Tag: Restore the Paths

Posted on

Is it Good or Bad to Fear God?

fearprovs17Should we fear God or is that simply an archaic notion of a by-gone era?

A well-known Prophet recently said that when he was just five year old, God said He had His hand on the young boy’s life. The Prophet went on to say that this instilled a fear in him that God was always watching. As a result, the Prophet said he abstained from many of the sins that his siblings got caught up in.

Some would read this as a good thing since the boy was spared the harmful affects of sin. Others however, consider this spiritual oppression and abuse. In their minds, a loving God would never make someone fear Him.

Continue reading “Is it Good or Bad to Fear God?”

Posted on

Why Revival Won’t Bring Unity

waterfallCan a new Great Awakening style revival bring unity to the Church? Many are praying, crying out and prophesying it today, but I’m sorry to say it just won’t happen.

As much as we need a renewed spiritual life in the church, and as much as I believe that God is going to pour out His spirit on all flesh in the days we are living, it simply will not bring unity.

Although the word revival is a fairly new invention in the historical perspective of the church, the pattern of falling away and returning to God has occurred repeatedly throughout recorded humanity. Each “revival” brought as much division as it did restoration.

Continue reading “Why Revival Won’t Bring Unity”

Posted on

Are Christians Free from Conviction?

conviction9115Some of today’s most popular preachers have declared that conviction does not operate in the lives of believers. Is this true? Does salvation free us from the convicting power of the Holy Spirit?

Some modern day teachers appear to be a little confused about what the Bible has to say about conviction. One of the favorite scriptures of the no-conviction-for-believers crowd is Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV)

Continue reading “Are Christians Free from Conviction?”

Posted on

The Art of Infighting

fightingDid you know that there is large group of people who actually believe they are called by God to tear down other Christians and Christian Ministers?

I was shocked to learn that there is a whole classification of web sites whose sole purpose for existing is to call out ministers and ministries. They are called “Online Discernment Ministries” or “ODMs” for short.

In another blog, I have already addressed the need – and God’s desire – for unity among believers so I will assume we are good on that. That being said, I am more than a little confused that people are dedicating their lives to often-times minor doctrinal disputes or differences of opinions when their time could be used for something far more effective and fruitful.

Continue reading “The Art of Infighting”

Posted on

How Firm is Your Foundation?

firmfoundationIf you have spent any time in Sunday School, Children’s Church or Vacation Bible School, you have probably heard the parable of the wise man and the foolish man. But it is more than just a story, it begs the question, which one are you?

The story is found in Matthew 7:24-27. In the story, the wise man built his house upon a solid rock foundation. When the storms came, the house stood strong. The foolish man however, built his house upon the shifting sands. When the storms came, the house fell with a great crash.

Notice that both of the men built houses. Both of the men presumably lived in their house. The houses probably looked pretty much the same. It is even possible that foolish man’s house looked even better. After all, he probably did not spend as much money on his foundation, or land, so he had more money to put into the cosmetics. When the storms came however – and they always do – the foolish man lost everything.

Continue reading “How Firm is Your Foundation?”

Posted on

Unity of Faith

unityoffaithGod called me into the ministry when I was twelve. He used a passage of Scripture from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. In the Old Testament, He used the Prophet Ezekiel to illustrate the seriousness and weightiness of the Call. From the New Testament, He used the prayer of Jesus (John 17) to reveal His heart for unity among believers.

From the time I was five, I have been blessed with the opportunity to sing and play music to Christians of many denominations. I have been honored to lead crazy Pentecostals and quiet Presbyterians, and most everyone in between. One of the many things God showed me through my experiences was that He has a lot of people earnestly desiring His presence even if they search for it in different ways.

Continue reading “Unity of Faith”

Posted on

Witchcraft In the Church

witchcraftchurchIs it possible that some who have accepted Christ, still dabble in the occult and witchcraft? Is it possible that some are doing it without even being aware?

It never ceases to amaze me when people who consider themselves “good Christians” – and go to church every week – still get caught up in pagan practices that are absolutely offensive to God.

Continue reading “Witchcraft In the Church”

Posted on

How to Make Your Attitude Work for You

attitudeThere is a much better and more effective way to apply your positive attitude in a way that will actually yield results. Things do not happen because of a feeling, they happen because you know the rules and are willing to apply some hard work.

With all the Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) talk floating around the self-deception trap has never been easier to fall into. While a positive attitude is very important in pursuing your dreams, there is a point when it turns evil.

Continue reading “How to Make Your Attitude Work for You”

Posted on

Health Nuts & Jesus Freaks

healthnuts&jesusfreaksTo be completely candid, I have always been more of a geek than a jock. Sure, I played hide & seek and the occasional football, but while some of the other kids were playing sports, jumping hurdles  or running up and down the mall, I was taking electronics apart (much to my Mother’s horror), studying eschatology or standing in Radio Shack learning to program a computer.

Honestly, and with apologies to my health-minded friends, I have often found the zealousness of health nuts to be a little over the top. Okay, to be totally honest, I thought they were a little weird. That was until…

Continue reading “Health Nuts & Jesus Freaks”

Posted on

Are You Undermining Your Future?

In 1955, psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham devised a technique called the Johari Window. It’s purpose is to help people better understand themselves and their relationship with others. It has been tweaked a lot over the years by Psychologists and Life Coaches, but the principles are still the same. The diagram helps explain the model.

image

Continue reading “Are You Undermining Your Future?”