A primary - possibly the primary role of pain: The main question regarding pain (suffering) is not why we experience it, but what we do with it i.e. what can we gain from it w… Read More

Is it legitimate to pursue making a lot of money as an end in itself? No.However note the above says the love of money is the problem, not money itself.If we diligently pursue doing things w… Read More

Because our lack of humility and inclination to be our own god has continued since our initial rebellion in Eden, everything we do tends to be performance-based i.e. We are naturally incline… Read More

Virtually everyone agrees that the "sermon on the mount" is the most significant compilation of Christ's teachings in one message. Prayer - the "Lords prayer" - happens to be at the ¹c… Read More

All our actions come forth from one of two very different places i.e. they occur only for one of two reasons; to get something or to give something. To give something, we must already h… Read More

In considering the definition of love, I found the word value helpful. But I also found myself wondering how ¹value is similar to love and how it's different. Is there a difference… Read More

If God is good, why does He allow evil (pain and suffering)? This is the age-old question and the reason many give on why they don't trust God.But could it be God allows it to humble us and… Read More

The very acts of eating, drinking, and breathing are daily reminders of our need to ¹depend on things outside ourselves for life. They also remind us of how fragile life truly is when w… Read More

When we experience pain - emotionally or physically - our biggest struggle is thinking we are forsaken and abandoned by God.Yet God's greatest promise is nothing - especially suffering - wil… Read More

Is there a difference between being righteous (before God) and living righteously?Even though God, in and through Christ, grants us righteousness (perfect standing) before Him leg… Read More

God's power is perfected in our weakness. If we do not understand this we will interpret his guidance as ¹abandonment.Do we have any examples to support this in scripture? Not only… Read More

What distinguishes a legitimate enterprise or business from an illegitimate one? Being ¹service driven vs. solely profit-driven.There is nothing wrong with profit in itself, but wh… Read More

Currency is simply a media by which we exchange our energy (just think electrical current i.e. Current-cy). We expend energy through labor to create things (or to provide direct services to… Read More

Every decision we make is a choice between doing something ¹God's way or my way - doing things to advance God's agenda (kingdom) or mine.  Christ said it this way, "… Read More

We are far more ¹broken than we know - and are willing to admit - but also far more loved than we can ever imagine or hope for - or usually willing to believe.Why do we have t… Read More

God wants us to pursue Him only if we want to. God never forces us to but helps us see the importance and necessity of our pursuit through our mistakes, failures, struggles, and pain as… Read More

If we want to know the true condition of our heart two things reveal it better than anything; great adversity and great success. Great adversity either humbles us or embitters us. Great… Read More

What is the essence of relationships? All relationships consist of giving and receiving love (value). However, different types of relationships occur in a variety of ways between variou… Read More

In scripture we are told on 4 different occasions that "the just shall live by faith." Everything the Bible says is important, but when it ¹repeats something several times, it is e… Read More

God values us because we are in his image - i.e. like Him. But why does this matter? Does God get something from us that he needs? No. God needs nothing. Everything that is, comes from Him… Read More

Is obedience to the law a requirement? In one sense, it is not and in another sense it is.*it is not required: Regarding justification, i.e. We are not, cannot, no… Read More

Though directly, evil is bad, indirectly it is good. To say it more precisely, evil is a means by which God brings about our good because it ¹can be the means by which we discover more… Read More

The essence of the gospel is God's love, acceptance, and embrace are secured for us solely by Christ's efforts, not ours. Because Christ was and is perfect in every way - and assigns hi… Read More

"that I may know him (Christ) and the fellowship of his suffering's…" - Phil 3:10What is the "fellowship of his (Christ's) sufferings?" How do we take part in them?and Does… Read More

Many think total dependence on God is a sign of weakness when actually it's more an acknowledgment of God's greatness.In ourselves, we may be great and of great importance but compared to Go… Read More

Knowing two truths is essential for our spiritual advancement.1. Our utter inability and failure to conform to God's perfect designs.2. God's perfect love, acceptance, and embrace of us beca… Read More

God, who is worthy of all praise, is still fully God whether we praise him or not. He is not ¹diminished by our lack of praise nor in need of it. Nor does He need us or our praise… Read More

Why is the book of Job in the Bible? After all it appears God never even answers Jobs most pressing questions. At least not directly. So what is the point of the book? Could it be that Job e… Read More

As the Father and Son behold the infinite beauty and glory of the other they experience infinite, overflowing joy, and delight in, by, and through the Spirit. They are the very heart and cen… Read More

Crypto currencies are a very hot topic these days, especially due to all the stories we may have heard of many early Bitcoin owners becoming millionaires. Some are ¹kicking themselves f… Read More

All things are created and designed to operate a certain way i.e. according to their design. This is in fact why the scientific method works; most things are measurable, predictabl… Read More

Is the following an accurate picture of what Christ was saying the broad and narrow way?Like all scriptual passages we must read them in light of what goes on before and behind any given ver… Read More

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6Many other religions and non followers of Jesus acknowledge Chr… Read More

