The truth will set you free! This is a much-used phrase. You find it in Martin Luther King’s speeches, inscribed on the headquarters wall of the CIA, and it was used in one of the most recent Marvel movie franchises. I would suggest that this scripture should not be read as superficially. We often hear it used in the sense that knowledge is power, or we can set somebody loose from their bondage if we can enlighten them of their false notions and correct them. … [Read more...] about The Truth Will Set You Free
Repentance and Conversion
Examining Our Assumptions
In our relationships with each other, we tend to assume a certain reality that is quite different from the full truth of a matter. So, when misunderstandings occur, our assumptions have the potential of erecting barriers in our relationships without realizing it. This major barrier to proper relationships is our proclivity to make assumptions to “unchecked perceptions”, often leading us to jump to incorrect conclusions. It probably wouldn’t be a prolonged mental exercise to think about our … [Read more...] about Examining Our Assumptions
Godly Respect
While a large majority of people would agree that respect is a crucial factor in society, the lack of respect – disrespect – continues to increase in the world around us. Two areas of society where disrespect is most witnessed are education and politics. But disrespect permeates all areas of society, not only in the U.S., but around the globe. Personal relationships are severed by divisive arguments instead of healed through respectful discussions. Interestingly, God's way to … [Read more...] about Godly Respect
A Spirit of Truth
What makes God's truth so powerful? In the Scriptures, God refers to Himself as the God of truth. Also, Christ says that He is the way...and the truth. And likewise, God’s Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth! But what can the truth do for us? “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,”' (John 8:31-32). God’s truth can set us free—if we continue steadfastly in … [Read more...] about A Spirit of Truth
Squander Not This Opportunity
Some years ago, featured on a 60 Minutes program was a musical performance, “Alive & Kickin’”. The cast was all over fifty-five. Their stories were deeply compelling; overcoming drug addiction, renewing life after a criminal past, and family tragedy. These were individuals who, due to the vagaries of life, missed opportunities to sing and perform. They were castaways being given a second chance to find their voice. In a sense, God has given each of us a second chance to live a radically … [Read more...] about Squander Not This Opportunity
Training to Be Leaders
The early 1900’s was a heroic age of exploration. Limits were pushed on all fronts and among these was the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton. From 1914 to 1916, the expedition was to cross Antarctica. They had priorities and a sense of urgency. Shackleton chose his team of twenty-seven officers, scientists, and seamen carefully, not hiding the danger, nor the glory if successful. After the Endurance was destroyed by winter’s ice in the Weddell Sea, … [Read more...] about Training to Be Leaders
Remaining Steadfast
God’s Church is central to His plan of salvation for all mankind as a precursor of the “pouring out” of His Holy Spirit on all humanity. But that profound impact is difficult to grasp because the Churches are mostly ignored by the world today. What can we do now to ensure that we stay strong and don’t fall prey to discouragement? There is a process to help us succeed. The beginning of the book of James gets right to it: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, … [Read more...] about Remaining Steadfast