Rising Above Ridicule

risingaboveJust in case we ever forget – which I’m sure we do not – the election cycle is certain to remind us of the power of ridicule. Every year the name calling and rhetorical slander gets worse and worse.

What astounds me, is how often two politicians can go head-to-head with each other, throwing some of the most abusive verbal mud-balls imaginable, and then end up supporting each other, or even running together, a few months later. It’s like a really bad version of Jerry Springer marries Oprah. With all the attention on bullying these days, you would think that these middle-aged and older “leaders” would grow-up.

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God’s Prescription for Anxiety

prescriptionJesus said that the earth would see a time when men’s hearts would fail them for fear. (Luke 21:26) Although I do not believe we have quite arrived at the time Jesus spoke of, it does appear that anxiety is on the rise. Whether it be politics, terrorism, our children’s safety, marriage, finances or any number of other stress factors – let’s face it – life is tough.

Despite all that we see around us, Jesus said that we shouldn’t let our heart be troubled (John 14:1). If we are honest, however, that is often a lot easier said than done. The good news is that God has already provided our escape from worry in His Word. Here are a few:

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Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 4

GreatestDesire4Today concludes our series “Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled!” as we look at God’s biblical keys to lasting love. You can review the first three blogs here:

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 3

Here are the final four biblical keys.

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Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 3

GreatestDesire3We have been discussing God’s concept of lasting love that models Christ’s love for His people. So far we covered five biblical keys to lasting love. You can review those blogs here:

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2

Today we will discuss the next three biblical keys.

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Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 2

GreatestDesire2In our last blog, we discussed God’s concept of love that transcends the human experience into the spiritual realm. A lasting love that models Christ’s love for His people (the Church) and shows the world what love really is. We covered the first two biblical keys to lasting love. You can review that blog here:

Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1

Today we will discuss the next three biblical keys.

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Our Greatest Desire – Fulfilled! Part 1

GreatestDesire1It is the height of irony that the greatest preacher in our modern society is such as miserable failure at the one thing most people desire above all else.

From the silver screen to the mobile device, the entertainment industry churns out movies, specials, video games and documentaries touting their adept understanding on the most precious and mysterious emotion of all – love. People willingly trade their hard-earned disposable income for a few minutes of fantasy about relationships that often far exceeds their own hum-drum existence. Often these same people return home more disillusioned than ever and are reminded that their own love-life falls woefully short of the on-screen thrills.

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Are You a Watchman? Part 3

watchman3Previously, we discussed several responsibilities of the role of watchmen. You can review those articles here:

Are You a Watchman? Part 1

Are You a Watchman? Part 2

We have learned that the same way that we need men and women guarding the natural areas of our lives, we also need spiritual watchmen to provide warning for our souls. Today, we will discuss three more responsibilities to consider as we learn more about the role of spiritual watchmen.

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Are You A Watchman? Part 1

watchman1Terrorism, disease, blight, domestic violence, home invasions… It seems that threats are everywhere and the need for watchmen has never been greater.

In the same way that we need military, police, border guards, hospitals, homeland security, etc. to guard the natural areas of our lives, we also need spiritual watchmen to provide warning for our souls. Most people receive little to no training on how to see these kinds of dangers that can come our way.

Centuries ago, during a time that was particularly desperate and dangerous, God spoke to Ezekiel:

“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.” – (Ezekiel 33:2-7 NASB)

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Pluck & Plant

pluck&plantHave you ever felt like God was asking you to go against the grain?

Several years ago, someone decided to “help” the fiery evangelist Billy Sunday with his delivery. “Billy,” they said, “you’re rubbing the cat the wrong way.” I’m sure that their intent was pure. In their minds, if Reverend Sunday would simply stop offending people, and make them feel more comfortable, he could be more effective and successful. Unperturbed, Sunday replied, “If the cat would turn around, I would be rubbing him the right way.”

The Prophet Jeremiah never knew Billy Sunday, but I’m sure he could empathize with the sentiment. Jeremiah was called by God to speak a message that was almost completely opposite of the one being spoken by nearly every other prophet in the land.

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