If this world could buy peace, it would become one of the most popular and expensive commodities. However, peace cannot be purchased, so there is a surge of fabricated peace that assures the anxious heart to take rest through self-medicating, busyness, or prosperity. This counterfeit peace reveals its fallacies after a few uses, but unaware of another remedy, people enter into a vicious cycle of trying to escape the cares of this world. Jesus gives us hope, even through our trials. He declares, These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world…
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18. For every brokenhearted person in this world right now, there is a loving God next to him or her, waiting to apply His healing balm of Gilead. Brokenness causes a person to feel like they will never experience normalcy again and they wonder if they will ever feel like their true self again. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever sat amidst people and wondered, when will I feel whole? If this post is hitting home to you right now, God wants to save you from your crushed spirit. About ten years ago, in one of the most broken times in my life, I cried to God night and day. To be honest, I didn’t know if I would ever come out of the darkness. I attended as many church services and conferences I could because, even though God felt far away from me, I could see Him working in the lives of others. I knew that I would not be numb forever. One night at the altar, I sat on the ground for a long time, praying silently under my breath. It was at…
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21, ESV) When I graduated college and began to live on my own, my job paid monthly. As a new grad, I had no real savings and lived in a new city alone. Oh, I also had no credit cards. I quickly learned that I must make my money last the whole month. It was a challenge. One positive thing was I had no debts, just basic living expenses. Have you ever wondered if God cares about how we spend our money? Would it surprise you that over 2,300 verses in the Bible are about money, wealth, and possessions? God desires us to be good stewards of the resources He gives us, and His Word offers valuable principles to help. It teaches ways to properly give, receive, and manage our money. GOOD STEWARDSHIP Here are a few biblical principles that will help us become good stewards of the resources God gives us. Pay God first. If we pay bills first and then tithe, the money frequently runs out before we get to God’s part. If we pay our tithes and offerings first, God will stretch our remaining funds…
“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (II Corinthians 9:11, ESV) Just a few short verses in Acts 9 tell us the story of Tabitha. Most of us know her as Dorcas. This faithful disciple in the church at Joppa became ill and died. Devastated, the church sent for Peter to come pray, and God miraculously restored her to life. But who was Dorcas? The Bible offers no details of her personal life. We do know she was dearly loved by her church friends. When Peter…
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (I John 4:8, ESV) First impressions are not always correct. I was reminded of this while eating a late lunch in a fast-food restaurant. Just from a quick glance at the clothes and general appearance of a man entering, I made some assumptions about him. I must admit I did not expect the extreme politeness and friendliness I then saw him display toward others. First, I watched as he chatted with the lady behind the counter. He showed respect and interest as they briefly conversed about things in general. I could tell that he saw her as a real person, not as a faceless nobody entering his lunch order in the system. Receiving his food, the man moved toward the drink machines to fill his cup. Another employee busily wiped spills and straightened things. With sincere warmth the man complimented, “You must be the one who keeps things looking so nice for all the customers.” From her pleased expression it was obvious that few, if any, had ever taken time to notice her good work. It was after the usual noon rush and noise, so I could…
“There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7) The Bible has such a marvelous way of turning its spotlight on a seemingly insignificant event or unknown person to teach us a timeless lesson. Mark 12:41-44 is one instance of this. It’s as if the action freezes while God says, “Attention! I want you to see this.” FACES IN THE CROWD That day in the Temple Jesus sat to one side, observing the crowd as they walked past the collection box. The Bible doesn’t say, but let’s imagine the thoughts of those present that day. A rich businessman, puffed up with importance, seemed to be saying, “Look at me and all that I am giving to God.” On his way out he brushed past a man carefully counting out his coins. His attitude said, “I’m giving, but don’t expect me to enjoy it.” Almost on the heels of those ahead, another man rushed up, impatience visible on his face. He hurried to get his religious duty out of the way so he could carry on with his important schedule. As they each came, caught up in their own…