Focused and Free

Believe it or not, it's okay to have some downtime.

There is always something to be thankful for, even though it may not seem that way when everything is crashing down and our life is coming apart at the seams.

Wouldn’t it be great to really KNOW God?

Recent years have seen an increase in teaching that emphasizes God’s love, forgiveness, and intimate presence with His people.

"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves." --James 1:22 (NLT)

Because you are God’s children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into us to call out, “Abba! Father!” --Galatians 4:6 (GW)

There is an old adage that many of us have either forgotten or never heard…

There is an old saying that says, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” We become ‘open books’ as we share our thoughts and our interests with others.

There seems to be a lot of confusion among those who profess to be Christian.

The idea of a ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’ has caught on like wildfire in the 21st Century.

Is it just me, or do the last two months of the year go by in a * blink of the eye * for you as well?

“And I see changes happening every day.” –From the LOGGINS & MESSINA LP, "Mother Lode" (1974)

In the beginning was God, and everything that He created was good. At least, that’s how the story goes.

The New Year is a time many people like to look at as a clean slate.  The past is behind them and the New Year brings an opportunity to start afresh.

In the 24 th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus paints a glum picture of the future when he is pressed by his disciples to tell them about the “last days.”

There is only one God and it’s not you!

“Knowledge shall increase, but wisdom shall wane.”

When a disaster strikes, many people have no idea what they should do.

In a discussion about sharing Christ with others, one person had this to say…

Some people think gossip is a good thing.

On the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.

One Verse — Two topics

According to an article in the April 22nd, 2007 edition of (the now defunct newspaper), The Arizona Star , referring to Christ as Lord is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Why do so many of us who claim the name of Christ, find ourselves  'walking a razor's edge' between the darkness of this world and light of Christ?

The word “mainstream” is a barbarism of the words main and stream . They really do not belong together when using proper English.

Going Beyond What is Required or Expected

Prayer is a scary, awkward proposition for many people.  It's the kind of activity that they would just as soon leave to the religious professionals.

Temptation is tough. It is a test. It is an enticement to do wrong. It may involve great pleasure, a chance to escape risk, or illegitimate gain. Whatever the offering, it is usually attractive.

Here is a wonderful aid to getting into a good habit of daily prayer.

Do you find prayer intimidating? Have you ever said, “I don't know how to pray”?

What to do when you pray, according to what Jesus taught.

Breaking down The Lord's Prayer in a meaningful way.

Do you ever feel impatient with God?  Does He seem late in answering your requests or meeting your needs?

Daily prayer is a blessing, not a chore.

By Neil Miller (as adapted for those in recovery)

Nehemiah’s model prayer offers several important lessons for believers today about how to practice the discipline of prayer.

Prayer is powerful! 

Prayer is not a gimmick by which we charm or coerce God into giving us what we want. Prayer is a sober-minded acknowledgment of our true situation before the Lord and an admission of our need for His divine help.

Eight aspects of prayer to help you enhance your prayer time.

Faith is NOT JUST a matter of BELIEVING RIGHTLY, BUT ALSO a matter of LIVING RIGHTLY!

"For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine; and you say, `He has a demon.' The Son of man has come eating and drinking; and you say, `Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by all her children." Luke 7:33-35 (RSV)

Life is replete with 'false positives'.

Even the bugs of the earth offer us a lesson from God -- when we take time to consider them!

Now that mom is gone, what’s next, Lord?

Yes, I entitled this article correctly. I did not leave out a word. I am definitely referring to the actual word 'god', not the word of God.

I am sick to my soul with carnality.

I'm not sure why, but it seems that God's Spirit likes to communicate with me while I'm taking a shower.

Dear Brother in Christ,

I wonder how much better our blog entries and social media comments would be if we were to pray prior to posting what is on our hearts and minds?

For a long time, the basis of “ Calvinism ” has repeatedly given me pause to consider, “What say, if any, do I have in my salvation?”