This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. Haggai 1:7 (NIV)

Once again, we find ourselves on the threshold of a new year. Traditionally, it is a time for making resolutions. Many of those resolutions will be cast aside by the middle of January. As I have previously written[1], I have found most New Year’s resolutions, however well-intentioned, ineffectual. We should begin immediately anytime we are aware of changes that need to be made, regardless of what the c...

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The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5 (NLT)

In 1907, Wesleyan preacher William Watkinson published a sermon, “The Invincible Strategy.” He made the point that “evil is not overcome by denunciation.” He said that although it is easier to speak against evil than to engage in good works, it is not the best strategy. At this point, Watkinson said, “yet it is far better to light the candle than to curse the darkness.”

We may be dismayed and tro...

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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Risk aversion is the term most frequently associated with finances and investing. According to the website Investopedia, “The term risk-averse describes the investor who chooses the preservation of capital over the potential for a higher-than-average return… Low-risk means stability.” [1]

People with high-risk aversion...

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We often hear the declaration: “God is good.” It is easy to say it, but at times, if we are honest with ourselves and others, we may not be as sure, particularly when things are not going our way.

For our words to have any meaning, we must live our lives in such a way that we believe that God is good. Some people live their lives according to how much money they have in the bank. Some people live their lives according to what kind of car they drive. Some people live their lives by how many lik...

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You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalm 16:11 (NLT)

In recent weeks we have once again been made aware that there are many confused Christians. On the one hand, they claim to be born again, yet more than two-thirds of them do not believe that the only way to God is through Jesus.

While some of it may be attributable to a lack of training in sound doctrine, it is doubtful that that is the complete picture. The...

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Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! 2 Corinthians 6:11–13 (NLT)

The apostle Paul had a complicated relationship with the people of Corinth. They were, in many ways, free-spirited. They bristled at the discipline administered by Paul. At times they took things too far. Rea...

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“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)

Many Christians believe that sound doctrine or teaching is essential, but they do not always know why it is crucial. Sound doctrine is not an end in itself, but instead, it serves as guard rails to keep us on the road of faith. Following sound doctrine will lead to sound living, sound ministry, and sound hope. When we look at the results of following sound doctrine, we ca...

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It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)

in reality, it is a simple question. How do we decide what to do and where to live? Depending upon our circumstances, we have the freedom to move. As a child of God, what factors should we be considering as to whether we stay where we are or move someplace else?

How much consideration should we...

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I listened as a friend offered a prayer for an acquaintance who was traveling. They prayed for smooth flights, easy connections, and no interruptions. I have also heard prayers before a church service, asking that everything go according to plan, smoothly and again with no interruptions. On the surface, these seem like very usual, even noble prayer requests, but what if we should pray that instead of our journey being on a smooth path, we ask for a road of opportunity?

There is a lot to be sai...

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In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (NCV)

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

The subject of individual rights is a hot topic right now. Perhaps it has always been, at least in the United States of America. It is a country that prides itself on “rugged individualism,” nonconformity, and independence. “I want to live my own life, and you can’t tell me what to do” is a...

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Insults have broken my heart. I’m sick about it. I hoped for sympathy, but there wasn’t any; I hoped for comforters, but couldn’t find any. Psalm 69:20 (CEB)

When people reject us for sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must be cautious that we do not assign the wrong attitude or motivation to those who do not receive our message. Without complete understanding, which is very difficult when it comes to other people, we may perceive that rejection of the good news is becaus...

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“I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NLT)

I have belonged to the Auto Club for many years. Occasionally, we have gone long periods of time without needing assistance, but when something does break, or we run out of gas, it is comforting to hear the words, “Help is on the way!” To have the assurance that we will not be left stranded in our vehicles is one thing, but much more incredible is the security that God gives us that when we find oursel...

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