Living in Light of Eternity

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)   *** *** *** ***   Healthy families have family pride; members are not ashamed to be recognized as a part of the family. Sadly, I’ve met many believers who’ve never publicly identified themselves as Jesus commanded – by being baptized.   Baptism is not some optional ritual to be delayed or postponed. It signifies your inclusion in God’s family. It publicly announces to …

Our Inheritance: Grace, Patience, Wisdom, and Power

God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:4 (NLT)   *** *** *** ***   The New Testament gives great emphasis to our rich “inheritance.” As children in God’s family we get to share in the family fortune, that everything God has belongs to us (Galatians 4:7). The apostle Paul adds, “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people” (Ephesians 1:18 NLT).   What benefits do we inherit?   As …

Fellowship: God’s Family Lasts Forever

Since you are his child, everything he has belongs to you. Galatians 4:7 (NLT)   *** *** *** ***   Your spiritual family is even more important than your physical family because it will last forever. Our families on earth are wonderful gifts from God, but they are temporary and fragile, often broken by divorce, distance, growing old, and inevitably, by death.   The apostle Paul says, “When I think of the wisdom and scope of his plan, I fall down on my knees and pray to the Father of all the great family of God – some of them …

Movie Review: The Wrestler

Do you ever wonder about what goes on in the lives of professional wrestlers? Ever pondered what it was like behind closed doors for guys like Hulk Hogan, The Rock, or Stone Cold Steve Austin? Me neither, but this movie made me care just a little bit more. Now that may not be saying much, but for what it’s worth, this is a film that at least deserves a viewing, and perhaps illustrates a profession that isn’t as useless as some of us may think. Then again, maybe not. I guess I’m feeling rather dubious today. “The Wrestler”, in some …

11 Parenting Lessons

Stephanie emailed this to be a while ago and I finally got around to putting it on the blog. It is a tad lengthy, but a funny read if you have kids. Lesson 1 1. Go to the grocery store. 2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office. 3. Go home. 4. Pick up the paper. 5. Read it for the last time. Lesson 2 Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their… 1. Methods of discipline. 2. Lack of patience. 3. Appallingly low …

Fellowship: Formed for God’s Family

See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! 1 John 3:1 (NLT)   *** *** *** ***   You were formed for God’s family.   “God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory…” (Hebrews 2:10 NCV).   God wants a family, and he created you to be a part of it. This is one of God’s purposes for your life, which he planned before you were born. The entire Bible …

What Does God Know about You? (Part 3)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)   *** *** *** ***   Over the last two days we have looked at God’s omniscience – that he knows everything, specifically everything about you and your life. We have been examining God’s presence in your life by breaking it down into five areas. Today we’ll look at the final two.   God knows your fears. God knows everything that gets you stressed out. For instance, many of us today …

What Does God Know about You? (Part 2)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)   *** *** *** *** God knows everything about your faults and failures, and your feelings and frustrations, and he also knows what your tomorrow holds.   God knows your future. We’re all interested in the future. It’s interesting to me the things people will use to try to figure out what’s going to happen next: astrology, horoscopes, reading tea leaves, consulting with people, bio-rhythms.   But they’re going to the …

What Does God Know about You? (Part 1)

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)   *** *** *** ***   One night I was standing in front of the refrigerator. I’d gotten out of bed to make a midnight refrigerator raid even though I was on a diet. And I stood there with the refrigerator door open, thinking, “Just one bite ….”   You know how it goes. You get into a debate with yourself: “Go ahead; it won’t hurt this one time.” “No, I’m …

Why Does God Appear to Bless Evil People?

He causes the sun to rise on good people and on evil people, and he sends rain to those who do right and to those who do wrong. Matthew 5:45 (NCV) *** *** *** *** A common question among believers is, “Why does God appear to bless evil people?” I’ve asked this question myself.   In Matthew 5, Jesus says God causes his blessing to be given to both the evil person and the good person – and that both those who are evil and those who are good go through difficulties. Whether someone is a believer or unbeliever, evil …