in the love of Christ

I am not a huge fan of any type of biting insect. I am especially not a fan of sneaky biting insects like “No-See-Ums”. However, they are sometimes unavoidable. I have to put on bug spray to guard myself from them. When I know that I will be somewhere near them, I guard myself even more with coats of the toughest bug sprays. I was in Santiago, Dominican Republic last week for 7 days. I covered myself in bug spray but, no matter what, I got attacked by the darn things. Then the itching began. I had to sit still and try not to scratch them. I would de well for a day and then scratch for twenty minutes causing enough damage for a lifetime. It took so much self control not to give in to the temptation of scratching the bites, even as I looked at the scars from last years bites. I find myself in this same kind of “Bug Bite Temptation” in my life all the time. When I foresee spiritually dangerous situations, I pray and put my spiritual bug spray on. Sometimes I even ask friends to pray as we...

As I was studying the book of Joshua tonight, I found an exciting story. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think that this is how the church today should behave. In the time of Joshua, Israel conquered many nations by the hand of God. They faced thousands and killed them all. They lived their lives constantly reminded of how faithfully God had fulfilled every promise He made. Alter all of the battles for land were done and each tribe of Israel had been given their inheritance (in the form of promised land), the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (known as the Eastern Tribes) headed across the Jordan river from the other tribes to the land they had been given on the other side. Though this river would separate them from the other tribes that made up the nation of Israel, it did not change the fact that they were a part of Israel. Joshua blessed the Eastern Tribes as they left for their inherited lands. He said to them, “Now that the Lord our God has given your brother...

“And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 My question to myself: does this apply to people too— Does/would God use people living in sin to do His will? I believe that God is truly powerful and perfect enough to use anyone and anything to work for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. Why do I believe this? Two reasons: I have seen Him do it and His Word tells me so. It is really that simple. My next thought is somewhat connected to this belief so please hang in there for a second and I promise to get to the point by the end of this. I have often wondered how it is that Christian’s I know have been able to do many things that are pleasing to the Lord, despite some hidden area of sin in their lives. Example #1: a man sitting in the pew accepting Christ as he hears the Word of God from the mouth a well known preacher who has secretly been having an affair for ...