Glory is overrated! We glorify the oddest things. We praise uniqueness over integrity, honor.style over perseverance and extol boisterousness over sound reasoning. Glorifying God is a different story, though. How can we do that, even when things are at their worst?
Freedom of choice is very important to citizens of the United States. If God knows the end from the beginning as well as all our thoughts, do we still have real freedom of choice? Is there a difference between "freedom" and "license" to do something?
Sin is like a dessert buffet line. As you pass by you can’t help but notice the variety and the aromas, and it makes you just want to indulge...all the while knowing you just need to keep on walking. But is all sin bad? Are some worse than others? How can we redirect away from its pitfalls?
Is it healthy and beneficial to "be yourself"? Should you be yourself in a relationship? Is it better or more appropriate to conform? How does being a follower of Christ come into play? Do you lose your individuality?
We read wonderful Bible promises like Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." We appreciate them, love them and insured by them, but do we sometimes question if we have a right to claim these promises for ourselves? Satan has brilliantly put "promise blockers" in our path. Now what?
We all want to be successful at whatever it is we are focusing on. How do we do it? Be single-minded. Have your vision clear and your energy directed. It's not easy. We end up distracted, or we start something but don't finish or we even rationalize our way out of triumph. How do we put habitual double-minded thinking behind us and reach forward towards true, godly achievement?
Loving our enemies is probably one of the most difficult concepts that Jesus gave to his followers, however he is probably one of the GREATEST examples of truly living what he spoke. How did he show his love for those who cursed him and eventually killed him? How did Jesus show devotion to those who were devious and hostile, attachment to those who antagonized him and affection for those who became his adversaries? How can we adopt that same attitude of love in our lives? Listen to this week’s inspiring Christian Questions for the answers.
Think about your life for a moment. Think about those things, people, places, experiences and memories that are most precious to you. The few thoughts that top this list are in all likelihood some of your greatest treasures. Now, think again about your life for another moment. Think about the things, people, places, experiences and memories that you obsess about – the images that you replay again and again in your mind that go ‘round and ‘round on that insatiable loop of conditioned and driven brain activity. The obsessions that top this list are in all likelihood your treasures as well. Kinda disturbing, isn’t it. So, what do we do about it? How do we learn to isolate and diminish those things which we cherish but hurt us? How do we instead focus on and appreciate those items that bring true honor, blessing and joy?
Grief is something we all experience. How can those grieving methodically use Bible principles to get back on the path to healing without bitterness?
What kind of legacy are you leaving your children, and if you don't have children, what kind of example are you leaving your friends and family? Can you do better? Have you ever thought about what it takes to make a beautiful character that will be remembered for the ages?
