Category: Life Issues
The Evil of Ungratefulness
Every year in late November, Americans are reminded to be thankful. Though some National Football League broadcasters have done their best to rename the day after the traditional main course of the meal (i.e., “Turkey Day”), thoughtful Americans persist in calling the day what it was...
Sweetness of Speech: The Bible’s Winning Tactic for Verbal Disputes
We all have the unfortunate ability to be fully convinced of our own rightness and yet still be wrong. This reality should make humility our governing disposition when disagreeing with others. And yet, having a humble disposition doesn’t mean never taking a strong stand, never contending...
Surviving Unbridled Wickedness
Not a single godly person could be found. At least, that’s how the psalmist felt. Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man. (Ps 12:1) He used exaggerated language to make a point: rampant,...
The Bitterness Game
“Never pay back evil for evil to anyone,” God warns. Never? Like a man who has to move a water buffalo off the highway, “It ain’t all that easy.” After all, you’ve been deeply hurt, and the pain has been going on a long time. How...
Testing
After these things, God tested Abraham. (Genesis 22:1)God is ruthlessly interested in your faith. He will use everything at His disposal to develop you into a person who trusts Him. He knows that your life, the life and salvation of those around you, and His glory...
Speaking Bible
There are a variety of ways to be obnoxious in our interactions with people. One of them is to always speak in holy tones as if we are super spiritual. Another is to use trite Christian phrases when we greet people, such as, “How’s the Lord...
Sorrowful Yet Always Rejoicing
Paul’s instructions are unambiguous: “Rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16). Really? Always? Are there not times when it is OK not to rejoice? Are there not times when the pain is simply too intense, the burden too heavy, the sorrow too deep? Did he really mean to...
Seven Principles of Finance for the Believer
One of the most recognizable differences in the believer and the world he lives in is his unusual relationship to money and possessions. However, even serious believers sometimes balk at the seeming extremities in the teaching and lifestyle of Christ and the leaders of the New...
Seven Causes, and Remedies, for Joylessness
Why are you not more joyful? Oh, I know. You are warm and friendly, even bubbly at times. You are always enthusiastic when singing with your church. You smile a lot. You even handle troubles and trials with a positive attitude. But why are you not...
Selected Proverbs Regarding the Tongue
10:11 – The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. 10:18 – The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool. 10:19 – When words are many, transgression is not...
