Archive | Spiritual Growth

Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priest for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth. (1Kings 13: 33,34 NIV) Results Results form Rehoboam’s decision to follow immature advice, led to Northern tribes formation of new nation. Ten tribes consolidated to form Israel, no longer the united nation of Israel. Only two tribes stayed true […]

So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.” (1Kings 12: 3,4 NIV) Kings Jealousy stirred in King Saul’s heart to the point of God turning away from him. King David had trials, yet through repentance became known as the man after God’s own heart. King Solomon became the wisest of all, fell short with foreign wives turning his heart towards foreign […]

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. (Isaiah 1:18-20 NIV) Reason with God Many times our conversation with God is one sided. Comments directed toward Him in anger, confusion, and disbelief leave silence on HIs end. However, God loves […]

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus…(Philippians 2:3-5 NIV) Recognition Wednesday is our day to ponder deeper. This verse makes one go…hummmm. Our nation is not quite living up to this are we? Are there individuals who qualify? Yes. Who comes to your mind? They are the ones to deny any recognition. Our minds flood with individuals seeking recognition. In humility, […]

Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.  (Hosea 14: 9 NIV) Love God loves mankind. His love for people is likened to Hosea’s tragic love story. Hosea loved his wife. She committed adultery, more like prostitution. More she went out on him, more Hosea loved her. The same way mankind’s natural pull is away from God’s love toward sins in the world. It looks natural, however, it’s a well devised enemy plan to distract […]

The Word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals, even if these three men-Noah, Daniel, and Job- were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness.” declares the Sovereign Lord. (Ezekiel 14:12-14 NIV) Division Dear friends, we face serious times. There is no joke with division in our country where clear lines are drawn. This is not about tolerance or acceptance. It […]

Your word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws…My  heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. (Psalm 119: 105, 106, 112 NIV) Decisions Graduations are happening around our country. Businesses thrive or dive. Individuals face decisions all the time. Each year our high school produces one last newspaper showcasing all universities and plans of the senior class. I’m intrigued as schools are recognized across the country. Many others face entering the workforce or changing jobs. How do […]

Samuel said to all Israel, “I have listened to everything you said to me and have set a king over you.” (1 Samuel 12:1 NIV) Rejected Jesus Christ, rejected on the cross. Crowds cried out, “Give us Barabbas!” God rejected, crowds cried out, “We want a king.” Israelite elders decided Samuel was old and his sons not trustworthy. Therefore, they desired to be like all other nations. When Samuel personally felt rejected, God was the one rejected. Warnings God warned what a reigning King will do. For the Lord says…when this day comes, you will cry out for relief from […]