It seems that often it is easier for us to complain about what we are to do, than actually step up and do the job. In Numbers 13, the nation of Israel was at Kadesh-Barnea and God told them to go occupy the promised land. They sent in 12 men to spy out the land, and those 12 came back with a report. 10 of them complained that the task would be to hard, and the nation mistook God’s directive as a democracy rather than a Theocracy. Their complaints lead the nation to decided that it would not be wise to go into the land at this time, and as a result, God caused them to wander in the wilderness 40 years (Until all who rebelled died). This is a reminder that we should not look at the giants before us and allow them to lead us to complain about the work it will take to remove them. Complaining is the symptom of a deep-seated spiritual problem – a failure to trust God and submit to His will. not only does complaining corrupt our hearts, and attitudes, it is a contagious problem that affects those around us. We must learn … READ MORE

People don’t care what you know, they want to know how much you care! The only way to do that is to put your words into action. In James 2:14 we are asked, “What does it profit, if someone says they have faith but does not have works? Can faith save them?” James is not saying that this person actually has saving faith, but rather that the person claims to have saving faith. Actions speak louder that words, and you can claim all you want that you are a “Christian” but if your walk does not match your talk, you better reevaluate your talk. In this passage the orthodoxy of what the person is saying is not in question, what is in question is the evidence of their claim. The type of works that James has already talked about are: Endurance (1:3) , perseverance under trial (1:12) purity of life (1:21), obedience to scripture (1:22-23) , impartiality (2:1-9) and he will later talk about acts of compassion (2:15), control of the tongue (3:2-12), Humility (4:6, 10), truthfulness (4:11), and patience (5:8). It is interesting that this involves the inward integrity of the believer. As a Christian there should be an … READ MORE

2 Thessalonians 3:16 says, Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always BY ALL MEANS.” (Emphasis mine) As a believer our peace is built upon the unchangeable nature of our God. We can be encouraged today in the knowledge that God’s divine plan and promise for us is unfailing and He will hold us in the hollow of His hand during the times of difficulties and trials. This allows us to demonstrate to those who are not believers that Jesus keeps His promises when, in the midst of worldly upheavals, that threaten to tear us up and trouble our lives, we find rest to face those circumstances. God’s great desire is that we enjoy His peace in the midst of the struggles of life. It is God’s grace that enables us to grow spiritually in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). It is His grace that helps us cope with our anxieties, and equips us for service. If we rely on God’s grace, He will see us through the most difficult trials that we may have to face. Tis power that is displayed in our life, only comes as we trust in … READ MORE