Ecclesiastes 7 is a prime example of how we can begin shaping our thoughts and decision-making by recognizing God's wisdom and man's foolishness. In this particular 15-verse section, we are confronted with specific scenarios Solomon presents to contrast wisdom and folly.
Read MoreWe must understand that our character speaks volumes, just as a good name is far more valuable than precious ointment. It defines who we are as men and women of faith. Even the poorest man can be identified with high character because character is not confined by material wealth or social status.
Read MoreWe can rest confidently in our decision to follow Christ, for true contentment is found in the saving grace God offers to us every day of our lives. The question is: Will we accept His grace and trust His ways, or be led astray by false promises of contentment the world offers to temporarily appease our flesh?
Read MoreOne day we will all give an account. Whether upon our death bed or within the hierarchical constructs of order and justice God allows throughout society, the truth that we must answer for who we are and what we have done is inevitable.
Read MoreGuard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
Read MorePain is inevitable, oppression exists, truth is relative, jealousy and envy consume our thoughts, and evil runs rampant through the heart of man. Therefore, what hope do we have to compel us to remain steadfast in the face of trial and persecution?
Read MoreLet's face it. One day we're all going to die! And when that day comes, what we believe regarding heaven and hell will be irrelevant because reality will have replaced theory and our fate of impending judgment will commence.
Read MoreThere is something to be said for making the wise choice. We all strive to make wise decisions, for no one sets out to start his day with the sole purpose of making the poorest choices possible. We seek peace and comfort, not turmoil and collateral damage, because living wisely is a noble cause to which we should all strive to emulate.
Read MoreThe vanity of self-indulgence is perhaps the easiest of topics for us to identify with because it covers the smorgasbord of fleshly desires we most typically crave: wealth, power, status and sexual intimacy. Solomon sought after, accomplished, and exceeded these feats to the extent that no man could rival him.
Read MoreWisdom remains one of the most prized possessions a follower of Christ can seek to attain. It helps us discern the right course of action in a given situation, and conversely protects us from making the wrong decision. Wisdom is proven true through application, for what good is it to know the right thing to do and fail to do it?
Read MoreThere comes a point in each of our lives when we stop and reflect upon where we have been, what we have done, and how far we have come. We see the timeline of events which have shaped our lives and assess how they have impacted who we are today.
Read MoreOur faith in Jesus Christ is the wellspring of our motivation, for what we do and say originate from hearts that are in tune with the Holy Spirit who resides within us. We simply cannot escape the fact that when we admit we are sinners, repent for our mistakes, and place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives, our eternal salvation is secure and our identity permanently changed.
Read MoreIn many ways, the prayer of faith James describes can feel extremely daunting to those of us who struggle with the reality that no matter how hard we try to live for righteousness, we continue to fall into our addictive patterns of sin. It magnifies the fact that our ability to overcome temptation is not dependent on the strength of our own will, but the power of the Spirit who dwells in us.
Read MoreJust as forgiveness in many ways is the linchpin to our prayer life, confession is the catalyst of repentance which brings forgiveness to fruition. Confession is multifaceted and requires a honest and realistic personal assessment of how far we have fallen from the throne of grace. It is invaluable to our personal relationship with Christ and impossible to undervalue in Scripture.
Read MoreAt times when a verse is singled out by itself, the translation can be lost because the overall context is missing. However, after reflecting on the need for a Biblical foundation of faith in verses 13-14, James now completes his thought and offers comfort and encouragement to those who not only pray to God in times of need, but believe He is mighty and able to answer their prayers.
Read MoreUndoubtedly, there are moments in our lives when we experience trials and triumphs. We transition through various seasons of life in which our faith (or lack thereof) is tested to varying degrees through hardship and prosperity. It is in those moments when temptation looms dangerously close to our hearts with questions that flood our minds.
Read MoreJames 5:12 is perhaps one of the more peculiar Scripture passages James wrote because of its placement within chapter 5 of his letter. It falls between sectional headings of "patience in suffering" and "the prayer of faith" which should help discern its meaning, yet on the surface it doesn't seem to fit. One could propose that it bridges these two paragraphs, maintaining a pattern of consistency and flow of thought from James to his readers.
Read MoreThere are many in this world who argue that the Bible is archaic, culturally irrelevant, full of inaccuracies and contradictions, and simply a collection of fables and stories composed by mortal men. They cling to the argument that the Bible is full of errors regarding such events as creation and the flood, revolt at the thought it is inerrant and the inspired word of God, and argue emphatically that archaeology and science contradict its claims.
Read MoreFrustration comes to us all at times. When life appears to have dealt us a lousy hand, we tend to compare our lives with others and covet their prosperity. When calamity strikes with pain and suffering, we question God's sovereignty and whether He truly loves us. When persecution strikes a heavy blow against our psyche for defending God's Word, we begin to calculate whether silence is a better option than speaking truth in love.
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