If you’ve seen “The Usual Suspects,” then you know that according to the Kevin Spacey character, “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” That is laughably low on the list. Hiding the reality of his existence from sin-blinded humanity is a parlor trick for Satan. It is EASY for spiritual darkness to hide in the shadows—that’s their native habitat. How in the world did Satan “hide” God?…
People using “Jesus Christ” as a curse is so common in our culture that it seems normal, yet it is truly bizarre. You don’t hear anyone blurting out “Adolph Hitler!” or “Mahatma Buddha!” when things go south. Why would so many people who have no relationship with Jesus use His name in such a vile way? What did He ever do to them? I’m sure they don’t think much about it. Most likely these unbelievers feel the need to curse…
Why did the prodigal take so long to return? Why did he linger in that pig pen which was so humiliating and hateful for him (as a Jew) to endure? Why didn’t he simply head straight home to his father once the money was gone? Why did he drag it out until he was practically starving? It wasn’t pride. That’s what people usually say when I ask the question in class, especially classes on recovery from addictions. They know only…
If you want to walk closely with the Lord, then growing spiritually is your heart’s desire. What’s more, it is chock full of wonderful benefits: the peace of Christ, the joy of the Lord, close fellowship with Jesus, sensitivity to guidance, empowerment for work and ministry, and all kinds of other practical blessings in daily life. Who wouldn’t want to grow spiritually? We may want to grow, but stumble at the threshold…