abandoned to Christ.

“God knows my heart.” is a common phrase that both Christians and non-Christians use. And sadly, it’s carelessly thrown about to excuse or approve of the faithless, opinionated, and self-righteous way many of us choose to live. Rarely is this phrase used by a truly penitent and humble heart that worships the LORD Almighty in the splendor of holiness—in spirit and in truth (1 Chron 16:29 and Jn 4:23-24). So how can we know for certain if our hearts are the penitent or proud ones when we say, “God knows my heart.” ? We know by how God Almighty says we can know. We test our hearts by what comes out of our mouths (Mt 12:34-37, Lk 6:43-46), with God’s perfect and infallible Word of truth. This God—His way is perfect;   the word of the LORD proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. ~2 Samuel 22:31 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God ma...

We love because He first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him: whoever loves God MUST also love his brother. ~1 John 4:19-21 (emphasis mine) If how I treat people is based on how they make me feel, what they can or cannot do for me , or what they think or how they feel about me , I prove that I am more interested in being well-loved rather than being the one who loves well. In our current society, the comforts, preferences, security, and everything that any individual desires—reigns supreme. The godly desires for community and friendship are now an endangered precept. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. ~John 13:34-35 Let love be genu...

UPDATE (09/25/2024) (original post 09/20/2024) I don't know Steve well. I've only met him a handful of times and chatted with Anne at a Women's Bible study we both attended in Dallas; and when we visited Trinity Bible Church of Dallas (TBCD) for a brief time (about five years ago). We found them both to be tireless and faithful ministers of our God and Father. When I first heard the news, my heart broke for my brother Steve,my sister Anne, their children, grandchildren, personal and ministry friends, and all those who, like me, have benefitted and have been spiritually well-fed by the teaching ministry in which the LORD God Almighty has equipped and called Steve, and the ministry He equipped and called Anne to as Steve's exceedingly suitable helpmeet. Some have already shared my sentiments, while others rail and rejoice at his private fall and public humiliation from Satan's seeming "win" over another one of God's holy and dearly beloved children (Rom ...

The Lord Jesus told us that all who belong to Him, truly belong to Him (Mt 7:21) enter through the narrow gate and continually walk the narrow way (Mt 7:14). The original Greek word for “narrow” used in this passage is θλίβω (transliterated thlíbō), which means: to afflict, distress. This is why only a few find it, delight in it, and abide in it (Ps 119:47, 72). The narrow gate and the narrow way isn’t difficult for the many to find or see because it’s minuscule and dull. For all things of the Great I AM is as He is—exceptional in grandeur and magnificent in structure! Only a few find the narrow gate and remain on the narrow way, because it is the gate and way of affliction. [W]e have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that ...

I had an interesting conversation with a brother in Christ today. One of the things we discussed was: Is it possible to memorize too much of God’s Word? And if it is, what determines this oddity? It’s not the first time I’ve heard this before. It’s not the first time I’ve had this exact conversation with others in my Family in Christ. This topic of “too much of God” has come up more often than I’d like. And every time, it disconcerts me. If you’re wondering what I mean by “too much of God” here it is: Asking someone to read, memorize, meditate on, and/or study too much Scripture. But how much is too much? Is it even possible for any of us to spend too much time with God? Too much time thinking about Him, considering Him, praying and waiting for Him to answer: yes, no, wait, etc.? Is asking someone to read the entire Bible in three months, six months, one year, or two years too much for any Christian? Did you know that even for a slow reader and comprehender like me, it only takes ...

In certain churches and Christian circles, there’s a common question that’s asked, “What’s your life verse?” It’s supposed to mean something grand, but I’m afraid that in most cases, it is not. It sounds spiritually mature to ask and answer this question. But after 49 years of my new birth, rarely have I heard this question or answer come from a place of substance—of eternal value and weight. Rather, both this question and its answer are more often in the vein of, “What’s your all-time favorite verse? You know, the one that reminds you of how special and wonderfully loved you are and comforts you when you need it most?” In the past, I too have asked and answered this seemingly deep, but shallow question. Why? Because at that time in my life, I didn’t know any better. And by God’s grace and mercy, I’m inclined to extend His compassion to others who have and still ask and answer this question in like manner, rather than harshly condemn them for not knowing any better as I do now (c...

Meek: patient, long-suffering, or submissive in disposition or nature; humble; humbly patient or quiet in nature, as under provocation from others.—synonym: gentle (ref. dictionary.com). And He [Jesus the Christ] opened His mouth and taught them, saying:    "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.    "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.    "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.    "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.    "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.    "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.    "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.    "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.    "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all ki...

What we praise, proves what we value. And what we value, determines our moral compass. If we value all that glitters (gifts that make us feel important, our homes, cars, vacations), all that feeds our egos (popularity, flattery, external beauty) and all that the world values (positive thinking, constant entertainment, Photoshopped versions of our lives a.k.a social media), then that is what we will praise, value, and fight for. But if what we value are the things of God: holiness, righteousness, justice, kindness, sacrificial living/giving, and humility/humiliation; then that is what we will praise, value, and fight for. Let the saints learn then to be more open mouthed for Christ. Let them commend him to others, and commend him from their own experience; first, to their fellow saints, saying, ‘Come, and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.’ O! should not Christ’s friends be commending their friend one to another. This would be a ...