Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
Standing for Truth and Defending Your Freedom
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January 7 “And without faith it is impossible to please God…” — Hebrews 11:6

Faith vs. Unbelief

One great philosopher said that the greatest theme in all of history, which makes every other theme seem insignificant, is the great contest that has gone on from time immemorial between faith and unbelief. All conflicts in the world are really just variations of this big war. This contest even happens at a small level each day. For example, you get up in the morning, get dressed, go out, and you meet someone. What do they say? They say,... More
January 6 “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.’” — Mark 16:15

Despise Not Small Beginnings

Dr. Kennedy’s church (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, Florida) grew exponentially when they learned how to engage in personal evangelism and train others to do the same. Out of that grew Evangelism Explosion (or EE), which is now all over the world. Here is an update on that ministry: Dr. John Sorenson, Dr. Kennedy’s handpicked successor as the president of EE, told Dr. Kennedy in 2006: “If things stay... More
January 5 “But Barnabas took him, and led him to the apostles.” — Acts 9:27

Be An Encourager

It is a sin to discourage people from using their gifts. Too often, people will pull down others who are trying to use their gifts by a careless word or stinging remark. Such discouragement is a sin. We should encourage people to use the gifts they have without making unrealistic expectations. What is the point of any accomplishments? The Psalmist gives us the answer to this: “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Your name give... More
January 4 “When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, ‘Are you he that troubles Israel?’” — 1 Kings 18:17

Who Are the Real Trouble-Makers

Sometimes the people of God are accused of causing troubles in this world. The reality is often the very opposite. We see this in the example that occurs in the great encounter that takes place between Elijah and Ahab. Here was this wicked king, Ahab, who was in some ways a man who had done great things for Israel. But in spite of all of the blessings that he had brought upon the land politically, he was one who was bringing the nation... More
January 3 “…boast in Christ Jesus, and place no trust in the flesh.” — Philippians 3:3

All Things Through Christ

The Apostle Paul said he could endure all circumstances, good or bad, because the Lord strengthened him though it all. Through Christ, he could do all things. I want you to notice what Paul is not talking about—PMA, a modern term for “Positive Mental Attitude,” also described as “positive thinking.” There is a great difference between positive thinking and what Paul is talking about. Note what Paul did not say:... More
January 2 “He who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents.” — Matthew 25:16

Dreams

At the start of a new year, it is as if we have a blank slate in our lives. We have a new beginning and new opportunities. I suppose everybody has had dreams of a greater life. The problem is that we all as children dreamed dreams and had great visions, but alas, as we grew up, most of those dreams faded away. They are destroyed by that pesky voice in our ear that whispers, “You can’t do it.” “No, you... More
January 1 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

You Can Do It

Question for you: What would you do if you knew that you couldn’t fail? Probably, it will immediately become clear that we set the bar too low. What most of us do is to do that which is easiest, but not necessarily best. If I stated the question differently, I would put it this way: What would you attempt if you were given an absolute assurance of success? Well, you have that assurance. The fact of the matter is, you have a... More