Have you ever struggled through a dark night season where it seemed like when will this ever end? This happens in the natural, but it also happens in the spiritual as we encounter the forces of “the darkness of this age (world KJV)” Ephesians 6:12. In Mark 6:45-51 the disciples encountered such an experience […]
Jesus was the greatest teacher that ever walked the face of this earth, often using stories or parables to teach the principles of the kingdom of God. In Matthew 7:24-27 is one such allegory of two carpenters who each built a house, the difference being that one of them made sure he had a solid […]
The word church along with its plural form churches is found more than 100 times in the New Testament, and every time excepting 1, in Acts 19:37, it comes from the same Greek word, Ekklesia, which means “a calling out”. It can apply to a meeting or congregation, but it is not a denomination or […]
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” that is we have the treasure of Jesus Christ with the light, knowledge, and power He brings within these earthen vessels of clay, which like all vessels made of clay are weak and very fragile. In Romans 7:18 the Apostle said […]
The whole idea of Jesus teaching in Matthew 10:37-39 is that He must be number one in our lives. In the previous verses He is not attacking family relationships. He is pointing out that there would be spiritual friction when certain family members choose to follow Him and others do not; those that have chosen […]
The inspiration for today’s thoughts comes from Isaiah 26:7-9, “…the desire of our soul is for Your name…With my soul I have desired You in the night, Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early…” God has created each of us with three distinct parts, spirit, soul, and body. It is the […]
“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies…Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her…a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised” Proverbs 31:10, 28, 30. The power and influence of a woman’s earnest prayer, virtuous example, and sound instruction holds […]
This world is filled with terror, anxiety, uncertainties, and disasters; if our eyes are focused on these, they can become overwhelming. Do you remember the story of Peter walking on the water? When his eyes focused on the surroundings, instead of on Jesus, he began to sink, Matthew 14:30. God has promised to be with […]
We are continuing to look at various aspects of the kingdom of God (or of heaven). Being part of a kingdom means living by the regulations of that kingdom. In Hebrews 12:28 we read, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God […]
Today we will look at another “trademark” of greatness in the kingdom of heaven, which is obedience to God’s words and commandments. In Matthew 5:19 the NLT says, “…But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Obedience implies submission, submission not only to do those […]