Proverbs 15:28, The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

   We could pretty much simply read that verse, drop the mic, and be on our way. However, there’s a bit more to it before you can actually do that consistently.

(SN062) What you pray for you get. There are some who believe, without exception, that if you ask God for anything he will give it to you. Let’s break that down.

(SN061) When studying the Bible one of the techniques is to personalize the Scripture. By personalize I mean take the Scripture and turn it into a prayer, a conversation between you and God. Personalizing moves the words from your head to your heart, it transforms words to an experience, and helps you know God at a intimate level. 

(SN060) What comes to your mind when you think of a Zealot? Probably negative connotations. But that is not the Biblical view.

(SN059) In Paul’s letter the church in Philippi, he is encouraging them (and us) to live their lives committed to serving God and others. If Paul had penned a mission statement, it may have been pulled directly from this letter.

(SN058) When studying the Bible there are several approaches you can take. As an example, let’s take an expository look at Philippians 4:12.

(SN057) It doesn't matter what you've done, what bad habits you have, or what pain is in your past, through Christ Jesus' redeeming grace and mercy you can be made good again and be used to his glory. 

(SN056) I’ve heard many times the debate that the Old Testament of the Bible (pre the physical birth of Jesus) is no longer relevant as its been replaced by the New Testament. This debate is typically around the relevance of the Jewish Law today.

(SN055) The underlying reason for the season is the celebration of Christ Jesus’ birth on a cold December day followed by three kings who bestowed gifts upon a newborn child laying in hay lined manger in a wood shed. At least that’s how the Christmas pageants portray the events.

(SN054) If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

(SN053) The healthiest country is Singapore, the USA is ranked 69th. With that said, let’s take a look at what God says about healthy eating habits. Leviticus chapter 11 provides a breakdown of what God says is healthy and not healthy to eat. 

(SN052) Jesus owns all of of our sin and there is only one thing remaining to complete the ‘transaction’ … we have to give Him what is rightfully His.

(SN051) I may have great plans to stay focused on God all day, often times the stresses of life, other’s words, our pride, and our way too full schedules, can, and often do, highjack our minds. When that happens we can hardly think straight much less take time to study the Bible, work on our relationship with Jesus, or even consider slowing down long enough to figure out how, when, and where to apply the Biblical truths we already do know.

(SN050)    We’ve all been there, weighted down with a situation or an unknown that at times feels too heavy emotionally to deal with. To make things worse, we sometimes carry those burdens alone or just within a close circle of family or friends. Maybe because we don’t want to burden others, or we feel others may not be able to help, or we’re embarrassed or scared to share with others. Walking that road alone is not what God intended. However, let me flip the model and encourage us, as Christians, to take the first step in helping others to carry their burdens. Paul in his letter to the Galatians said we are expected to carry the burdens of others.

(SN049) Throughout Colossians, Paul is confronting the false teachings of that time.  He is reminding the church at Colossae of who Jesus is and what He did for us that day at the cross and of the strength and healing He provided there. (Includes an exercise in forgiveness and healing. )

(SN048) There are all types of Christians or better said, Christianity is reflected differently in different people. A Christian is simply someone who has been saved which is referred to as being justified and forgiven. Justification is definitive, there’s no gray area, no confusion, no maybe, and no “I’m not sure.” As noted in Romans 10:8-10, you either have or have not been saved, received salvation, confessed who Christ is and received the free gift of forgiveness.

(SN047) What makes a great movie great? It could be the feel good message, or the “I didn’t see that coming” factor or simply the general entertainment the movie provides such as a comedy. Many times it’s not the whole movie but specific lines that you remember forever. Every now and then, a move hits all the marks with a great message, memorable lines, a few laughs, and an unexpected twist. 

(SN046) A discussion designed to help you build perseverance to forge ahead when everything in you is suggesting otherwise. 

(SN045) A highly misquoted verse is 1 Timothy 6:10, where one word misquoted changes everything. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” One word, ‘a’ is typically misquoted as ‘the.’ It’s ‘a’ problem not ‘the’ only problem.

(SN044) Communication is a major area of weakness in so many families and one that is often times overcomplicated when trying to fix it. The good news is it doesn’t have to be complicated, but there is a secret to making things less complicated.