Let me share two quotes with you.The first is by C.S. Lewis who famously wrote: “There is no neutral ground in the universe: every square inch is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.”*I used to think that statement was a bit extreme, but not any more. The more I understand the Bible, the more … Continue reading Evil wants to confuse you
discernment
Angels and demons on our shoulders?
You sometimes see artwork where a person has an angel over one shoulder and a demon over the other. Sometimes they are shown to be whispering into the person’s ear. Regardless of whether the artist thinks these good and evil spirits are literally on someone’s shoulder, the idea is clear—that there are good and bad … Continue reading Angels and demons on our shoulders?
You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
The apostle John walked and talked with Jesus, the one who said he was the very light of the world (John 8:12). In 1 John 1:5 he shared this insight of clarity and power: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As his people we are to “walk in the light, as … Continue reading You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness
Evicting dark thoughts
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).Nectarios Trevino is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He was as a squadron commander and also worked in intelligence. He served on General Schwarzkopf’s staff during the Gulf War. After Trevino … Continue reading Evicting dark thoughts
Neutralized from outside sources
“They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God” (Exodus 19:2-3).The mountain in question is Mount Sinai. It’s where God gave the 10 Commandments to the people through Moses. The traditional location of the … Continue reading Neutralized from outside sources
How do we know what is or isn’t true online?
Several years ago I was invited to give a talk to some high school students at a church in Toronto. During a question and answer time at the end one of them asked me this question: How do we know what is or isn’t true online?Wow, what a question! In short, it’s becoming increasingly difficult … Continue reading How do we know what is or isn’t true online?
When God speaks through other people
Some people hear directly from God. It happened in the Bible (with people like Saul, for example). And it sometimes happens today. But more often than not, we need to discern God’s will in our lives without the benefit of an audible voice from above. Primarily, he speaks to us through the Bible. It is … Continue reading When God speaks through other people
You need to sift
People don’t write letters as much as they used to. They tend to text, call, email or video chat. But letters are still written and received. At the close of a letter, it is common to give an important summary statement—perhaps something like, ‘May God bless you,’ or ‘I’m always thinking about you,’ or ‘Be … Continue reading You need to sift
Time with God, in tune with God
Mixed-up thinking results in mixed-up living. Really? Yes. Here’s why. Pretend Scenario #1: Let’s say you think that God is apathetic toward his world and his people. You think there’s a Bible verse somewhere which says: “God is apathetic.” As a result, you adopt a posture of apathy toward the world and other people. Since … Continue reading Time with God, in tune with God
Though it be but words
“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me…” (Psalm 43:3, ESV). Anthony lived in the fourth century. He has had a massive influence on Christians. He fasted, prayed, shunned wealth and praise, memorized Scripture, and lived a life of focused simplicity. Even though he would go into the desert to be alone, … Continue reading Though it be but words
