Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 4 of 4)
With Jesus as the KING of our lives, in His majestic court come the greatest blessings that could ever be provided by any Monarch. From His throne He bestows the blessings we need most. He has the power to bring order into the chaos created by sin in our... (Continue reading "Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 4 of 4)")
Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 3 of 4)
The Monarchy was shaken up at the coming of Christ. Yet, because Christ is King the SHAKING UP continues in the lives of those who turn to Him from whatever had been sovereign before. It is through Jesus that the power of this SHAKE UP is found. The Greek... (Continue reading "Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 3 of 4)")
Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 2 of 4)
Most of the Jewish leaders would not accept the possibility of Jesus as their King. Yes, they eagerly awaited the Messiah, but for them Jesus just did not fit the bill. He did not match their expectations nor did He share their concepts regarding the Law and life. Pilate... (Continue reading "Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 2 of 4)")
Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 1 of 4)
When Jesus came onto this life's scene as an infant, the claim that a King had been born sent tremors through the palace of Herod. The thought of a king from outside his own family was viewed as a threat. Herod was ready to do whatever was necessary to... (Continue reading "Shaking Up The Monarchy! (part 1 of 4)")
One Standard!
If we each cut our own ruler (or other unit of measure) and began to build something together, things would not come together properly. We must both use the same standard measure (same units of inches, feet, yards, etc.) or things just would not fit. The same is true... (Continue reading "One Standard!")
Learning To Be Like Him!
When Jesus addressed the idea of discipleship -- learning to be like Him (Matthew 10:25) -- He stated. . . "(23) And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and TAKE UP HIS CROSS daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23 ESV) Later... (Continue reading "Learning To Be Like Him!")
Sphere Of Peace!
Consider a comparison of two passages, both of which are recorded in the Gospel of Luke. These mark two different points in our Lord's journey here on earth, with similar words being offered, but from different vantage points. At the time of our Lord's birth we read. . .... (Continue reading "Sphere Of Peace!")
Beginning The Day!
Yesterday morning, soon after stepping out of the shower, I found myself singing (out loud in fact) "Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feeling. Everything's going my way." [from the musical "Oklahoma", by Rogers and Hammerstein, © 1943] I saw the... (Continue reading "Beginning The Day!")
Honest Hearer!
We understand that if we are not honest in what we say, we will become known as a deceiver and a liar. However, it is also true that if we are not honest regarding that which we hear and read we can become self-deceived. Honesty must be associated with... (Continue reading "Honest Hearer!")
Forgiveness!
There are many things in life that are much easier said than done. Still, the doing needs to occur, especially when it is in accordance with the Will of God. There are Christian principles we need to allow to become the basis of daily living, even though they may... (Continue reading "Forgiveness!")
Greatest Value!
As you look at what you desire your life to become and consider the things of today that are designed for equipping toward that, what is of most importance to you? What KNOWLEDGE must you come to possess in order to make it a reality? What is the greatest... (Continue reading "Greatest Value!")
Destiny!
The statement has been made: "Law of Destiny: Glory may be fleeting, but obscurity is forever." [source: calendar quote] NOTORIETY is something many aim for in this world. They find great glory in life accomplishments being noted and their name placed on buildings, plaques, trophies, in the record books,... (Continue reading "Destiny!")
Renouncing!
To renounce something (as the word is used in our English language) means to formally give up claim, title, position, or right to it. Such can be with regard to a particular belief found to be no longer true or an action no longer recognized as being right. As... (Continue reading "Renouncing!")
Completing The Picture!
My wife loves jigsaw puzzles. The bigger and more complicated the better. And I love to help her . . . when she gets down to the last few pieces. She has more patience with the process than I do. However, when she has finished a puzzle I do... (Continue reading "Completing The Picture!")
Life In Transition!
There are many ways in which I am a different person today than I was yesterday (or in years passed). Those differences range from physical to intellectual to emotional to spiritual changes. My hope is that I will yet be different in some respects tomorrow (and in however many... (Continue reading "Life In Transition!")