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James 1:19-21

We all know what it feels like when anger starts rising within us—we want to be right, have the last word, or prove our point. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to become quick to speak and slow to listen. Stephen Covey says, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” It’s no wonder we live in a culture with so much division. If believers aim to live counter-culture like Jesus, we must lead the way in listening, understanding, and showing empathy despite our differences. The Chinese character “Ting” is translated as “to listen,” but it’s an overly simplified definition. Each part of the symbol represents a different facet of listening—the ears, eyes, heart, mind, and undivided attention. It’s a picture of active listening, attuned to the other person with the intent to understand. If we want to become quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, as James instructs in this passage, “Ting” is a great place to start. If...
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There's a Crack in Everything

Does evil exist? Did God create evil? The University professor challenged his students with this question. "Did God create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!" "God created everything?" The professor asked. "Yes sir", the student replied. The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil." The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proven once more that the Christian faith was a myth. Another student raised his hand and said, "Can I ask you a question professor?" "Of course", replied the professor. The student stood up and asked, "Professor does cold exist?" "What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?" The students snickered at ...
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America Again-Carman

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson Samuel Adams, First Chief Justice John Jay Names synonymous with the spirit of our country Founding fathers of the U.S.A. Over 200 years ago they shook off the chains of tyranny from Great Britain By divine call Citing 27 biblical violations they wrote the Declaration of Independence With liberty and justice for all But something happened since Jefferson called the Bible the cornerstone For American liberty then put it in our schools as a light Or since "Give me liberty or give me death", Patrick Henry said Our country was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ We eliminated God from the equation of American life Thus eliminating the reason this nation first began From beyond the grave I hear the voices of our founding fathers plead You need God in America again Of the 55 men who formed the Constitution Fifty-two were active members of their church Founding fathers like Noah Webster who wrote the first dictionary Could literally quote the Bi...
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Who I Am in Christ

The Word of God says: 1. I am God's child for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God that lives and abides forever. (1 Peter 1:23) 2. I am forgiven  of all my sins and washed in the blood. (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:14; Colossians 1:14; 1 John 2:12; 1 John 1:9) 3. I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) 4. I am a temple where the Holy Spirit lives.  (1 Corinthians 6:19) 5. I am delivered from the power of darkness; Christ brings me into God's kingdom. (Colossians 1:13) 6. I am redeemed  from the curse of the law. (1 Peter 1:18-19) 7. I am holy and without blame before God. (Ephesians 1:4) 8. I am established to the end. (1 Corinthians 1:8) 9. I have been brought closer to God through the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13) 10. I am victorious. (Revelation 21:7) 11. I am set free. (John 8:31-32) 12. I am strong in the Lord. (Ephesians 6:10) 13. I am dead to sin. (Romans 6:2 & 11; 1 Peter 2:24) 14. I am more than a conqu...
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Well Done-The Afters

What will it be like when my pain is gone And all the worries of this world just fade away? What will it be like when You call my name And that moment when I see You face to face? I'm waiting my whole life to hear You say Well done, well done My good and faithful one Welcome to the place where you belong Well done, well done My beloved child You have run the race and now you're home Welcome to the place where you belong What will it be like when tears are washed away And every broken thing will finally be made whole? What will it be like when I come into Your glory Standing in the presence of a love so beautiful? I'm waiting my whole life for that day I will live my life to hear You say Well done, well done My good and faithful one Welcome to the place where you belong Well done, well done My beloved child You have run the race and now you're home Welcome to the place where you belong What will it be like when I hear that sound? All of heaven's angels crying out: S...
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Word of Testimony

Satan's primary weapon is accusation. Because you're under the blood of Jesus, Satan can't accuse you before God, but he can accuse God before you. Will you stand for truth and follow the Truth, when you risk losing everything? Living a life that's founded on truth, regardless of the cost, is what separates conquerors from cowards. -Dr. Ted Roberts- Conquered Series
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Take Up Your Cross

Modern states that allow for the death penalty attempt to carry out the sentence as quickly and as painlessly as possible. The ancient Roman Empire did not share these sensibilities. Its execution process was designed to inflict as much pain as possible for as long as possible. The public spectacle of a man slowly dying as he hung naked, beaten and nailed to a cross, was a highly effective deterrent. Why, then, would Jesus choose such a metaphor when He talked to His disciples about following Him? It doesn’t make sense; who would want to be crucified? Unless it wasn’t a metaphor. Jesus wasn’t trying to be dramatic. He literally went to the cross, and He literally lost His life. He made a choice to suffer and die for a greater purpose, and He called His disciples to do the same. He wasn’t trying to give an inspirational speech. Instead he was warning His followers to steel their resolve and be ready for the hard road ahead. While many were eager to hear the me...
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