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Theologians and teachers of God’s word frequently discuss the importance and purpose of the cultural context in which Scripture was written. This is a wise understanding to grasp. It helps us accurately apply Scripture to the cultural context in which the word was...
Knowing where we came from and discovering our true identity is an important realization. At creation, we were created to bear God's image: "So, God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis...
When I was a street cop, I never quite understood some people's reactions to me when I had to make an arrest. The popular refrain from those who did not like what they witnessed was, “You’re a pig!” It didn’t occur to them to wait to discover a fuller understanding...
When I was a cop and we received a call of a crime in progress, we would arrive on the scene and set up a perimeter around the building where the crime was taking place. Once all the officers were in position at the four corners of a building, we would then attempt...
There are times in life when we will pass by a significant historical marker that will contain a link to our personal history but at the time we pass it by, its connection to us will remain hidden until revealed. About 20 years ago, I was driving with a friend...
I have been smoking meat for years. It is my favorite kind of BBQ. There is something unique about a quality piece of meat slowly smoking for hours under the influence of hickory that is not possible with a backyard propane BBQ unit. When you smoke meat for a long...
You have felt like you’ve been hanging on by just a thread. I have good news for you. That thread broke a long time ago. When it broke you fell into the hands of God. With that realization, you are now finally free to move and explore without fear of failure. When our...
Today, in the United States, we inaugurate a new President. Depending on what side of the political divide you find yourself in, the day can have different emotional responses. Something more profound than a change of government is taking place today. The word...
A couple of days ago, I went to a local gas station to get some gas. The young man who served me was black. While he filled my tank, we began to talk about life and our shared interests. As our conversation continued, he looked over my shoulder with concern on his...
Now, especially now, it is important to know the direction the wind of the Spirit is moving. This is akin to discerning the still small voice of God that Elijah experienced when the easily discerned earthquake, wind, and fire passed before him while he was hiding in...
When Jesus gave us the Greatest Commandment to love God with all our being and love people as we would love ourselves, He gave us a prescription for peace in our soul. Without those two expressions of love working together, peace is not possible, only continued...
Here is a list of things that fatigue my soul: A continuous chorus of shrill voices- Angry responses to someone’s differing opinion- Finger-pointing at those we deem the most guilty- The latest and never-ending version of gotcha evidence- Another offering of “this is...
In our personal relationships, our families, and our nation, the only way forward when sin is present is to walk the path of reconciliation. Some think the way forward is finding guilt and bringing punishment. That can be a painful part of the process, but it is only...
You have most likely heard the statements, “Show me the evidence” or “What are your sources?” These can be honest inquiries of fact, and in many cases, are justified. But there are times when God is about to do something so new that no evidence is yet available...
Like a sniper camouflaged under a ghillie suit secreted a half-mile from an intended target, so it is with prophetic words issued in significant Kingdom-impact moments. To remain hidden and silent until the Lord gives us permission to release what He has spoken is...