Brothers, don’t be childish in your thinking, but be infants in evil and adult in your thinking.(1 Corinthians 14:20 HCSB ©®) Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with Godas something to be used for His own advantage.Instead He emptied Himself […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
Jealous Children and Parents
Jealousy being a blessing seems to only be possible in the strength of character represented by Yahweh. The commandment He gave Israel regarding making idols was justified to them with the statement, “…because I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5). The human version of jealously is pretty well manifested by Joseph’s brothers regarding his dreams (Genesis 37:10-11). Joseph’s brothers being jealous of him is a peer-level bitterness. […]
Laws, Rules & Righteousness
Jesus never promoted religion. He was sent to be tortured to death by the promoters and protectors of religion. Most of His teaching related to the laws He had given to Moses were a contrast to them, stating that they were basic, and that His instruction was much more advanced. Then some Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of […]
Proper Discernment
Apart from revelation from the Spirit of Jesus, we have a very difficult time discerning times, people or spirits. Time Magazine named him “Man of the Year” in 1939. The strength he gained from promoting racism and nationalism caused him to be appointed as Germany’s Chancellor in 1933. In 1936 he was appointed as chief over the government and the military of Germany, after creating a large absence of leadership […]
The Good Portion
As they traveled along, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations to be made. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her to help me!” […]
Astonished by Sin
It seems true to me that most of the people I know who are appalled by certain sins of the people around them have not had much experience of being appalled by their own sins. The failures and rebellions and attitudes they themselves have or have had, and the connection between their failures and the means by which Jesus donated His blood to save them from paying for them isn’t […]
Disciplined to Liberty
What child has not been jealous of another child, whose parents seemed to impose less discipline and to offer more gifts? Yet, which environment prepared which child for success in the real world? Which environment equipped which child for fruitfulness or productivity in their lives? Even as adults, we are still being disciplined by our Father, still being prepared for future fruitfulness and deeper, more righteous character. Assign the proper […]
Enjoying Good Luck
It is interesting how much luckier someone is who spends a few hours a day practicing. The one who understands a matter finds success,and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy. Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning,and pleasant speech increases learning. Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor,but folly is the instruction of fools.(Proverbs 16:20-22 HCSB ©®)
Believing Believers
What you believe informs what you do. What you do informs the world what you believe. What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, […]
Not the Law of Sin and Death
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He […]