-
Are You a “Facebook Friend” of Jesus?
The Merriam-Webster definition of friend is: : a person who you like and enjoy being with; one attached to another by affection or esteem. Are you attached to Jesus, do you esteem Him, do you enjoy being with Him? Or is He just a nodding aquaintance? "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." Knowing God is eternal life. We know our friends, spouses, and children because we choose to spend time with them. Do you choose spend time with your most faithful Friend?
-
Are You Spiritually Adrift?
Did you know that sheep will continually nibble of vegetation further and further away from the flock until they are isolated and in danger? They are unaware of their movement away from safety because they are distracted by something desirable--food! We can be the same way spiritually. The world offers its delicacies that consist of wealth, status, ease, and a smorgasborg of activities that can easily lead us off the narrow path. It's not until we try to focus our spiritual eyes on Jesus again that we realize how far we've wandered. Beloved, are you far from home?
-
What Does Your Faith Look Like?
The devotional reflects on the phrase "Where's the beef?" to illustrate the idea of faith that may feel small or inadequate. It emphasizes that true faith inspires action in alignment with God's will, urging believers to trust Him wholeheartedly. Authentic faith can lead to accomplishing the seemingly impossible through obedience and reliance on God's power.
-
I’m A Good Person—What Do I Still Lack?
Do you ever feel like being a good person just isn't enough? Does your wealth keep you from pursuing spiritual health? You're not alone, because there was only One perfect person to ever walk this earth, and He was willing to sacrifice everything to ensure we are made whole.
-
Who Is My Neighbor?
Who is my neighbor? It's a question that we should well be asking in our changing society. Jesus' parable about the good Samaritan beautifully illustrates that when we see someone in need, even an enemy, we should extend mercy. We preach that we need to see the image of God in everyone...we sing about grace that is greater than all our sin. Do we practice living out this grace toward others? Do we practice mercy? Do we prove to be a true neighbor? "You go, and do likewise." (Luke 10:37)
-
The Beauty of the Gospel
Have you ever really stopped to think about the impossibility of mankind being able to save themselves? We have had roughly 6,000 years of biblical history unfolding to date, and we have not and will not ever develop the perfect person or society. Why? While man claims that we can evolve into something better given enough time, Jesus prophesied that in the last days the world and mankind would devolve and get worse...
-
The Mercy at the Heart of the Golden Rule
Reciprocity. It is a basic human desire, even an expectation, to be treated fairly and with respect. There are norms in every society that influence a person's behavior, many unspoken, expectations for the return of a kindness done to another. Sometimes the kindness done is motivated by a selfish desire to receive some favor back, the "I'll scratch your back, you scratch mine" philosophy. Sometimes. less obviously or even hidden from our own conscious recognition, a kindness is done in the hopes of fulfilling a deep need, such as love or friendship, the "if I do this thing, what will I gain and what will it cost?" type of mathematical…
-
Are Christianity and Karma Mutually Exclusive?
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” –Luke 6: 37-38 I don’t know about you, but I try my darndest to live by the Golden Rule, to “do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31). My non-spiritual side wants to do to others AS they have done to me, to return like for…
-
Dear Christian, Never Give Up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BZmuz88KEY “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” –Luke 15:20 The entire fifteenth chapter of Luke is a series of three parables about lost things: a sheep, a silver coin, and a younger son. It is worth noting that all these things have progressive value. The sheep would have been commonplace, the silver coin (worth a day’s wages) would have been of far more value, and anyone could relate to the irreplaceable loss of a priceless child. Now, tax collectors, various “sinners” of all sorts, the Pharisees, and…
