Faith

I have never liked subscriptions. It seems like everyone wants to sell you on a subscription. Streaming services are the thing that comes into mind. But, there are others: Audible for audiobook, Kindle unlimited for ebooks, magazine subscriptions, newspapers, online services. Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, the list goes on and on. They would all like for you to pay that monthly fee to keep that streaming product coming. I have a couple of problems with that whole idea. ...

I have been using the YouVersion Bible application on my phone and tablet for quite a while now. It has proved very helpful for reading the Bible, following scripture references and church, and keeping up with daily reading goals by using the “plans” feature. The application is available on Google Play and the Apple Store; Just search for “YouVersion Bible App” to find it. If you use the YouVersion Bible application on your phone or tablet AND have a voice device (Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa) you can also access YouVersion Bible audio features. ...

When we talk about worshiping God and praising the Lord, many Christians think about the moment they sing worship songs during church services on a Sunday morning. However, there is much more to the act of worship than that. Worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth In a well-known episode from the New Testament, Jesus told the Samaritan woman what the Father is seeking in His true worshipers (John 4:23). That message of Christ taught us that worship is no longer about following outward rituals that may hide a non-committed participant, as it was in the Old Testament days. Our worship must be a truthful expression that connects us to the Father on a deep spiritual level. ...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:6 - NKJV “Be anxious for nothing”. The Lord is letting us know that He has dominion over worry and anxiety. 1 Peter 5:7 - KJV Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. We try so hard to be in control of everything. But, how about giving God a chance to be in control? ...

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalms 147:5 - KJV We want to see the big picture. If we know the big picture, it helps to sort out the nitty-gritty details. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always allow us to see the big picture and we become bogged down in the weeds. The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know. But, oh what a picture our Lord must see. His understanding is infinite. The word we use to describe God is “omniscient”, meaning “all knowing”. Today is a good day to put our trust in Him, because He understands it all even when we are confused. ...

[!Bible]- Psalms 107:1 - KJV O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. I once sat on a jury where a man had done a horrible thing. During the trial, his attorneys admitted his wrong. He was guilty. The whole purpose of his defense was to try and get a lesser sentence for his deed. The court functioned as it was intended. It dispensed justice that day, he received a harsh sentence for his deeds. There was no mercy in man’s court, only justice. ...

[!Bible]- Psalms 100:4 - KJV Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Have you ever gone through a dry time in your spiritual walk, only to come into church, sit down and as the singing begins, feel the loving warmth of God’s spirit surrounding you? God is saying, “Welcome home, I’ve been waiting for you.” There is nothing quite like being in His presence. No matter how far you roam, our loving Father is watching for you. Won’t you enter into His presence today? ...

[!Bible]- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - KJV In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do you ever think, “I’m stuck, I don’t know what to pray”? If that’s the case, start by offering prayers of thanksgiving. The scripture doesn’t say, in every good thing give thanks. It says in every thing give thanks. Sometimes it’s hard to thank Him for the trials and the difficult times in life. But, you will find that the greatest blessings grow from praising Him through the toughest times. ...

Wanted to share a few free resources for Bible reading. These include desktop, mobile, and internet resources. Hope you will find something that will resonate with you here.

One way to look at information is that there is a progression from data to wisdom. Because we use many of these terms interchangeably, it didn’t occur to me that this can be viewed as a hierarchy like rungs on a ladder. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. - James 1:5 ...