Who are the Son and the Spirit of GodThe SonIn the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. ...And the Word… Read More

What is contentment? When does it occur?Contentment is arriving at that place where we see God's blessings are no longer about advancing us but others i.e. God first - His kingdom and glory… Read More

What best brings about humility? Why is it so important? Is there any connection between our value as bearers of God's image and humility?We will start by looking at humility and then how th… Read More

How can we have a sound understanding of a specific truth in several areas, yet fail miserably in applying that same truth in another area? This kind of "missing the mark" doesn't … Read More

There is nothing wrong with eagerly anticipating and hoping for a successful outcome on the ¹good (Godly) things we seek and desire. Hope is actually a significant element of… Read More

From the very beginning the Bible speaks of God blessing others. Gen 1:22 Then God blessed them (animals) and said, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters of the seas, and let b… Read More

Like all scriptual passages we must read them in light of what goes on before and behind any given verse - i.e. In the context - to get an understanding of the true meaning of that verse. An… Read More

We bristle at discipline when there is no love. We do not operate at our maximum potential when there is no discipline.Both are essential if we are to be all God desires and designed us to b… Read More

What is the nature of our brokenness?It is the absence of what (who) we were created to partake of and "run on" - so to speak. We could say this is more a state of spiritual bankruptcy then… Read More

There is a great deal of focus ⁷today on trauma and past wounds. Many are on a never ending quest to uncover forgotten or hidden wounds in the hope this will somehow unlock t… Read More

At the heart of all poor (wrong) choices is misplaced ¹honor. We either honor (glorify - value) something more than it deserves or ¹dishonor who or what deserves it most.Why would… Read More

Does sowing and reaping only apply to ¹sharing (speaking) the good news? Can the gospel be advanced by and through other ways such as our work (deeds) as well as our words? If so h… Read More

Even with the best and most loving environment (and parents) we could ever possibly ¹grow up with, all of us still are ²in pain. It is inevitable we go through some kind of pain no… Read More

We are perfectly connected to God and fully accepted, loved and embraced by God in and through Christ. This is our legal status and standing before God. It is fixed, settled and co… Read More

Should we avoid wrong doing? Yes and no. No!?As God's child, we are not to avoid harmful behavior (sin) because of guilt, shame, threat of judgment or fear of punishment. Why? Because Christ… Read More

Most prayers have a good part and a misguided (foolish) part. At it's core the good part is wanting and asking God to give me what I need to be the best person He wants me to be - and can be… Read More

Understanding the "already... not yet" facet of the gospel (good news) is vital. It is knowing who we are in Christ today vs who we are not yet but will be. This involves how we are viewed b… Read More

What is the ¹sacrifice ofthanksgiving or praise (Psa 107:22, Heb 13:15)? It is giving thanks when there is no apparent reason to give thanks; it's making yourself gave thanks when… Read More

When we are captivated by the God's ¹love we are also driven by the ²Spirit. This means everything we say and do comes from and by the Spirit i.e. is moved by love. To act fro… Read More

Once Christ officially began his ministry what was the central theme of His message? Get ready, for the coming new kingdom - and its King - is about to be *established.From that ti… Read More

When all our focus and energy is on honoring God you would think we would get lost in the process. However it is just the opposite. It is when and where we find ourselves most and experience… Read More

There is debate within some circles of the validity of nations and/or borders. Does the Bible have anything to say about this? Let's to a closer look."The God who made the world and everythi… Read More

Because of our rebellious distrust of God we are no longer in a relationship with Him (as we were meant to be) or experiencing His infinite love (the necessary spiritual nourishment we were… Read More

When Christ walked among us He was characterized as being full of two qualities..."And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son fro… Read More

God loved us in our rebellion from the very beginning. Why? Because: 1. He is love and 2. He seeks to honor us and our freedom to choose (even if it results in us not cho… Read More

We bristle at the concept of an eternal hell yet deal with and accept hell on earth daily and give little to no thought about God (except maybe to shake our fist at Him in anger) i.e. most o… Read More

There are *two fundamental aspects of our being that define us. One is divine, the other is decidedly human and the opposite of divine.1. We are like God,  the divine - in His image.2… Read More

The age old question is if God is good why does He *allow evil and suffering to remain? But He didn't. He addressed evil - at the outset of our initial patents rebellion - alongwith all… Read More

What is awe? Why do we all  experience it and seek it? When do we experience it? Let's take a closer look.We are like God; in his image and were created to participate in and experience… Read More

When we consider evil we usually think in terms of horrendous acts such as torture, sex trafficking, genocide and the like. But what about an evil heart? Is this something different than evi… Read More

We usually think of fasting as a 24 hour or multiple-day event. However, why can't there be many kinds of decisions/events throughout the day. Decisions to consciously, willfully, and delibe… Read More

Because *pain is such a *constant part of our lives, pain feels normal. It has been a part of our life from the beginning when we cried after our exit from the relatively safe environment of… Read More

When we trust others, that trust is on 3 different levels. 1. Do we trust their heart i.e. Do we believe and know someone is acting with good and loving intent toward us and others.2. D… Read More

