You said that all of this was yours;through Your spoken word, the water came;at your request, land arose. You called up trees and bees and beasts of all size. All this, where I sit and ponder, is proof that Your words create life and wonder. Everywhere, I see Your hand. Manmight be Your grandest work, …
The Door of Darkness by T.R. Noble
It was a beautiful door.Expensive wood.Carved features.A mind that understood. The door called.It beckoned.It glowed.It welcomed. The words it would sing.Sweet.Soft.Gentle. Words thatdelighted the soulyetmelted the marrow. I never noticed before.How it alwaysopened toanother door. Going from woodto metal.Less beautiful,the effects more internal. The doors became uglyand still I desired.It preyed on my depravity.My soul …
The Revelation: Part Five
JESUS INSTRUCTED THE APOSTLE John to write letters to the seven regional churches in part so they would be prepared at the second coming of Christ. The church at Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but lately it was if they were spiritually dead. Jesus said, "Now wake up! Strengthen what you still have …
“Why Can’t I Stop Watching Porn?!”
HABITUAL SINS SEEM impossible to stop. I've been there many times. As is often the case, I stepped far outside morality while in active addiction—stealing money and medications from family and friends; using someone's bathroom only to raid their medicine cabinet. Victory came only after I turned to Jesus with an honest and willing spirit. …
Sixty-Eight Percent!
IF I WERE TO TELL you there is a malady affecting sixty-eight percent of Christian men, would you not want to hear about it? Further, would you be concerned that this issue prevents Christians from being filled with the Holy Spirit? Without a Spirit-filled life, a Christian cannot flow in the peace and power of …
LORD, Change My Vision!
EYES WANDERING AGAIN. Going places they should not go. Places that lead to coveting, lusting, longing and despair. Coveting can cause a feeling of resentment against those who have what you want. You might develop anger, even at God, for what you perceive as lacking. I kept "noticing" every expensive car that drove by. Look …
First Principles Part Five: Living an Overcoming Life
LIVING AN OVERCOMING LIFE requires intentionality and an exercise of faith. It involves following hard after God. Specifically, it features yearning after Him in wonder; choosing a "resurrected" life in Christ. A.W. Tozer warns us that lack of holy desire leads to a stiff and wooden quality in our spirituality. "Complacency is a deadly foe …
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On Defense of the Soul
One of the most prolific questions mankind has asked throughout history is whether human beings (hereafter, “persons”) have a “soul.” This topic is critical to understanding the concept of free moral agency, as this applies to conscious decision-making regarding right and wrong, and whether man survives the death of the body in the afterlife. Except …
I Cannot “Not” Do!
MY FLESH WANTS WHAT it wants. It's that simple. It craves. Many needs of the flesh are acceptable; critical to survival. Absolutely necessary. The flesh craves water, food, warmth, air. It longs to be sustained; indeed, it is sustainable. It is a vessel. It is a portal. It can be a tool in God's hands …
The Revelation: Part Four
IT IS EASY for Christian churches today to tweak their ministry in ways that make church "more attractive" or "fun." Mark Hall, lead singer of the contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns, has been speaking out on this issue. Pastors are making the gospel message "less harsh." This is almost unavoidable in a post-Christian culture. However, …