Saddlecreek Valley Courier

Here's a thought that seems obvious: The value of a Christian's personal witness is directly tied to our attitude. If we are filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, surely our words and actions will reflect God's grace for us. In this week's episode, I examine the idea of the Economics of Godly Relationships. I pray it may be beneficial to all who listen.

The Apostle Paul lists nine "fruits" of the Holy Spirit that are manifested in our lives when He is present. Paul says there "is no law against these things" (Galatians 5:24). At the beginning of this post I relate a short story of my experience climbing the traditional Mt. Sinai in Egypt. Enjoy!

Is it safe to say that everything we do or say has some motive behind it? Jesus said, "Out of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34). In this episode I use an Old Testament story from the Book of Joshua to examine some basic, important considerations as we consider the true motives in our own heart.

You can access the blog post for this episode HERE.

This month's featured author is N. T. Wright, a British Theologian and Clergyman. Some months ago I discovered Dr. Wright's books on audible.com. I purchased the audio version of "Paul, A Biography." I was "blown away" by the sheer magnitude of this treatment of the Apostle's work and life. I've been a serious Bible student since age 16 when I invited Jesus into my heart as my Savior and Lord. I've read the Bible cover-to-cover dozens of times! However, Dr. Wright's study of the Apostle Paul's life brought a significant "watershed moment" to my spiritual journey! I am truly pleased to feature him and three of his more than seventy books for this weeks podcast and blog.

You can read the blog post (with pictures) by clicking HERE.

No other person in all the Universe is like Jesus. He is the one totally unique being--fully God and fully human. The Bible writers called him the "monogenes," a word that was mistranslated into English as "begotten," as in "the only begotten Son of God."

In this episode I explore that issue, plus take a quick look as several possible "careers" or occupations Jesus could have chosen during his Earthly life, but which he set aside to focus on the Father's purpose for his mission to Planet Earth--namely, the salvation of Adam's race.

If you would like to read the script and view the visual illustrations for this episode, you can click HERE for the GoodlifeNews Blog site.

Where can we find true securing in times of chaos and uncertainty? The good news is that there are somethings we can know for certain which will never change! 

I share 5 things which are as secure as the Lord himself in this week's episode. Then I bridge to some thoughts about the sources of true mental, emotional, and spiritual security.

I'm sure this message will bless those who listen, or read it on the GoodlifeNews! Blog page! If you find it encourages your faith for your daily spiritual journey, please share the podcast/blog with a friend, family member, or anyone you think will also enjoy it.

Thanks, and have a blessed week walking with the King!

Loren

Can we trust the Bible even though it appears to be full of paradoxes, conflicts, and inconsistencies? I share some thoughts about this in this week's episode of the podcast. Also, on the GoodlifeNews! blog post of this episode, you can find links to some supporting materials you may find helpful. To go to the blog page, click HERE.

Each month, the first episode of the month for the GoodlifeNews! Podcast and Blog, will feature a favorite book and/or author whose content amplifies our focus and goals for this ministry.

This week's featured author is Jan Karon, author/creator of Mitford, North Carolina. Jan's stories have blessed and inspired millions of devoted fans all around the world. I am confident that each listener/reader for our podcast and blog pages will love--and be blessed--by Jan's writing. It is a genuine pleasure to share her work here with each one.

This episode is a follow-up to the two previous episodes focused on The Lord's Prayer. This week I share some personal stories of how I began a daily life-long practice of seeking time each morning to spend with God. I pray my thoughts here will be an encouragement to others to find a time each day alone with God. Truly, this practice makes all the difference in our need for spiritual growth--at least that has been my experience. It is a joy to share with others.

This is the second of the two-episode focus on The Lord's Prayer.