. He takes life’s toughest storms to teach us how to trust him.
Read MoreWhen the Bible speaks of the putting on of our clothing and ornaments (jewelry), the word often used is “adorn” or “adorning” which also has the meaning of “adding beauty by dress or external ornaments; to embellish; to set off to advantage” or “to make more pleasing.” While we should certainly strive to be attractive, appropriate, and modest outwardly, the majority of our time and focus should be on the adorning of our inner lady. 1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning…but let it be the hidden man of the heart. So, how do we adorn, or embellish, our hidden man (lady) of the heart? What ornaments, or jewelry,
Read MoreGod wants you to do a work for Him! Have you heard something similar before? I understand the point one is attempting to make when he makes a similar statement. I, too, have asserted that God needs surrendered servants to with for Him. Although, there is no misunderstanding in the statement, and I agree with the statement, in truth, God does not need us to work for Him. He wants us to work with Him.
Read MorePraise is based on the character of God that does not change, Therefore, our praise to God should not change. Malachi 3:6 states, “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.” Because God is who He is in His person and character, we are to praise Him. If we are happy, sad, sick, healthy, rich, poor, on the mountain top or in the valley we are commanded to praise God! Praise is not necessarily based on what God has done, but on who God is. Psalms 150
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