Some within the Christian community have encouraged others to take the vaccine (John Piper, who I otherwise respect - and others - would be high profile examples). Their reasoning? It is the… Read More

In Nov. 2017 I posted the following on Facebook. "Why do we pursue God, out of love or fear? Both! Out of love because he first loved us. Out of fear because operati… Read More

Some of the following points are not explicitly stated in scripture, though I believe are implied and within the boundaries of scripture. Feel free to add any comments (pro or con) you feel… Read More

We have all observed that experience (at least by others if not our own) results in a more mature (usually more humble) approach to life. But what is it we experience that gives us a more so… Read More

When and where does truth take a back seat to compassion and love... or does it? It depends on the nature of the truth that needs to be seen or shared. In fact, sharing the truth in a v… Read More

We must be who we are because anything else is *pretense. This is vital if we are to grow. There is no growth and healing unless we honestly assess ourselves. We can not fix what w… Read More

Whether consciously or not we have ²all turned away from God,  the source of love, life and all things.God told us the day we turned away from Him and no longer followed… Read More

What does it mean to "rest" in God? Is there only one meaning?I would suggest the scriptures teach there is an initial rest and and on going rest. After we have come into God's Kingdom… Read More

I will probably raise more questions with this post than I will answer, but I think they are worth raising. Anyone who wishes to add to this discussion, please feel free to do so in the comm… Read More

1Corinthians 6:12“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. 1… Read More

When you are wronged you are being devalued. i.e. you're being treated as unimportant - insignificant, worthless; as if you don't matter.Why is this wrong? Because you do matter; you have va… Read More

We cannot see or receive the full demands of the law until we grasp the fullness of God's *grace. Without a clear grasp of grace, the **law crushes us.However, in order to have a clear under… Read More

Because we are significant and valuable - as bearers of God's image - when we are treated otherwise, something is taken from us. You can call it a sense of dignity, worth, respect, etc. … Read More

God doesn't need us but he does want us and enjoy us. So why would God want us and how can he enjoy us if he doesn't need us?God is not like we are. He operates on a… Read More

What is the difference between being accepted (received by) someone and pleasing them i.e.  bringing them joy?God fully accepts usWe are told God fully accepts us in Christ. Nothin… Read More

"By the works of the law no one will be justified…" i.e. declared righteous, whole; be in right standing with God; accepted and approved by God. When we understand what Paul is s… Read More

Luke 10:25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him (Jesus) to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He (Jesus) said to him, “What is wri… Read More

Belief is powerful, both positively and negatively. By nature, we are *finite and therefore **dependent beings. Because we are finite, **trust/faith is necessary. By virtue of bein… Read More

How do you or I best impact the world for God's glory?When we shine God forth in a way most suitable to our abilities, gifts, talents, resources, and experience. No matter who you are o… Read More

Though God's love is the *same for all believers new and old, a highly gifted and disciplined person who comes to Christ - e.g. Saul the Pharisee who became Paul - will accomp… Read More

Righteousness is somewhat of a dirty word these days. In the minds of most, it suggests someone who is self-righteous and hypocritical. This is rightfully not appealing to anyone. The bible… Read More

Is there a connection between life and love? If so, what is it? To help us get a better understanding, let's define our terms.Love or loving someone is recognizing their value, worth, s… Read More

Matthew 12.33-37 says, “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit (i.e. its fruit is evidence of wha… Read More

For those following my blog, thank you for your support! Thanks to you, we just pasted 37,000 reads of our posts and continue to see those reads steadily grow, averaging 1000 reads a mo… Read More

Are we empowered to live for God by faith, love, His Spirit, or God's promises? Yes - i.e. all the above. Though all of these might seem unique and separate, they are very much connected.&nb… Read More

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.What is the nature of the Father's love for His Son? Is it not an infinite, unrelenting, boundless and perfect love? Is it n… Read More

You may have heard the following…Pray as if it all depends on God and work as if *it all depends on you; because it does... both of them.Is this true? If so, how do we reconcile this… Read More

Love is power or to be more precise, it is God’s love that empowers us to pursue him.So how exactly does this work?We are created by and for God. For us to operate as we were designed… Read More

God doesn't need us but he does want us and enjoy us. So why would God want us and how can he enjoy us if he doesn't need us?God is not like we are. He operates on a… Read More

What does it mean to be broken and living in a broken world? It means we are no longer personally and willfully connected to the Source of life, love, and all things and therefore no longer… Read More

We have all heard the expression “fake news” in the last few years. Who makes the assertion doesn’t really matter. The fact that it’s made at all tells us things must… Read More

Belief is powerful, both positively and negatively. By nature, we are *finite and therefore **dependent beings. Because we are finite, **trust is necessary. As finite beings, we must tr… Read More

Choice is essential. It is a *vital part of what gives us innate value. Our dignity is tied to our freedom to choose i.e. free choice is an essential part of our significance. Without i… Read More

This is not necessarily an endorsement of Trump but one thing a Trump presidency has done is forced the *globalists to reveal themselves.If someone wishes to be a globalist that is their cho… Read More