History tells us that the practice of placing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand goes back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians were convinced that there is a literal “vein of love” that runs directly from the heart to the fourth finger on the left hand. This vein was identified as the “vena amoris”. It is this belief that has perpetuated the practice of placing rings on the marital couple’s left hand which also happens to be on the same side of the heart. Since ancient times, wedding rings have been worn as a symbol that seals a pledge between spouses.
Read MoreIn last week’s blog, we established that we need to exercise or condition our consciences to consistently conduct ourselves as Christians. This is essential and a non-negotiable due to what I deem as three realities: the flesh (a sinful human condition that strives for self autonomy), world (constructs and principles that power and promote an antichrist culture) and Satan (the dragon, devil and dedicated enemy of our Father God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the children of God). As children of God we are continually confronted by an anti-Christ culture. Hear what the Word of God declares about this tyrannical and twisted trinity of the flesh, the world and Satan.
Read MoreWhat comes to your mind at the mention of the word conditioning? For the professional hairstylist that styles my wife’s hair, she would be concerned with the conditioning of her clients’ hair. From her experience and expertise, she would educate and encourage her clients to take steps essential for helping them enjoy beautiful, shiny, and healthy hair. For those professionals with a psychological or therapeutic background they would be familiar with the phrase “classical conditioning” (also known as Pavlovian conditioning).
Read MoreIn the 1930s the economy of the most powerful country in the free world was eviscerated by an enormous and egregious stock market crash that ushered in a season known as the Great Depression. The United States of America was wrecked and withering in the worst economic climacteric of the century. It lasted from 1929 to 1939. President Franklin D Roosevelt responded by signing the Social Security Act on August 14, 1935. As part of Roosevelt’s New Deal economic program, it was designed to provide income for retired workers aged 65 and older. Social security was also expanded to provide income security for millions of American retirees, disabled persons, and families of retired, disabled, or deceased workers. According to the Social Security Administration, about 65 million Americans will receive over one trillion dollars in social security benefits in 2020. So, for millions of people social security is an economic anchor that gives them security. However, will that anchor hold in a country that is spending more than it can afford? Are you aware that the U.S. national debt reached a record of $24.22 trillion in April 2020?
Read MoreI have a couple of questions for you: When your soul is thirsty for peace, power over fear and doubt, perseverance, protection, and purpose, from what container will you consume or drink? Who, what, when, where do you turn for truth? Especially in unprecedented and unpredictable times. Do you know that what we believe and how we behave, especially in a culture of committed ominous oppression, reveals where we drink to replenish, restore, and reinforce our hearts and minds?
Read MoreIn this psalm, the Spirit leads David to express his confidence in the flawlessness and faithfulness of the Scriptures (Word of God) in a culture of oppression. Like David, we should also have a heart that is able to apply biblical assurance, which is blessed assurance, in the face of overt oppression. In an overwhelming oppressive environment, David still believed that God gives seekers His salvation, a rich refuge, and a rewarding relationship with Him.
Read MoreNot too long ago, I found myself in a conversation with some fellow believers about the topic of compassion. Specifically, the significance of compassion, its source and how we show compassion toward others. According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary compassion is defined as: “a suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration. Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it.” A broader definition of compassion is said to be sympathy and concern for the sufferings of others as well as a desire to alleviate such suffering. The Hebrew and Greek words translated as "compassion" in the Word of God (the Bible) renders compassion as having mercy or being moved with sympathetic clemency.
Read MoreThere is no doubt that at this moment in our country’s history the ubiquitous winds of identity politics, vociferous political correctness, judicial activism, anarchy, cultural conflict and the newest arrival, the cancer culture, have captured and controlled the consciences of many. Even evangelicals, the church culture, and professing Christians are being tossed about by what I have labeled the winds of the world. As it relates to these winds of the world, the Word of God admonishes us to be anchored and attached to the rock of the Word and truth.
Read MoreWhen I committed to this conversation on race relations, I purposed to address the people of God. Specifically, people who enjoy citizenship in the Kingdom of God. We all became citizens of the Kingdom of God when we experienced the new birth by becoming born again: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, KJV). Therefore, as citizens of the Kingdom of God we should consistently maintain a conscience that captures all conversations about injustice, maltreatment and discrimination with a perspective that is not of this world but from the Lord Jesus Christ’s Kingdom. Remember: the people of this world will always reject our perspective, positions, and even us personally.
Read MoreBack in the early 1980’s, I was a student athlete at Syracuse University. During this time, God, who is rich in mercy, graciously grabbed my heart with His great love (Ephesians 2:4). The good Lord led me to a bible-preaching, bible-teaching and lost-reaching church. As a young man of color (black), I was introduced to the beautiful body of Christ outside of my cultural context. A sovereign and wise God allowed me to experience worship and specifically, sound biblical instruction, with a people group (white) outside of the one with which I was raised and comfortable.
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