Living Christly

Remember us, Father, in these times. I humbly ask You, Lord: “Please, do something! They’re getting away with murder! Literally!” What are You waiting for, Father? Can’t You see that they don’t believe they’ll be held accountable to You, Lord, or anyone? Why should they be? They don’t hold themselves accountable! But Your Word says that everything will someday be reconciled. And on that day, the Ledgers of Man will be stamped “Balanced!”

True forgiveness—both giving and receiving—reflects the Gospel itself. It's an admission of our brokenness (confession), a petition for mercy (prayer), and a turning toward a new way of life (repentance), all made possible by the one who forgave us when we couldn't even form the words. Reciprocity (I love that word) is mutually beneficial. God want His children to all get along. That's why it is woven into the core message throughout His Word: love God, love one another.

A heartfelt prayer for our weary world. A reflection on political chaos, God's ultimate sovereignty, and our total dependence on Him for guidance and hope.

 How many battles have been fought since the beginning of time? How many wars? How can the death and destruction that resulted from all of the needless aggressions of Man be measured? The exact answer to these questions doesn’t matter; the result is still a waste of human lives. Wars are still being waged to this day. And because of the sheer number of conflicts, humanity has developed war into an art form. Hostility, al la Sun Tzu! Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Genghis Kahn, Napoleon Bonaparte, Ulysses S. Grant, and Adolph Hitler played blood-chess with entire generations. Depending on who or when you asked, they were all intensely loved or passionately hated.

Why do we pray? Is it to keep lines of communication between us and the Creator of the universe open? Is it to acknowledge Him, praise Him, or worship Him? Or is it just to ask Him for forgiveness and to show Him our humility? Perhaps it's just to take a few minutes to thank Him for the blessings He has given us throughout our lives. Or maybe it's just to ask Him for more blessings for my family and my friends. Or perhaps to ask for protection for my church, His church, and my country, His country. Or to pray for the safety of Israel, His children. Save yourself some time, folks. Please answer “yes” to the above questions.

Jesus Christ spoke these words. First, He told us a truth, a whole truth, and nothing but a truth. He didn’t have to swear on a Bible; He WAS the Bible! Do you want something to believe in? Believe in that! That’s a great start! Next, He makes a promise to us. He tells us that if we believe He is Who He really says He is, we will live forever together with Him in paradise. “Can this be true? That seems way too simple.” But there are no hidden meanings in this Scripture. No deeper theological concepts on which we need to postulate, formulate, or ruminate. It’s all right there, my friends, right out in the open. “The truth is: Believe in Me; live forever in Paradise.” That’s it!

Happiness is a delicious cupcake, sweet and satisfying but fleeting. You enjoy it at the moment, savoring every bite, but soon it's gone, leaving you with a pleasant memory, a few crumbs, and maybe a smudge of chocolate icing on your chin.

Joy, on the other hand, is like a hearty loaf of bread. It's nourishing and sustaining, providing you with a lasting sense of fulfillment. You can share it with others, and it helps you navigate the ups and downs of life.

As a unique individual, you have a special place in the kingdom of God. You, as a Christian, are on display in God’s live-action museum. You are included in His portfolio, His Proud Body of Work. When you look into a mirror, see the sacred image in the glass returning your gaze. Please, display yourself in the best light!

God's love is proven from Creation to the Cross. The text asks why we hesitate to say "I love you" back and urges us to break the pause with gratitude.

While worldly goals are uncertain, the ultimate purpose is to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting all other things will follow.