When I realize the fullness of the sacrifice Jesus made to be sure I had a way to live forever, my sacrifice in this life is puny in comparison. And yet, He offers me an “imperishable crown” for running this race in His name. My sacrifice for serving, writing and singing about, and loving Jesus might include verbal insults, mocking, … The rest of the story…
Category Archives: I Corinthians
Is God Listening?
If and when you have a lot of pain, troubles, and obstacles in your life, you may start wondering, “is God listening?”. I hope you’ll understand when I say that is definitely not an expression of faith. When you become a Christian, it means you’ve put your faith, hope, and love in the one dependable Person in the whole universe … The rest of the story…
A Pillar of Salt or A Pillow of Faith
I’ve got two descriptions for you today, and I’d like you to think about which one fits you or your life. Are you willing? OK. The first is one you may have heard of even if you’ve never picked up a Bible. It’s “pillar of salt”. The second is one just thought of as I began to write. I haven’t … The rest of the story…
Rivers of Living Water
Over the course of your life you’ll speak, read, and hear possibly millions of words. The words flowing from the mouths and minds of men and women will last for a time and then fade further away with each passing generation. But the Word of God is alive. And when you speak it, read it, hear it, or write it … The rest of the story…
Take A Stand
If you’re an American who’s been alive for more than a few years, I’m sure you’ve seen people take a stand for what they believe. Our Constitution provides for things like free speech and freedom of assembly. So, if we feel strongly about something, Americans can even stand on the Capitol steps and proclaim it. That’s a great example of … The rest of the story…
No matter who you are…no matter where you live…no matter what you’ve done…you belong to God. He paid for you, and I can tell you this…you were expensive. It cost Him more than any of us can every repay. Even if we put all the resources in the world together, we couldn’t make a dent in the debt. That’s why … The rest of the story…
There are three things you can do right now to show love. If love is in you, it shouldn’t be difficult. If love is in you…and you’re not just tossing the word “love” out there to hear it crash to the ground like a “clanging cymbal“…then you’ll do these three things if you aren’t already. OK, ready? Here they are: … The rest of the story…
If you’re a Christian (and even if you’re not) do you ever feel like a lot of what you do is overlooked, ignored, or cast aside? I’ve written and shared a ton of words, music, and pictures to illustrate my Christian faith over the years. And there have been many times I wondered if anyone read, heard, or saw what … The rest of the story…
Why Is Not The Question
Why is not the question we should be asking. Why leads to lie. OK, I admit that sounds harsh, but that’s really not my intention. What I’d like you see is how easy it is to get an answer we don’t want or need when we ask “why?”. When you’re seeking answers to astronomy, or geography, or biology, or any … The rest of the story…
Done With Love
The Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 16 sound more like a letter to friends than at other parts in 1 Corinthians. You can read of his plans, suggestions, and observations. And he exhorts the Corinthians to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love”. Notice how Paul talks … The rest of the story…
Imagine one second you’re here on Earth going about your business. And then, in the twinkling of an eye you’re in the heavenly places with God. Would that be the coolest thing or what?! Sound silly? Sound far-fetched? Or ridiculous? Well, I’ll take that kind of silly, far-fetched, ridiculous notion any day of the week. Because…there is a God in … The rest of the story…
A Glorious Body
You can live forever, in paradise with your Creator, in a glorious body. So don’t worry so much about the body you have now which only lasts a little while. Pardon the abrupt way I jumped into this Biblical topic. But I just wanted to be sure you’re awake for this eye-opening information. Are you aware that you’ll get a … The rest of the story…
Let Us Eat And Drink
Maybe you’ve heard this: “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die”. Or maybe you’ve heard another version: “eat, drink, and be merry…for tomorrow we die”. And “let us eat…” comes from the Bible. Did you know that? Paul wrote that first version in 1 Corinthians 15:29-34. He was talking about the effects of denying the resurrection of Jesus. … The rest of the story…
The Last Enemy
Once you live beyond your childhood you acquire enemies. That’s a sad and pessimistic sounding commentary, but it’s true. It’s an occupational hazard of being alive, having opinions, and sharing your thoughts. You don’t have the same enemies as someone else, but the last enemy you will face is the same for everyone. Death. And, to be sure, the last … The rest of the story…
If this whole story of how Jesus rose from the dead two thousand years ago is merely a fairy tale…a fable…a legend…then I’ve been duped, and I’ve been a false witness. You see…it’s like this…since I was thirteen I’ve been agreeing with the notion, and perpetuating the idea that Jesus was (and is) a real person. I’ve told people how … The rest of the story…
The Reality of Faith
I have faith. Faith in God, in His Son Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit. But if these three don’t truly exist, my faith is in vain. So, the question arises…can I know they exist? I mean…really know? Well, the Bible shares the story, from several perspectives, of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. If that story is true, … The rest of the story…
Pursue Love
In 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 the Apostle Paul goes in depth on the spiritual gift of tongues. My New King James Bible divides this passage into 4 sections…prophecy and tongues…tongues must be interpreted…tongues a sign to unbelievers…and…order in church meetings. On the surface it can seem a bit difficult to discern what Paul is talking about. But I believe all 40 … The rest of the story…
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 The Greatest of These Is Love I’m gonna show you how 13 is the luckiest number in the world. My proof is found in 1 Corinthians 13:13. There you’ll discover the core message of the whole Bible” “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three: but the greatest of these is love.” If you don’t believe the … The rest of the story…
Tell me about your big ideas, dreams, and plans” and I’ll tell you about a more excellent way. Tell me about your awards, scholastic achievements, and trophies”and I’ll tell you about a more excellent way. Tell me about how you can speak three languages, programs computers, and engineer bridges”and I’ll tell you about a more excellent way. Tell me about your … The rest of the story…
I Do Not Want You To Be Ignorant
When it comes to the word of God, I do not want to be ignorant…and I do not want you to be ignorant. That’s also something Paul said to the Corinthians in his first letter to them. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 has a subtitle (in my NKJ Bible) that says “Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity”. The “unity” part is of vital … The rest of the story…