Beside Still Waters

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus are the two significant events guaranteeing a repentant human being that ALL their sins are expiated, having trusted in Christ as Savior. God gives two pieces of evidence that continually remind and assures the Christian that "it is well with my soul."

The second most excellent gift of the new birth life is not only the gift of eternal life but the resurrection-life of the Lord Jesus Christ in our mortal bodies. Paul wrote: I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me! 

God, who raised Christ from the dead, now lives in us to impart resurrection life by the same power utilized to raise Jesus from the dead. Our Lord Jesus offered Himself spotless by the Eternal Spirit to execute a mighty deliverance. He will, by His Spirit, enliven our mortal bodies to perform His service and, by the same Spirit, empower us to crucify our old fallen nature. #resurrectionlife #spir...

Praying effectively is seeking God's intervention in all of our matters with the full assurance that the petitions we desire are granted, as requested, in a timely way, with clear evidence that it was the will of God, and performed to the glory of God. This always results in complete joy!

Freedom of choice when addressing moral issues creates conundrums because we are exercised to eliminate the risks while capitalizing on personal benefit. Choosing the "self-interest" options frequently results in loss to another. How do we choose a course of action that is mutually beneficial and glorifying to God? The answer may surprise you.

The spiritual decline has a standard template and is etched throughout the pages of holy writ. It begins with a departure from the living God and runs the natural course of profaning ourselves, then the things that are holy in the sight of God.

The popular notion is that we can create the life of our dreams by practicing the Law of Attraction.  You've undoubtedly heard about "putting a thought or words into the universe." Is there merit to this philosophy? This podcast examines the core beliefs contrasted: Answered prayer in response to seeking God's presence juxtaposed to the adherence to the Law of Attraction

Just as there are learning models that categorize the stages people pass through in skills development, so too in spiritual development. Christians pass from infancy - needing the "milk" of the word to maturity - actively walking in the Spirit. There is corresponding conduct that flows from each stage of development, hence the need to pursue Christlikeness.

God's Presence is the "Jewel" of the spiritual life! Yet, God uses "impossible" crises, driving us into his presence, so we might experience his ability to do exceedingly above all we could ever ask. By His grace, embrace the trial as a divinely ordained circumstance for good and for a blessing!

Eternal life; Faith in God; Being holy as He is holy; Loving the brotherhood. All imply a “covenant relationship.” If believers breach the covenant terms they made with God, what recourse does the Almighty have?  

The "Saints" have lost the sense of the high notion of the Glory of God. What is the result of a diminished view of God's glory? We experience a reduced need to be holy, fearlessness in offending a Holy God, and lives bearing thorns, thistles, & weeds, and calling it "fruit."

When you've strayed from The Path and God's Presence, the way back is to repent of the works that offended God and man, return to the first works which pleased God, and return to the "first love" of your soul's deliverance from eternal loss

Flawed reasoning concerning God's sacred and holy things leads us down the path of rebellion. God, in His mercy, shows us the "red flags" of disobedience, compromise, and self-will so that we can avoid spiritual danger and continue on the right path in the Presence of God.

Wholesome convictions drive us towards what is right and good if guided by the scriptures. Conversely, convictions may also pull us away from the very goals we aspire to achieve because they lull us into a false sense of invincibility.

The question "Why is this happening to me?" is important because the trial contains a growth opportunity. We fail to grasp the "Will of God" because our efforts are centered on escaping the challenge instead of discerning God's purpose for us. This podcast is about a man who knew God's will, but time and neglect resulted in a missed opportunity for deeper intimacy with God.

Experiencing perfect peace is not only a matter of faith in God, but it is also a willingness to enter into an exclusive relationship with God. We cannot approach the infinite God as though this is a brief foray into a supermarket to purchase our needs and then exit. The encounter has a sacred component that requires a heart choice.

We live in unsettling times. Social unrest is intensifying. Economic uncertainty is a specter over nations. Can we find peace in troubled times? Yes, we can. Finding peace begins with a changed heart toward God.

We want peace. The agreement is: Be anxious for nothing but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God shall guard your hearts. Peace is a choice if we agree with God to call on Him, and He promises to grace us with peace.

Can fear and peace coexists? Which one wins the battle for the heart and mind space? Many equate the Christian Life as offering a haven from the anxiety-creating cosmos. Sadly, many are distressed by inane events as well as monumental life impacting events, making experiencing peace the most illusive commodity in our modern times. In spite of the challenging times, peace is attainable.

Sadly, we have occasionally experienced the ill effects of verbal abuse or know someone who suffered through an abusive experience. The Bible provides examples of victims of abuse detailing how the Lord delivered and healed them. There is hope for all victims - that hope is in a Savior who endured abuse and was victorious.

What learnings can be garnered from David's encounter with Abigail to help minister to people ill affected by verbal abuse? Abigail's response is a template enabling healing, assuaging negative emotions, and reaffirming the value of a person

Confronting the “Loss” experienced in broken relationships. What path the Christian walks when a friendship is marred by betrayal.

Imagine, for a moment, what the world would be if ideal living conditions are provided: A perfect world, perfect peace, a perfect government, perfect health, incarcerated demonic forces, and even nature is subdued. Would mankind be content with Christ's reign? Revelations 20:4-9 suggests they will absolutely not be satisfied! The millennium becomes God's final test for mankind.

The second greatest event in earth's history, on par with the Incarnation - Jesus' first coming, is The glorious re-appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ - The second coming. Every eye will see Him as he comes out of heaven to establish the Kingdom of Heaven on the earth. The events surrounding His re-appearance are both glorious and startling. 

Noah was exclusive in that he his family lived in an evil society that refused to repent and prepare for a future judgement. The oddity was that the judgement was unlike anything they could imagine - the earth was watered by dew falling from heavens. So too, our present age is wholly unprepared for future prophetic events, of which the signs are in our midst.