'christian living' Tagged Posts
New Year’s Resolutions
A common practice that coincides with the start of a new year is the making of New Year’s resolutions. A New Year’s resolution is a personal declaration of what one intends to do at the start of a new year in order to change an undesired trait or behavior, accomplish a personal goal, or otherwise improve one’s life. Setting such resolutions can be beneficial because they provide a strategic plan for how you intend to make beneficial changes in the…
Are You Being Persecuted?
In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul declared that “all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted.” He didn’t say, “all who desire to live a godly life can be persecuted” or “all who desire to live a godly life may be persecuted.” He said, “all who desire to live a godly life will be persecuted.” That’s definitive, not speculative. That’s stated as a guarantee, not as a possibility. And, even though the type and degree of persecution can…
The Opportunity to Love
Just before the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to cease in-person assemblies temporarily, I preached a sermon on the opportunity that we would have as a result of that particular situation. Although the pandemic is not over, a new pressing opportunity has arisen. Over the past two weeks, our nation’s attention has shifted from a contagious medical condition and focused on a continuing cultural crisis. The death of George Floyd while being restrained by police officers reignited an ongoing cry for…
Why Honor Your Father and Mother?
Throughout the Bible, children are viewed as a blessing to their parents. Such is the case in Psalm 127:3-5, where children are referred to as “a heritage from the Lord,” “a reward,” and, ultimately, a blessing. However, in order for children to truly be a blessing to their parents, they must understand the proper relationship they are to have with their parents. That is where the biblical command to “honor your father and your mother” comes into play (Exodus 20:12;…
Giving Thanks During This Crisis
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we are instructed to “give thanks in all circumstances,” and, in Philippians 2:13, we are instructed to “Do all things without complaining.” When life is calm, these instructions are easy to follow, but when life is tumultuous, these instructions are difficult to follow. Right now, we are facing a crisis unlike anything any of us have ever experienced before, and it is extraordinarily easy for us to complain about the situation rather than express gratitude. How…
Conflict Resolution: What Not To Do
Warning labels have become a necessity for most products that appear in the marketplace. Their necessity is prompted by the potential of lawsuits when such labels are not present. The fascinating thing about some warning labels is that they seem unnecessary when common sense is applied. For example, many chainsaws provide a label warning users not to hold the blade end of the tool when operating, some hair dryers include a label instructing buyers not to use it while sleeping,…
Don’t Forget to Exercise
The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the most well preserved elevated Roman aqueducts in the world. It was likely constructed toward the end of the first century or beginning of the second century CE, and yet it still stands today. It was designed to transported water from the Rio Frio River to the city of Segovia, Spain, spanning a distance of nearly eleven miles. The elevated portion of the aqueduct measures 2388 feet in length and is 93.5 feet…