During some reading last week, I was reminded of the importance of genuine confession. The word confession comes from two words as it was originally penned in the first century by the Apostle John, among others. The first word 'lego' means 'to say' and the other word 'omoios' means 'the same as.' Join the two and you get 'to say the same as." That is the biblical definition of the word confession. Consequently, when gripped by the guilt of sin, it is imperative that we say the same things as God would say concerning our transgression. We must not become entangled in what I'll refer to as 'camouflaged confession.' Have you noticed how quickly we humans prefer to 'clean up' or 'cover up' the

I was reminded this past week as I looked at the prophet Haggai about how closely many in the nation of America identify with the chosen people of God after seventy years of being displaced in a foreign country. The timeline for Haggai's message to the people of God came a little over five-hundred years before God would send the promised Deliverer, Christ Jesus. Haggai is considered a minor prophet, but his message carries major implications for people in general today. Haggai was a young boy when he was carried away to Babylon as a slave. His home of Jerusalem had been razed by the Babylonians and lay in ruin. The day would come soon afterward when this young boy would see the great city of

It is often amazing to me how the simplest illustrations can teach the most important truths. Case in point has to do with purpose. I spoke of it briefly a few days ago. Having a purpose is central to everything that God created, and men have constructed since time began. Purpose is what gets a fella up in the morning and gets them going for the day. Purpose is a reason to live each day.The purpose of a pen is to write. The purpose of a book is reading. The purpose of a nail is to secure. The purpose of the sun is to give light. The purpose of the moon is to mark the seasons. Psalm 104:19 Preacher Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To everything there is a season, a time

Distress has been a part of the human experience since Adam faced the consequences of his disobedience as he and Eve exited the paradise of God in Eden. Many are facing distressing times in our community, state, nation, and world. It is not a new experience to any of us. Although the distress of the present is originating from a different situation, it has the same source. The stress of distress comes upon the realization that we cannot contain or control what is happening in our own strength or resources. What do you do? How do you react when God permits more than you can handle in your own strength? Do you respond with His strength presiding over your life? 1 Corinthians 10:13 It

Through some reading this past week, a principle sometimes forgotten was reinforced in my soul. The principle came from God’s Word. It is found in the book of Hebrews 11:6 and reads, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him…” For purposes of clarification, that principle reinforces that it is never possible to please the Lord apart from faith. If it were, then it would be possible for darkness to overcome light. That simply cannot happen. The problem with this principle for many who believe it impossible for darkness to overcome light (John 1:5) and for God to lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18) is seen in the on-going attempt to please God apart from fai

As the weather warms, the urge to get outdoors and clean up around the property is often seen by many in the community. In the process, one often discovers their hands dirty and bodies often perspire. While work leaves a person with a good sense of accomplishment, it leaves the body covered with a combination of less desiring aftereffects. And at the end of a long day in the garden or working on the yard, a good shower is welcome refreshment. With it one can wash away the grime of being involved in 'the world' around us and experience better rest afterward. The scripture reminds us often that clean hands and a pure heart are imperative for a healthy relationship with our Lord and Savior. As

The word of God reminds us in Matthew 5:13-16 that the Church, the redeemed of God are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We need to see that our purpose for living each day flows out of His purpose of loving God and others. Matthew 22:36-40 In so doing, we will influence this world for good. While most in this world would never admit it, those who are born again in Christ are helping to hold off the wrath of Almighty God from being poured out on this world. We understand that this will occur eventually. However, God is allowing multitudes of people the grace of His long-suffering for the purpose of giving them opportunity to be saved. From the position of being justified as b