Gifts of the Spirit: Giving, Mercy and Marriage
Today, we wrap up our series on the gifts of the spirit. Be sure to join me next week as we start a new series on the fruits of the spirit. Today, we will be discussing giving and mercy, fortitude and exhortation and marriage and celibacy. At the end of this article, I am providing several links for you to […]
Read moreWhen Eternity Calls
I was saddened to hear the news that a dear friend’s husband had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away a few hours earlier. He had been in good health, but a heart attack seized him and he could not be saved. However, my dear friend was comforted with the knowledge that she would be reunited with her husband again one day. […]
Read moreHall of Faith: John the Baptist, the Forerunner
John the Baptist is listed as the forerunner of Christ. Many compared him to Elijah, whom was taken up to heaven. In the foretelling of his birth, the angel stated that he would “ turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God,” and that he will go forth “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” {Luke 1:16-17} […]
Read moreWhen We Should Keep Secrets
I grew up where we speak only truth. If we told a lie, we were reprimanded and told how important it was to tell the truth. This is still a life lesson I strive to live by. However, when I was in the abusive relationship, I was often accused of lying, even when I wasn’t. There were times when I […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Lord Lift My Feet on Higher Ground
Lord Lift My Feet on Higher Ground was written by Johnson Oatman, Jr. Oatman was born on April 21, 1856 in Medford, New Jersey. He was a businessman and wrote over 5,000 hymns in his spare time. He did not begin writing hymns until he was 36 years old and was never paid for more than $1.00 for any of […]
Read moreThy word is a lamp unto my feet
Gifts of the Spirit: Craftsman and Composers
As we reach our last two weeks on spiritual gifts study, we are going to cover spiritual gifts that we often take for advantage or neglect today. These are two spiritual gifts found in the Old Testament. Both of these have to do with our artistic abilities. Craftsman—these are special abilities that are given to artists. Jesus was a […]
Read moreA Lesson in Integrity
Recently my thirteen-year-old nephew stayed with me for a few days and assisted me with catching up with various yard duties around the house. While running an errand one day, I received a text from him. “The table on the front porch knocked over and the dog broke. It was an accident. Sorry.” My heart broke. The little porcelain […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Joseph Was Faithful
We discussed how Mary belonged in the Hall of Faith {although no one in the New Testament is mentioned in this list of spiritual giants}, but Mary was not alone on her journey. She had Joseph to walk beside her on this journey. We know little about Joseph, but we’re told he “went up from Galilee, out of the city […]
Read moreThe Weak Break the Strong
I recently heard the phrase the weak break the strong and realized just how true the statement is. While often the abuser appears to be the one that is strong, that person is the one who is weak. That person takes their insecurities, uncertainties, doubts, lack of validation and any former abuse out on the person they are abusing. This […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: Moment by Moment
Moment by Moment was another hymn written by Major Daniel Webster Whittle. He is also the author of I Know Whom I Have Believed. Ira Sankey recounted that while at the World’s Fair in Chicago, Rev. Henry Varley stated “I do not like the hymn, I Need Thee Every Hour. I need him Moment by Moment.” Major Whittle was impressed […]
Read moreGod will care for our obedience
Gifts of the Spirit: Leadership and Administration
We are exploring our spiritual gifts. One of these gifts is leadership and administrator. There are some who are natural born leaders and others who are followers. Leadership—Romans 12:8 describes leadership as “he that ruleth” in the KJV. The Message says “ if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate.” Leadership is described as “This gift speaks to the various leadership roles […]
Read moreKnowing Our Limits
Recently, we had a cook out at work and although I had numerous topping options, it was still not enough. I have had to learn when to say enough is enough. I have always been a people-pleaser, but my job is so demanding and the various wants are so numerous that if I try to please everyone I have […]
Read moreHall of Faith: Mary, Always Had Faith
No one mentioned in the New Testament is actually listed in the Hall of Faith. However, there are some in the New Testament that definitely deserves to be in the New Testament. More than anyone would be Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of Jesus. They truly walked in faith and believed when the angel appeared to them. In the […]
Read moreWhen You Are Angry At God
Last week, we discussed being alone and I shared to turn to God during that time. However, what happens when you are angry at God? If you’ve never been angry at God then bless you. However, at some point, something has happened in which you have probably been angry at God. In the Bible, Job was angry with God when […]
Read moreBehind the Hymn: I Know Whom I Have Believed
I Know Whom I Have Believed was written by Major Daniel Webster Whittle. Daniel Webster Whittle was born on November 22, 1840 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. He was named for the politician and founder of the dictionary, Daniel Webster. Whittle was very religious as a young man and worked as a cashier for Wells Fargo Bank. In 1861, he joined […]
Read moreThose who worship false gods
Gifts of the Spirit: Miracles and Healing
Working of Miracles—1 Corinthians 12:28 says “then miracles”. When we think of miracles the first miracles that usually come to mind are those of Jesus. These miracles proved his power and that He was the son of God. However, other miracles were also performed throughout the Bible such as Elijah and Elisha raising from the dead, Daniel in the lions […]
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