The Loss of Meaning

“’Everything is meaningless,’ says the Teacher, ‘completely meaningless!’” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NLT) Solomon, purported to have been the wisest man who ever lived besides Jesus, was essentially a spoiled son of king David who delved into every conceivable avenue of life to find meaning, but found none. He concluded in Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Here now is myContinue reading “The Loss of Meaning”

When Pain Isn’t Good

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT) Pain comes in many “packages” and is useful for many reasons, not the least of which is to enable us to see Jesus more clearly.Continue reading “When Pain Isn’t Good”

Is Jesus Coming Soon?

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7-9Continue reading “Is Jesus Coming Soon?”

No Atheists in Hell

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9a NLT) There are several verses in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, that outline many of the things we can’t continue to do if we expect to go to heaven. So much so we often getContinue reading “No Atheists in Hell”

Is God Safe?

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT) In C. S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” there is a scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, when the children learn that Aslan is a lion, “the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thoughtContinue reading “Is God Safe?”

Forsaking the Fake

“One day Saul said to David, ‘I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the Lord’s battles.’ For Saul thought, ‘I’ll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself.’”Continue reading “Forsaking the Fake”

The Guise of Control

“For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19b NLT) Every person is controlled by something or someone. We don’t govern even our own life. What does govern can vary from person to person, but ultimately, one day God will bring everything under His control (Philippians 3:21). But don’t we have freeContinue reading “The Guise of Control”

Your Race of Faith?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Outside magazine ranContinue reading “Your Race of Faith?”

Church Person or Jesus Person?

“For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 NLT) There is a common expression that I’ve heard used in various settings that says: “Fake it ‘til you make it!” In some arenas of life that may be appropriate; however,Continue reading “Church Person or Jesus Person?”

What Does Holiness Mean?

“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.” (1 Peter 1:2 NLT) Holiness as described in Scripture may beContinue reading “What Does Holiness Mean?”