Today marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. As I watch the news, listen to historical perspectives on the attacks, and remember where I was that day, only one thought keeps coming to me: “As a nation, we Read more…
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven Read more…
In the last post, I noted how the new birth in the life of a disciple automatically yields fruit like mercy and purity. Jesus continues that line of thought, describing disciples in the Kingdom as “peacemakers.” Surely, this can apply to our relationships with others and the influence we have Read more…
“You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king shouted. And he ordered his bodyguards, “Kill these priests of the Lord, for they are allies and conspirators with David! They knew he was running away from me, but they didn’t tell me!” But Saul’s men refused to Read more…
A genuine conversion experience brings genuine change. If there is no genuine change then something has gone awry along the way. Jesus later tells us in the Sermon on Mount, that “you will know them by their fruits.” When a lost person comes to grips with who they are without Read more…
And it is good for people to submit at an early age to the yoke of his discipline: Let them sit alone in silence beneath the Lord’s demands. Let them lie face down in the dust, for there may be hope at last. Let them turn the other cheek to Read more…
The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. Read more…
What kind of people are citizens of the Kingdom? Those who are disciples… and how does one become a disciple? They begin at the beginning. They recognize their spiritual poverty and they mourn over their sinful condition… and this leads naturally to Humility. “Blessed are the gentle (humble) for they Read more…
I once went through a peer-review process where people I supervised had to anonymously share their perceptions of my leadership. That year the feedback was very positive, and there was only one critical comment… “Kevin needs to listen to others better and needs to work on being more considerate of Read more…
And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save Read more…