Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]; and earnestly desire and cultivate the spiritual endowments (gifts), especially that you may prophesy (interpret the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching). 1 Corinthians 14:1, Amplified Bible (AMP) In 1 Corinthians 14, God, through Paul, admonishes us… Continue reading Love and discernment go hand-in-hand.
Category: Understanding
How is your utility?
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. – 1 Corinthians 3:14, KJV “Utility” is defined as the ability to satisfy human needs or wants. The more utility something has, the more valuable it is, and the more people are willing to pay for it. Take automobiles, for… Continue reading How is your utility?
To command the respect of the outside world…
11 To make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, 12 So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12Amplified Bible (AMP) When people consider… Continue reading To command the respect of the outside world…
Don’t jump off of the roof.
Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. – Matthew 4:1, Amplified Bible (AMP) Years ago, when I was in the midst of a pretty big life decision, a friend of mine named Jim gave me some great biblical decision-making advice.… Continue reading Don’t jump off of the roof.
Not by man, but by God.
Paul, an apostle—[special messenger appointed and commissioned and sent out] not from [any body of] men nor by or through any man, but by and through Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and God the Father, Who raised Him from among the dead… – Galatians 1:1, Amplified Bible (AMP) When God gives us a call, we don’t need the permission of men to… Continue reading Not by man, but by God.
Are you trapped in a bunny cage?
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. – John 8:32, King James Version (KJV) As I write this, I am sitting in the waiting room of an auto repair shop. When I walked into the waiting room, I was greeted by several floating tufts of what appeared to be… Continue reading Are you trapped in a bunny cage?
You just never know…
For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. – James 1:11, Amplified Bible (AMP) I have the utmost admiration for successful people. People who work hard and invest their… Continue reading You just never know…
The unnecessary conflict.
And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it)… – Acts 2:38a, Amplified Bible (AMP) We create so much unnecessary conflict in our lives. Programmed by human nature to want what we want when we want it, we fight against anyone –… Continue reading The unnecessary conflict.
Does God really help those who help themselves?
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV For generations people have made this false statement: the Bible says that God will help those who help themselves. Feel free to search for this phrase in the Bible, but… Continue reading Does God really help those who help themselves?
What name would you be known by?
Now Joseph, a Levite and native of Cyprus who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, which interpreted means Son of Encouragement. – Acts 4:36, Amplified Bible (AMP) The movie Dances with Wolves, starring Kevin Costner, was released in 1990. It was a hugely successful film, making $184 million in U.S. box office sales and $424 million… Continue reading What name would you be known by?