What is in your heart? One writer reported that we ought to "keep our hearts with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life" (1). What does the ebb and flow of content that moves in and out of your heart look like? What issues - chronic and acute - have you … Continue reading The Content of Your Heart Can Develop or Destroy.
Author: The Bell Reader
Christian Thinker, Thinking About How We Human.
Christ: Genie in a Bottle, Slot Machine, or Savior?
There are many that have faith in Jesus. There are many that believe in Jesus across the globe - many tongues, many nations, and many cultures. There are people that believe in Jesus beyond political systems, ethnicity, cultures, and financial status. What are they believing Him for? Western thought is intensely intertwined and mingled with … Continue reading Christ: Genie in a Bottle, Slot Machine, or Savior?
The Sidelines
There are moments in this walk with God where a believer does not “feel” His presence. There are moments where the glory of God seems painfully far away. The devotions, church attendance, worship, praise, prayers, and all the things that one does to “feel” near to God seems to no longer work like they once … Continue reading The Sidelines
Man’s Mechanical Worship
We do not know how to be still. We do not know how to be still in thought. We do not need to be still in heart. We do not know how to be still in deed. The biofeedback loop between man and machine, man and devices, and man and mechanisms are perpetual, and non-stop. … Continue reading Man’s Mechanical Worship
It’s Humanity. Not Drugs.
As I look at the numbers for increased opioid addiction and its alternatives, I do not see a drug problem. I see a self-medicating problem. Similar to many other substance abuses, this is an escape from reality, a numbing from internal noise, and a running as fast as one can in place but needing something … Continue reading It’s Humanity. Not Drugs.
Process of growth. Going through the “through”.
The wheat and the tares have to grow together (1). They have to grow side-by-side until harvest. Our lives will produce moments of harvest and it will produce unprofitable, unwanted, and unfit desires, habits, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. While we may want to, we cannot abruptly rip out all that is unworthy and hated. We … Continue reading Process of growth. Going through the “through”.
Ruled Nation. Failed Home.
David ruled a nation but failed to care for his home. His daughter was raped. His son was murdered. The murderous son tried to overthrow David. And this was all between three of his children in his own home. Service to THE HOUSE (THE CHURCH) does not excuse negligence in your house. Absalom was the … Continue reading Ruled Nation. Failed Home.
Good Shepherd. Green Pastures. Still Waters.
What we must remember and know is the old Sunday School speech and passage of scripture many across the world have learned. The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. It can be difficult to see green pastures and … Continue reading Good Shepherd. Green Pastures. Still Waters.
Live wisely. Make the Most of Opportunity.
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone (1).The Christian has difficulty living out their faith in a way that maintains the integrity of The Faith, the integrity of the person, … Continue reading Live wisely. Make the Most of Opportunity.
Functioning as if gifts and abilities will cover untamed passions.
Sampson functioned as if his gifts and abilities would cover his untamed passions. Yet, his untamed passions limited him to successful moments verses a successful life. Live for the life, not the moment (1). Sampson was dedicated to the service of the Lord from his birth and this dedication came with gifts and responsibilities. All … Continue reading Functioning as if gifts and abilities will cover untamed passions.
The Bell Reader 