Few believers understand the power of song. Worship is not just a “warm-up” to the sermon. Singing opens the way for an increase of the Holy Spirit’s overflow in us, as well as an unfolding of discernment regarding His will in our lives.
The power of words is fundamental to life. When God speaks, “it is so.” The Bible says that no word that you or I speak is without significance. Our words carry more weight than most of us can imagine...and that might be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the words we choose.
Observing the Sabbath is more than a suggestion; it is a commandment—perhaps the most misunderstood of the Ten Commandments. Here are biblical answers to commonly asked questions such as, Which day of the week is it? Do Christians need to observe it? How can I take time for the Sabbath when there's so much to do?
I salute those devoted believers who remain unshaken by the tremors of upset and upheaval. They’re people whose thankful hearts bring smiles amid the shadows. Even while navigating stormy waters, they live in a light that no darkness can diminish.
I wrote this song (and message) as the "seasoned soul" when my 63rd birthday approached. It was inspired by Psalm 37 which encourages us to trust the Lord when everything around us screams for us to take our own course of action.
All around us at Christmas are signs of the celebration of His coming–lights, trees, decorations, even Santa Claus–as the world celebrates a holiday they don’t even understand. By our sharing the truth behind the symbols, they become "traditions which testify," imprinting hearts and minds with the love of God in the gift of His Son.
The arrangement and decoration of a Christmas tree is not a surrender to mere cultural tradition. By means of the Christmas tree, we testify of three important things about what we believe.
Thanksgiving calls us to celebrate not only God’s provision and restoration, but also His promise and presence—even amid delays, restricting circumstances, or tears. It is also a call to constancy, for the journey to harvest will usually be harder than we think, longer than we expect, and more rewarding than we can ever imagine.
The unfolding of God’s works comes about because of our submission to His will and our yielding to His Word. And the Word always incorporates both power and love in equal balance, something that is very difficult for us to mix. That’s why becoming an instrument of redeeming faith is not easy.
This expression, found in three places in the Old Testament, refers not only to financial blessings, but also to God's releasing of growth and increase in every part of our lives. Tithing doesn't buy God's blessing, but it does open a "window" of release for Him to bless continually and mightily.