No matter how much the Spirit illumines through praise and worship, whether it is acknowledged or not, the saints of God are in constant spiritual warfare. Peter placed it aptly when he said, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). This warning was given to the saints scattered throughout Asia Minor.

fight-the-good-fight-of-faith.pdf

We are taught, exhorted, admonished, and com­ manded by scripture to place our total trust in God. Although simply stated and understood, it is not easily done. Changing and pre­ vailing circumstances, as well as, emotional instability comes into play while relying on God. We know He is our only help but it is difficult at best to wait on divine intervention.

trusting-god.pdf

Unfortunately, the church of today is measuring their state of being “blessed” by the world’s standards rather than from God’s perspective. “Things” such as expensive cars, houses with all the amenities, and designer la­ bel clothing have defined how good God has been to His people. Jesus says something profound in this regard and should arrest the church’s world­view mentality. He states emphatically, “for after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (St. Matthew 6:32).

a-blessed-man.pdf

After God had given Israel rest from all its enemies, David looked upon God’s people, united and in fellowship with one another, declared it was “good and pleasant.” Unity is not a natural occurrence but an anointing which comes from God. The Psalmist gives insight to this thought when he stated it was like the oil that ran down Aaron’s beard and the dew upon Mt. Hermon and Zion. These two metaphors ordained and perpetuated by God, illustrate the divine purpose and will of God. It is God’s divine purpose and will that His people work in unity to promote and build His kingdom.

the-unity-of-believers.pdf

Just before His passion Christ desired, because of the difficult days ahead, that His "joy might remain" in the disciples, and their "joy might be full."

Christ’s desire might have seemed a little strange and somewhat out of place con- sidering the grief, loneliness, and torment that lay ahead for the disciples. Notwithstanding, Christ knew true joy, in the midst of dark days and circumstances, only comes from Him and Him alone.

the-joy-of-christ.pdf

This instruction is most evident when Jesus tells not only His disciples but the saints of today, “but seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (St. Matthew 6:33).

first-things-first.pdf

All too often, when trouble or dis- appointment surfaces, there is a tendency to look to others for help. The thought process is “if I could just sit down and talk with someone I would be alright.” Surely, there is nothing wrong with seeking the help of others to ventilate or release. Sadly, a dependency is built on others and that “someone” may not be available.

What do you do when you can’t reach out and “touch someone?” It is at this critical time of loneliness and isolation that strength must be derived from within to face the adversity and move on.

inward-strength.pdf

Unfortunately we are living in a time that Christianity is being compromised and diluted. Ideas, strategies, and practices of the world are being instituted and accepted as the norm into the service of the Lord. In many cases it’s difficult to distinguish the church from an event in the secular arena. When this state of affair prevails, only a mere facsimile exist of what and how God mandated and intended for mankind to glorify Him. The scriptures best describe this prevailing condition as “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5).

holiness-unto-the-lord.pdf

James writes a practical gospel that, if followed, will produce desired results. Not to be misunderstood, faith is not the grounds of salvation, but rather a test of genuine Christianity. The works (actions) of the believer proves whether the gospel is truly believed.

Faith is a necessary component to salvation. Paul stresses that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). No amount of emotional ritual can move an Almighty God, only faith. In fact, when the glory of God descends in the midst of the saints, He is searching for faith (St. Luke 18:8).

faith-without-works-is-dead.pdf

What are our motives for working in the church or in ministry? Is it to be seen or to hear the praise of others? According to Apostle Paul, the only reason for our sacrifice of time and talent is the constraining love of Christ. If our work or service is done for any other reason, it is done in vain.

the-constraining-love-of-christ.pdf