When you hear the words "Ready for Christmas," you may think of having all the gifts bought, wrapped and dinner prepared, but that is not the focus of Christmas. In Luke 2:22-2:38, the Christmas story is nearing its end when we are introduced to Simeon and Anna. Both of these individuals were waiting for the Messiah - Jesus. There are three spiritual truths I'd like to point out that will help you be truly "Ready" for Christmas. Be a marveler. When Joseph and Mary tried to process … Continue Reading ››

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). One reason God wants us to concentrate on giving thanks is because the person who is really thankful doesn't have time to be a complainer! What are you thankful for? Of course, someone may be thinking, "If you just knew the mess I'm in, you'd find it pretty hard to be thankful about anything!" Even when you find yourself in the midst of difficult circumstances, there are many … Continue Reading ››

As the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!" We are entering the Thanksgiving and Christmas season, and you probably have already been asked to contribute to some worthy cause. It is, after all, a season for giving. With that in mind, I thought I'd share a few thoughts about that subject. In fact, when thinking about this article, I was wondering if there was some other word I could use besides "giving," but I came up empty. What better word could … Continue Reading ››

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Paul begins this verse with the words, "I am crucified with Christ..." That speaks of an executed life. Paul had learned that it is necessary for a believer to die to self. That is not a one-time decision, but a … Continue Reading ››

Monday, November 11, is Veterans Day, a national day set aside each year to honor those who have served in our country's armed forces. Although I have never served in the military, I sure do hold a deep appreciation for those who have and those who are currently serving to protect the freedoms we all hold dear. Thank God for our veterans! The Word of God describes Christians as soldiers of the Lord, and the metaphor is very appropriate. Jesus Christ is the Captain of our … Continue Reading ››

If you had been to heathen lands Where weary souls stretch out their hands To plead, yet no one understands, Would you go back? If you had seen the women bear Their heavy loads with none to share, Had heard them weep with none to care, Would you go back? If you had seen them in despair And beat their breasts and pull their hair, While demon powers filled the air, Would you go back? If you had seen the glorious sight When heathen people in their night, Were brought from darkness into light, Would you go back? Yet STILL THEY … Continue Reading ››

As you read the title of this E-loop, I hope it got you thinking a little bit about what I might mean by that. To help you ponder this thought, I am going to ask you some questions. Was Jesus God in the flesh and 100 percent holy? Answer: Yes! Was Jesus completely righteous, just and without sin? Answer: Yes! Did Jesus condone sinful actions of those around him? Answer: No! Was Jesus a compromiser? Answer … Continue Reading ››

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:7-9). This fundamental law to human life should be self-evident. A … Continue Reading ››

"Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:12-13, KJV).

You may ask, "Could that be true of a believer?" It certainly could! In fact, I see three "D's" of danger in these two verses that we all need to beware of: 1. DISBELIEVING - v. 12a … Continue Reading ››

There are many people today who think that just because they go to church, or were baptized as an infant, or were raised by godly parents, that it earns them the title of "Christian." But what does the Word of God say? The word "Christian" only appears three times in the Bible. Those three times help us to define what a Christian is from God's perspective. Being a Christian involves: 1. A CERTAIN DEMONSTRATION - Acts 11:26b    "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26b). Notice … Continue Reading ››