In the workplace and in our homes, we often operate by the general policy of “Safety First.”  Some workplaces require helmets and goggles, and certain equipment and machinery can only be operated by trained personnel.  At home, we don’t run with scissors, and we put plastic covers on electrical outlets.  Why?  “Safety First!” What about in our spiritual lives?  Do we (and…

Who doesn’t love a mystery? The basis of so many books of fiction is to find out who and how the villain in the novel committed the crime. Why are popular TV shows like NCIS so popular for season after season? Perhaps it is because there are those hidden clues to solve every crime? How do you explain the fascination of escape…

There is far too much negativity in the world today. You can hardly escape it. The news is filled with hatred, cruelty and lies. Our TV shows, movies and music are cynical, grotesque and lewd.  Social media is foul, divisive and perverse. It is everywhere. Many of us have probably found ourselves being angry, sad or scared because of the media we…

If you did not read the title of this article, do it now and then resume reading. So what did you think when you read it? Did you first think of X-ray, CT Scan, MRI or some other procedure that is part of the medical world? It might surprise you that the Bible itself uses the phrase “inward parts.” In the King…

In 1967, Thomas A. Harris published a book entitled, I’m OK, You’re OK.  The book focused on interpersonal relationships, healthy communication and understanding how individuals interact with one another.  Harris did not focus on religious beliefs, but the title of his book has certainly been taken and used frequently in that arena for over 50 years. When a difference in beliefs and/or…

Sometimes evangelism seems like it’s a job best left to preachers or missionaries. That is not true! In the Bible, evangelism is commanded to every Christian. In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter speaks to all Christians (cf. v. 8) telling them, “…But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a…

The reading of the Scriptures is so vital to our spiritual growth in the Lord. To see this, consider the instruction Moses gave to every king who ruled over Israel. The Jews had left Egypt and were just about to enter the Promised Land. It would be more than four hundred years before they ever had their first king, but God gave…

Six times the psalmists call out to God with the words, “Hear my prayer.”  Once they call out with “Hear my cry” and four times with “Hear my voice.”  The psalmists were quick and eager to turn to the Lord in their moments of need.  One such occasion is in Psalm 102. The psalmist begins with that call, “Hear my prayer, O…