Isn’t faith the opposite of fear? If we want to overcome fear, shouldn’t we focus upon faith?
Yes, however greater clarity is needed. To overcome fear we need to focus upon a form of faith that is obtainable and reliable in every situation – thanksgiving brimming with faith fulfills the needed prescription. Here’s why.
Surrounded by immorality, a Christian fights an uphill battle to remain pure. But that is not his greatest challenge.
In a world awash in words and alternative philosophies, a Christian struggles to get the divine Word out. But that is not his greatest challenge.
In the rush of daily events, a Christian vigorously defends his time alone with the Lord. But even that is not his greatest challenge.
This is an opinion, and you are more than welcome to differ with me, but I think I have good evidence (in my own life) to back it up. Continue reading “The greatest challenge”
A life free from worry. Any takers?
We know we ought to embody Jesus’ teachings to abstain from worrying about tomorrow. Disciples are not to be anxious about life. In fact, in his parable about the Sower, Jesus described the cares of this life as one of those distracting forces that can stifle God’s word within our lives.
Yet, achieving a worry free lifestyle may not be as easy as understanding the goal. How often does expending energy focused upon “I’m not going to worry” only seem to heighten the problem? Fortunately, scripture and research converge suggesting some strategies forward. Here’s one of them. Continue reading “Squelching worry”
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV).
When I first began traveling to South Asia I was told that there was, until recently, no word in their languages for “thank you.” The word, “Dhanyabhad” had been invented during the period of British control and is now shared by several south Asian peoples to express gratitude. But until that occurred there was little thanksgiving acknowledged.
Generally speaking, if a culture lacks a word in their language for a thing (whether tangible or intangible) that thing is unknown to, or at least unused by, them. If they don’t say “thank you,” it is safe to conclude that gratitude is not a valued emotion. Continue reading “Giving thanks”
Did I just get this phrase backward? No, I think not.
Today I am digging a white Datura for an elderly lady in our church who admired it from one of my photos. She mentioned that she would love to grow these fragrant plants again. Her yard help accidentally mowed hers down several years ago. She did offer me an iris that she said she didn’t think I had, but I laughed and said, “I have ALL the irises!”
It will be so nice to put a smile on the beautiful face of this sweet lady, and for her to have something that brings back good memories for her. Continue reading “Pay it backward”
I’m thankful today for the medium of the internet that makes it possible to communicate easily and quickly with you and so many others, seeking as we do to edify and build each other up in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m thankful today for my time yesterday morning with the congregation in the Pimentas neighborhood, in the city of Guarulhos, about an hour from here, as I shared with them the “7 powers of the servant of God.” They’re looking to choose some men next month to serve in some important functions, a sign of good growth for this 10-year-old congregation.
I’m thankful today for the two and a half hours I spent yesterday afternoon, in the Pimentas church building, with a dozen men from several congregations in greater São Paulo area, answering their questions about spiritual service. They are earnest men, dedicated to the work of the Lord, aware of their needs, desirous of doing a better job. Continue reading “I’m thankful today”
Question: Is ingratitude a serious matter? Do you think people are thankful enough generally? Or do many people toil away with little or no expression of gratitude to encourage them?
Do you think ingratitude is a serious error? Is it a sin? Is it a serious sin? (I know we don’t usually list those who are ungrateful with ax murderers). Mind you, Paul did, sort of: Continue reading “Being thankful”
Entitlement is something we feel we deserve because of who we are. Similar to gossip or lying, it’s something others have. We’re never guilty. Yet, it’s more entrenched than most in America realize.
Comfort is addictive. We’ve had it for years. Food, shelter, security and spending money are ubiquitous. We’ve no reason to expect anything else. Gifts are under the tree, a feast is on the table, decorations sparkle around us. Same as it ever was. Continue reading “Are we grateful or entitled?”
How many different iris varieties do I grow? How many roses are in my garden? Are my daffodil blooms in the thousands by now? I don’t know.
Yet we are told to “count our blessings.” Yes, it’s highly beneficial to dwell on the good things God has given us, while we plod along in a sometimes weary world of work and worry. Continue reading “Count your blessings?”
When in the course of human events, the saints meet with disappointments, opposition and miscarriage of justice, they have recourse to comforting truths. Continue reading “Truths to Remember”