When I was a kid, we loved being outside and active in fun that did not cost a lot of money. The fun we enjoyed also would not have cost our innocence, reputation or witness for the Lord. Our fun was fueled by an imagination that reinforced respect and positivity as well as enhanced our experience of entertainment and recreation. There was nothing like a good game of Cops and Robbers or morphing into Marvel comic heroes at the drop of a hat. We did not need a shuttle to travel to outer space nor did we need a plane or train to transport us to the deepest jungles, rain forests, Antarctica or any place in the world no soul has ever seen. To get our heart rate up and our sweat on we had a blast with games like Red-Rover-Come-on-Over, Red Light, Hide and Seek, Hop Scotch and we balled with every ball in existence. What powered our cars and mode of transportation for play were not batteries but good old body power (our legs).
Read MoreVictimization can take many different forms. We can experience satanic victimization which includes spiritual oppression and possession. We can experience victimization as a result of secular philosophies, principles, pressures and practices. And finally, we can experience victimization at the hands of our self as a result of fleshly strongholds and deceptive hearts. Before one can process the path of personal victory and liberate oneself from satanic, secular and self victimization, it is absolutely essential that you have personally possessed, processed, and practiced the Power of God. What does scripture say about the Power of God?
Read MoreAbout six years ago my sons approached me about acquiring a pet. Due to a schedule that dictated a good degree of time away from the home in addition to the requirements of caring for a pet such as feeding, walking, entertaining, visits to the vet, expenses, license, etc., I made a case for a pet-free zone. But the holiday season soften my heart and I relented. So my oldest son went to the animal shelter and brought home two kittens: Boaz and Lila.
Read MoreThe past two weeks we have been considering spiritual heart failure, reviewing its definition and examination. This week we will turn our thoughts to the third element which is contamination. The word contaminate is defined as “to taint, pollute, or defile, meaning to make impure or unclean.” Contaminate also implies intrusion of or contact with (for a substance such as water) dirt or foulness from an outside source.
Read MoreWhen I turned 50 years of age the word examination went to a new level of understanding specifically as it relates to my personal health screening. My physician told me that it was time to have my prostate examined. No big deal, I thought until I had the processed explained to me. Let’s just say I wanted to pray for another way! And I had to choose to put on my big boy pants that day as well as drop all my concerns and personal comfort. At some point, most men will either be offered a prostate examination as part of general health screening or it will be advised by their doctor because of their age.
Read MoreHas your heart ever gotten you into trouble? I am willing to bet that there are some of you that would reply to my initial question with: “Oh yeah! I am married to my heart trouble.” The reality is that our hearts are responsible for many of our practices or decisions. For example, spending, eating, watching, listening, speaking, thinking and living are all connected with the attitude of our hearts. This fact is why the Scriptures issue a warning about keeping our hearts.
Read MoreRecently, I was speaking to a precious soul that was held hostage by the power of hell (Satan) and was a slave to a life-dominating sin. God’s matchless grip of grace snatched her from the falsehood of her false god (substance abuse) and restored fellowship with the true God: Jesus Christ.
Read MoreIn this passage of Scripture, Jesus describes two different decisions that lead to two different destinations. There is a right way and a wrong way and Jesus appealed to His listeners to decide to go the more difficult way, which leads to life. Although difficult and challenging, this way represents the road to freedom! Jesus understood and taught that not all ways and not all destinations are equally good.
Read MoreAs we discussed last week, the Word of God is clear about genuine change. Genuine change cannot take place in the heart without Christ’s ruling influence. Therefore, the catalyst for change is supernatural; not natural. In order to experience Christ-like change, we must renew our minds with the truth of Scripture.
Read MoreConsider the following scenario: Last evening you elected to deviate from your routine behavior. You retired for the evening earlier than normal because you were not feeling like yourself. You sensed a few slight but not significant symptoms of what you believed to be the beginning of a cold.