Beside Still Waters

The second most excellent gift of the new birth life is not only the gift of eternal life but the resurrection-life of the Lord Jesus Christ in our mortal bodies. Paul wrote: I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me! 

Praying effectively is seeking God's intervention in all of our matters with the full assurance that the petitions we desire are granted, as requested, in a timely way, with clear evidence that it was the will of God, and performed to the glory of God. This always results in complete joy!

Freedom of choice when addressing moral issues creates conundrums because we are exercised to eliminate the risks while capitalizing on personal benefit. Choosing the "self-interest" options frequently results in loss to another. How do we choose a course of action that is mutually beneficial and glorifying to God? The answer may surprise you.

The spiritual decline has a standard template and is etched throughout the pages of holy writ. It begins with a departure from the living God and runs the natural course of profaning ourselves, then the things that are holy in the sight of God.

The popular notion is that we can create the life of our dreams by practicing the Law of Attraction.  You've undoubtedly heard about "putting a thought or words into the universe." Is there merit to this philosophy? This podcast examines the core beliefs contrasted: Answered prayer in response to seeking God's presence juxtaposed to the adherence to the Law of Attraction

Just as there are learning models that categorize the stages people pass through in skills development, so too in spiritual development. Christians pass from infancy - needing the "milk" of the word to maturity - actively walking in the Spirit. There is corresponding conduct that flows from each stage of development, hence the need to pursue Christlikeness.

God's Presence is the "Jewel" of the spiritual life! Yet, God uses "impossible" crises, driving us into his presence, so we might experience his ability to do exceedingly above all we could ever ask. By His grace, embrace the trial as a divinely ordained circumstance for good and for a blessing!

Eternal life; Faith in God; Being holy as He is holy; Loving the brotherhood. All imply a “covenant relationship.” If believers breach the covenant terms they made with God, what recourse does the Almighty have?

The "Saints" have lost the sense of the high notion of the Glory of God. What is the result of a diminished view of God's glory? We experience a reduced need to be holy, fearlessness in offending a Holy God, and lives bearing thorns, thistles, & weeds, and calling it "fruit."