In an old fable, a king trains his pet monkey in various tasks, from using a sword to swatting flies. One day the king gave his monkey a sword to guard his chamber while he napped. Unfortunately, during his nap, . . . .

Pam left our church because our pastor “wouldn’t take a stand” on a political topic she felt passionate about. But is that the role of the church?

Is politics the vehicle for the change we want to see in this world? Will the “right” candidate revive hearts . . . .

Do you feel selfish and self-centered when you pray for yourself? I did for many years. My pastor had made me feel guilty about praying for just “me and mine.” It seems to me that Jesus prayed for Himself in the garden of gethsemane, and He is our example. . . .

This is our Bridegroom King, Jesus, speaking to us, His Bride. How have we ravished His heart? We have given Him our “Yes.”

In the context of Song of Solomon, the Shulamite bride has finally . . .

The oil lamp is a beautiful picture of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit supplies all our needs from His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19). However, we are responsible to fill our lamp with oil (the Holy Spirit) and to light the wick. Shining for Jesus is an intimate partnership with the Spirit of the living God.

This begs the question, “How do you buy oil?” . . . .

The One True God wants our hearts . . . and our obedience. We must do what is right with a loyal heart. In John chapter 14, Jesus reiterates in at least 5 different ways, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Love and obedience are always in the same sentence; they are inseparable. Does Jesus have our heart? . . . .

Habakkuk asked a question and simply waited for God to answer. He fully expected to receive a response, and we can too.

Hearing God is our birthright as born-again Christians. Jesus said . . .

I love the soil, just like King Uzziah of Judah did. My grandfather was a wheat farmer and a cattle rancher. As a child, I remember praying for rain to “save” the crop. Even today, tears spring to my eyes from the smell of a freshly mowed wheatfield after a rainfall.

As an adult, I had the opportunity to . . .

Here is the encouragement for us:

Jesus promises in Revelation that if we are faithful, He will use His authority and power on our behalf. He promises . . .

My heart is on Anna this Christmas season. She is lauded in the Bible as a life lived well.

After being widowed at a young age, Anna committed . . .

With my own mouth, I denied my Savior. I know why Peter wept bitterly; it is heart wrenching . . .

This verse inspired in me a deeper revelation of the trinity of God, and a beautiful picture of the hope of our salvation.

Here are my thoughts . . .

God created us with a body, a soul, and a spirit because He made us in His image. God also has a body, a soul, and a spirit. God’s body is . . .