Then God Said...

Several influences attempt to provide an identity for us: philosophy, psychology, spritualism, or hedonism. Another variety of sources that attempt to give us an identity are the titles/positions, prominence, reputation, or family relationship roles that we all participate in. Any one of these is not sufficient within itself to provide an adequate identity--there is a point of failure for each, usually leading to idolatry. So the question is, how do we know who we are?  Or, how do we discover our identity? Continuing on in Luke 15 will provide some insight: 17  “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!   18  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned  against heaven and against you.   19  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20  So he got up and went to his father. “But...

Why is it important to know our identity? Moreover, if God doesn't create our identity, then who or what will? If someone asked you, "who are you?" What would you say? Most of us might answer with what we do for a living, that we're a husband/wife, or give some cool nick name that our friends gave us. So, honestly, how would you answer that question? Answering this question, in whatever your answer is, is vastly important for all of life. Proverbs 27:19 gives greater insight, "As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man" (NIV). This verse shows us that our "heart" (identity) impacts all of life. Our identity, like the heart, is the control center for all of life. It becomes of critical importance to know our identity because it is the control center for our life. Scripture shows us that there is a direct parallel to our identity (the core of who we believe ourselves to be) and the actions that we choose to take in life...

During this significant time in history, it would be easy to be worried, anxious, or fearful. Many of us could give legitimate reasons as to why we would feel this way: worldwide sickness and death, over 16 million Americans unemployed, or fear of the unknown as we move forward. Is it possible then, to have peace in the midst of these trying days?  Jesus offers us something seemingly absurd during times like these. We see the words of Jesus in Luke 12:22-32 22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[b]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27 “Consider how th...

  It goes without saying that the entire world is experiencing a pandemic event of biblical proportions (literally). The spectrum of people's reactions vary: from those who downplay current times to the apocalyptic peppers who've isolated to their underground bunkers, everyone has been effected by COVID-19 in some way. The real question is, can Christianity handle COVID-19, or will it simply collapse in the face of a world pandemic? History Lesson There are several instances in Scripture where God's people shined through times of world calamity: events of the Exodus, Esther approaching King Xerxes upon Israel's behalf (Esther 4:12 - 5:, Joseph saving Egypt from famine (Gen 41-47), and systematic persecution of the first century church by Roman government (Acts 8:1-3, 9:1-2), to name a few. Through all of these events, in spite of devastating circumstances, God's purposes are seen as being prosperous and victorious. One particular Biblical character that ...

I remember saying to myself, “never again will I be back in full-time ministry.”  For me, this statement holds a lot of moments that collected into a breaking point. I never thought this breaking point would occur and I also did not see this breaking point coming. When I answered God’s call into full-time ministry I never considered I would quit. In fact, if you told me that one day I would decide to quit ministry I would have called you a liar.  There I was, quitting ministry. I remember not knowing how to deal with the pain associated with the experiences that led me to this place of quitting. I remember feeling like a failure and fraud as I turned away from the beliefs I once held so dear. During this time, I closely associated myself with Peter, who so passionately followed Jesus, but during a defining moment denied Jesus and went back to his old career as a fisherman. Like Peter, I too denied Jesus’ call on my life and returned to an old and familiar career....

[love] bears all things...endures all things. Love never fails -1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (NASB) Many sufferings in life try to convince us that we should quit, but the love of God brings endurance that enables us to persevere through all things. As I reflect on the impact of what this means, I clearly realize the many sufferings people endure and are overcome by: relationship strife, persecution, marginalization, unemployment, betrayal, sickness, financial strain, inequality, educational inability, poverty, addiction, imprisonment, and so much more. However, I also realize the sufficiency of God's love in these moments. That God can meet anyone in these moments with his love and empower them to endure and overcome. Romans 5:3-5 illustrates: We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within ...