Dear Evergreen Family, In light of the situation around us, we are called upon to make wise decisions which honor all of the priorities revealed in God’s Word. God’s Word tells us to love our neighbors, care for the weak, give no offense (actual harm), obey rulers and not neglect […]
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I find myself wondering if Christians understand the concepts of independence, freedom, and liberty the way the Bible speaks of them.
I would suggest that American Christians have adopted the attitude through what I would call “the all me-ing I.” This happens when we take the mindset of the motto (“He approves”) and put it with a me-focus and assume that God approves what I approve and He disapproves what I disapprove.
Praises: 1. Training sessions with three pastors (interior): One of two may be “taking my place” in the future in the Master’s program. The plane is yet a very useful tool! God has removed us from jungle flying, but He has given us desert flying in its place. 2. We […]
The problem with thoughtful prayer is that it is ever-expanding in both scope and intent. To pray thoughtfully requires concentration and preparation; you have to know the priorities of Scripture and the heart of God. It also requires time.
The basic result is very telling: in the end we treat them both the same. That which is holy is used in the same way as that which is vulgar; what is above us is treated the same way as that which is beneath us as image bearers of God. This displays a heart that is lacking in reverence and dignity.
The real task before us is to live as an ambassador, representing a foreign power whose priorities are based on a different value system. We attend all the events in which locals participate and befriend them over time, but always with the agenda of making a difference and winning them to the superior life authorized by the authority we represent.
All around us fear is reigning and people are gearing up for war. Gun sales are booming and security is being sought in the ability to kill. Young men carry guns out of fear and police shoot young men carrying pellet guns out of fear. Millions are displaced by wars and left helpless because others fear the (possibly) hundreds who want more war. These are dark days. Those days are when the light must be put on full display (Luke 8:16)!
What, in your brief time here on earth, are you doing? To what purpose are you investing the finite amount of time God gives in this life? Our lives are to be marked by intake of God's Word, application of God's Word and transmission of God's Word.
When I say, “Jesus,” is your inner response different than when you hear “Christmas?” If so, you probably just experienced the distance between the message and the mess we have made of it in the name of “celebration.” While we profess that “Jesus is the reason for the season” we live as if the season is the reason for our decisions and activities.