It is likely we all have been prisoners to or of something. Whether it is addictions, fears, school requirements, relational expectations, or job obligations, it is likely all of us can identify with being a prisoner. Even Jesus became a prisoner. Jesus committed Himself to absolutely follow His Heavenly Father, and it took Him through…
Why did Jesus tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee after His resurrection from the dead? As I pondered the resurrection story this year, a particular text awakened my curiosity regarding one of the first statements made to the women that had come to further anoint Jesus dead body a few days after His…
An insight into Ishmael, that offers hope to many at risk youth today! Ishmael is a firstborn son, has a mother that is not favored by his father, and is removed from the family inheritance when a younger and more favored son is born to his step-mother and father. One of many self-questions that I’ve…
As the man we’ve come to know as the Rich Young Ruler walks away from Jesus, Peter makes an observation and asks a question. Matt. 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” Apparently Peter is aware of leaving a lot to…
Christian Community can be loosely defined as “followers of Jesus Christ, that intentionally and positively connect to share in the life of Christ with each other and our world.” Gathering together isn’t nearly enough if there isn’t a sufficient living connection. A wiring harness, like the one pictured below, must be properly installed and in…
Do you ever ask your self if you are healthy? You’ve probably noticed our world obsession with health and well-being has increased dramatically. When googling the question “Are you healthy?” there were 713,000,000 results in less than one second. There are books and videos on everything from diet, to workouts, to attitudes. There are apps…
Let’s start with two statements, one from early in the June 11th ACF teaching, “God has a purpose for you!”, and a quote from Oswald Chambers near the end, “the good is always the enemy of the best”. I’d like to briefly consider how they are interdependent. The first is based on verses like Jer…
“Worship changes the worshiper into the image of the One worshiped.” This quote from Jack Hayford reminds us that worship, or a declared and focused adoration, is profoundly transformational (2Cor 3:18). No one, and nothing but God alone is worthy of our worship! God is the only object of worship that when magnified and glorified,…
Solomon is thought by many to be the wisest man that ever lived. His anointed time tested insights into humanity, creation, and a plethora of life situations are recorded in the Book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and Ecclesiastes. A few examples: Prov 4:20-22. “My son give attention to my words … they are…