I don't know about you, but I don't like for anything to be unsettled!  I have no comfort zone when "things are up the air."  In many regards, we live in a time and in a world where much is unsettled.  Turmoil in the Middle East.  Markets that are in free fall.  Domestic violence running rampant.  I prefer, "resolve."  I prefer, "decisiveness."  I prefer, "settled!"  We settle elections.  We settle athletic contests.  We settle where the loyalty of our life is going to lie.  I believe in being, "settled!"  The psalmist brings great resolve and confidence to our hearts when he...

On Tuesday, July 26, I read an article in a national newspaper than began with this line; "Yesterday, Dr. Tim Lahaye, died at the age of 90."  There is something intrinsically wrong with that line.  However, before I get to that inaccuracy, please allow me to simply mention an accurate assessment or two regarding, Dr. Lahaye.  He was a man of God!  He was a prominent figure in the Christian Fundamentalist movement.  He co-wrote the best selling, "Left Behind," series.  In all, sixteen novels were published between 1997 and 2007.  He was a long time leader of the Christian right.  He...

IDENTITY:  Christianity is not defined by what we do, but what God has done. IDENTITY:  To be “In Christ” means your face has always been before the Father.  There has never been a time when he has not loved you. IDENTITY:  “In Christ” identity isn’t earned… It’s given! IDENTITY:  The enemies of identity in Christ – Pressure to perform, Fear of failure, Constant comparisons, Wrecked relationships, Fatigue and frustrations.  SOLUTION:  Rest in the finished work of Christ! IDENTITY:  Of what value is it for the preacher to tell us “Be Holy!” if he doesn’t tell us that we are Holy “In...

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Phil.1:3-5   Paul's heart is overflowing with Thanksgiving when he remembers the Phillppian Believers ... His Thanksgiving led to Joyful Prayer on their behalf.   This is a good word to us --- Whenever you pray for someone, begin by thanking God for them. Thank God for the role they've played in your life, for all they have done for you, or for the good things...

Nowhere in Scripture are we promised that walking with or running with Christ is going to be easy … In fact, quite the contrary … “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 …   Hebrews 12:1-3, tells us, we are in a race … In that race there will be times (many of them) where we are tempted to quit on God and drop out of the race. These Hebrews believers were enduring an awful time of trial...