… God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another.  –Psalm 75:7 NKJV Eggshells and scrambled eggs are a horrible combination. While making breakfast, I cracked three eggs and poured their contents into the frying pan. As I tossed the final eggshell in the trash, an interesting thought struck me. Before cracking the shell and spilling the actual …

Which would you rather have — someone who stole your heart or someone who won your heart? Of course, we are smitten with the romantic notion of someone sweeping us off our feet, of stealing our hearts away, of making us swoon uncontrollably. But isn’t that a bit unrealistic, careless, irresponsible and indecisive? A smarter option would be to have …

Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17) Most often, separation doesn’t feel good. We get comfortable in our relationships, habits and preferences — sometimes even when they may be harmful, or at the very least, not beneficial. We often struggle with removing what’s detrimental to …

I recently read a fascinating book titled You Can Read Anyone by David J. Lieberman. It divulges some of the tactics used by government profilers to determine the behaviors and mindsets of people they interrogate. As we might presume, a person’s self-esteem plays a critical role in how he or she thinks, behaves and makes decisions. Although the book appears …

We previously looked at scriptural support for boundaries as well as the ultimate goal of reconciliation. Also, we defined what boundaries are and reviewed some reasons that may warrant them. Now let’s continue by answering “who” may require boundaries and “when” boundaries may be considered. WHO – INDENTIFYING THE BOUNDARY TARGET Would boundaries be appropriate for everyone during my personal quiet time? Should …

The word “boundary” immediately sounds restrictive and unfriendly. So why would Christians entertain such a cold possibility? Although boundaries are sometimes necessary, I suspect they are frequently and easily substituted for conflict resolution. On one hand, we need to restrict unsafe or undesirable elements from our lives. On the other, we may impose boundaries instead of addressing and resolving issues. …

Do you have an adulterous heart? Now, before shutting me down or brushing aside the question, please understand this isn’t aimed at your sexual morality or integrity. It is aimed at your heart. Reading the book of Jeremiah, I become aware of his keen insight into the human heart. Not the actual, physical, blood-pumping heart, but each person’s core desires. …

Almost everyone lives with some form of regret. In my youth, I considered trying out for a professional football team. Having the size and speed, I thought I could make it. But three weeks before training camp, a mature mentor whom I respect deeply had a father-son talk with me about my decision, and I changed my mind. Whether I …

There is a world of difference between peace with God and the peace of God. When a person accepts Christ as Lord and personal Savior, he establishes peace with God. As a result of salvation, God’s anger toward sin is appeased through Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and peace with God is established (Romans 5:1). As a regenerated, reconciled child of God, …

In Matthew 12:35-47, Jesus encouraged living in a state of watchfulness for His return. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. A wise follower of Jesus will live his or her life in such a manner that at no time will the Lord’s return catch them in an embarrassing, compromising or even …