Thoughts and Considerations

   THE UNDERTOW OF CONFLICT      Disagreements and controversy will always be a trouble in life. As long as there are different opinions, perspectives, tastes, understandings, and varying information, there will always be conflicts. What makes it more difficult is the reality of 'right and wrong' which leads to the non-negotiable issues of good and evil, wherein, if we care, we can get passionate. At this point, there are almost no minor disagreements, wherein even friends can become enemies. In fact, with regard to the issues of good and evil, any opponent is typically an enemy. What is extremely dangerous is that in the undertow of conflict, HATE will inevitably work its way in.    But what does the Bible say about all of this?    "You have heard that it has been said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I (Jesus) say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES , bless them that curse you, DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, and pray for th...

  This Work By Amy Carmichael is so inspiring. She served as a missionary for 55 years without furlough, rescuing children who were victims of cult prostitution. She also suffered from a serious health problem. I find this essay challenging to the core. May it inspire and bless you as well.  If I Have Not Compassion IF I HAVE NOT compassion on my fellowservant, even as my Lord had pity on me, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can easily discuss the shortcomings and the sins of any; if I can speak in a casual way even of a child's misdoings, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can enjoy a joke at the expense of another; if I can in any way slight another in conversation, or even in thought, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I can write an unkind letter, speak an unkind word, think an unkind thought without grief and shame, then I know nothing of Calvary love. If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "Y...

  BEING USED BY THE DEVIL   "From that time forth, began Jesus to show unto His disciples how that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again on the third day. Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Be it far from You, Lord: this shall not be unto You.' But He turned and said unto Peter, 'Get thee behind Me, Satan: you are an offence to Me, for you savourest/set your mind not on the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'" Matthew16:21-23 SAFETY VS FRIENDLY FIRE " Reckless words pierce like a sword , but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18 NIV  As in a war, the careless acts of a soldier, especially of an officer, can cost the lives of others. The term used is FRIENDLY FIRE, or shots that are taken to destroy an enemy but hit your own men instead. In the battle for souls, our careless actions and words can be no less devast...

                                 GODLINESS - DEVOTED TO GOD "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be. For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men." Psalms 12:1 GODLINESS:   the quality or practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God; devoutness and moral uprightness -  GODLINESS - DEVOTED TO GOD  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, that we should live soberly, righteously, and GODLY , in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself of us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2: 11-14 MAN'S INABILITY TO WALK UPRIGHTLY BEFORE GOD WITHOUT HELP PRACTICAL GODLINESS:     -TAKING UP OUR CROSS     -SET Y...

 GOD CALLING “ Draw me and we will run after You!” Song of Solomon   As a young boy growing up at that time, belief in God was just a part of life, and the most treasured memory of my youth and family life. Going to church was not an option; it was a duty. Praying at every meal was expected, and what we just did. Although I did not know the Lord at that time, belief in Him was an anchor to my soul and a refuge. My first memory of a revelation of God was when I was very young, one overcast day, standing on our front lawn and looking up to the sky, I got a small glimpse of how big He is. Oh, how precious! I know now that that was the Lord beginning to reveal Himself to me. At Christmas time, perhaps the most treasured memories were the peace and joy everywhere, which I now recognize as His Presence. A favorite time was in the living room at night by myself, lying on the floor under the Christmas tree, looking at the nativity set my Dad had made...

                                                  IF THE FOUNDATIONS BE DESTROYED "If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" Psalm 11:3 "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 3:11    Over the years I have been concerned for Christians who were inspiring saints but over time had wandered away from wholehearted devotion to Christ and often pursued other loves, values, or beliefs. In this study, I want to help our brothers and sisters who may be in the battle for their faith and may be undergoing the temptation to dismantle their foundation of faith in Christ for the pursuit of what appears to be other and more easily managed answers and solutions to their questions and struggles.    The foundations that God sets in our lives cannot be destroyed by any outside source, but ...