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# Living Life Successfully

A devotional approach to real life

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## Posts

- [Can your prayers affect nations?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-your-prayers-affect-nations/) - And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O
- [What we know](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-we-know/) - Absolute certainty only comes through Jesus Christ. I am not writing about scientific certainty because science is not certain. We hear the phrase "settled science" to try and bolster the certainty of some supposedly scientific fact. This seemed to be ubiquitous during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that this phrase was being used should have alerted us to the fact that we were being gaslighted since there is no such thing as settled science. Scientists are always looking for fresh insight and further understanding. If science were settled, we would not have some of our present knowledge that took us beyond what used to be believed as fact.
- [The hard facts of the gracious gospel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-hard-facts-of-the-gracious-gospel/) - The good news of Jesus Christ is historical fact. Some who suppress the truth want to believe that Jesus was not a historical figure but is merely a myth. That position cannot hold up under honest scrutiny of the record. Jesus' life, miracles, teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension are all attested to by many people who witnessed it all.
- [The anatomy of love](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-anatomy-of-love/) - Sometimes, the Bible is difficult to understand because the language used in our translation, while correct, isn't how we talk normally. Today, I will suggest a change of one word that, I believe, will help our understanding of what John is saying in our text. I want to exchange the word "for" for the word "because" in verses three and four.
- [Love overcomes the fear of judgment](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-overcomes-the-fear-of-judgment/) - Staying in a nice 3 or 4 star hotel while traveling is nice, but its not home. Even a short trip of a week or ten days leaves one longing for home. When we finally arrive home at the end of said trip, we experience a comfort not known on the road. Everything is familiar and in its place. All my clothes are in the closet and bureau. My toothbrush is where it belongs. I get to sit in my favorite chair to read or watch TV by the fireplace. It is my home. Everything is comfortable. It is good to be home in my own abode. I abide in my abode.
- [God's love is a communal thing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gods-love-is-a-communal-thing/) - Christians who do not participate in the life of a local congregation of believers, be it a traditional church style or a house church, cannot experience the love of God as God intended it to be experienced. The commandment here is to love one another, which is a communal exercise. You can't love one another all by yourself unless, of course, you are an extreme narcissist, and the world revolves around you. ( I trust you catch my sarcasm).
- [Test the Spirits](https://www.charleslstanley.com/test-the-spirits/) - The spirit of the antichrist is here and now, not to be reserved for the "last days." John clarifies that the spirit of antichrist is something we have to deal with now in the present tense. It will continue to be a problem until "that day" when all evil will be judged and done away with, never to enter the New Heaven and New Earth.
- [Are we  people lovers or man slayers?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-we-people-lovers-or-man-slayers/) - The message of God and the mission of God extend from Genesis through the Revelation of John. The message is not understood if we decouple the Old Testament from the New Testament. In today's passage, John refers to the message his audience has heard from the beginning. Some commentators understand this beginning to refer to when they first heard the gospel. However, I believe the beginning is in Genesis due to the context referring immediately to the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, the first story following the ouster of Adam and Eve from the garden in Genesis three. The message is to love one another and not be like Cain. The message to love was not explicit but implicit because immediately after the murder, God communicated with Cain and cursed the ground in relation to Cain, who was a farmer.
- [Is antichrist here already? Or is he yet to come?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-antichrist-here-already-or-is-he-yet-to-come/) - John exhorts us not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits. Paul also warns about what spirit motivates certain teachers when he writes, "...some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons..." These same exhortations or warnings are necessary today. These same spirits are well and active in the world today. These spirits are not discerned broadly today because our culture has bought into the enlightenment mentality that all is material. There are no spirits, including God.
- [The overcoming power of abiding](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-overcoming-power-of-abiding/) - Everyone who practices casually and brazenly sinning not only practices sin but is also practicing lawlessness. Lawlessness (Greek anomia) refers to a more heinous and diabolical level of sin than we might think of as ordinary daily infractions against the Lord, which John has already addressed.
- [How you too can be like the Apostle Paul](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-you-too-can-be-like-the-apostle-paul/) - The formula for making disciples is simple: pray, hang out with people and love them and bring Jesus into the relationship. Essentially, that's it. The key is to be intentional about it.
- [How to resolve your doubts.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-resolve-your-doubts/) - Every Christian believer, especially those young in the faith, has times of doubt, especially those John has already called "little children." As one grows up from being a "little child" to a "young man" and then to a "Father," those times of doubt naturally fade.
- [How glorious shall we be?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-glorious-shall-we-be/) - God’s great and glorious love produces results in us that can only really be seen or understood by divine revelation. We’ll do a little word study today. The Greek word (potapos) translated here as “what kind” is also translated as “how great” and “glorious" according to Bauer, Arndt, & Gingrich’s A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament. So, the Father’s love is of a particular kind, is a great love, and I believe the context warrants the adjective a glorious love.
- [Is the antichrist now or not yet?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-the-antichrist-now-or-not-yet/) - Many antichrists have come and provided proof that we live in the last hour. I regularly hear people referring to the Hamas/Israel war and state that they believe this is a sign that we are living in the last days. This may be true, but we lose track of the absolute statement by John that he and his friends were already living in the last hour. The last hour indicates that there won’t be another one. The last days or last hour is not something we are looking forward to; we are living in the last hour just as John and his disciples were.
- [To love and to love not](https://www.charleslstanley.com/to-love-and-to-love-not/) - "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" sounds like a big contradiction with "God so loved the world that he gave his only son."
- [Children, young men, and fathers in Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/children-young-men-and-fathers-in-christ/) - Regardless of how long one has been a believer in Jesus, there is always more to know, to grow, and to mature in intimacy with God.
- [Would you rather have a pot of gold or a gold mine?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/would-you-rather-have-a-pot-of-gold-or-a-gold-mine/) - Would you rather have a pot of gold or a gold mine? Would you rather have a pot of silver or a silver mine? Gold and silver that is already refined are easier to use, but when it is used up or spent, you are done. A gold or silver mine requires lots of work to extract the metal and then refine it, but assuming it is a rich mine, it won't run out and be done after the first pot of gold or silver. It will continue producing wealth for the mine owner willing to work the mine. This is like the proverb, give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and he can feed himself forever. Is it better for someone to give you a fish or to teach you to fish?
- [Love in the light](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-in-the-light/) - One can only walk in love if one walks in the light. Somehow, our culture has determined that truth and love are like oil and water; they don’t mix. Truth is seen as harsh and condemning, whereas love is soft and cuddly, and nonjudgmental. In this passage, John shows the fallacy of such reasoning.
- [Why you can have confidence in prayer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-you-can-have-confidence-in-prayer/) - He does not change in regard to his promises. The fact that he does not change, eternally, gives us great confidence in prayer.
- [Light banishes darkness...always](https://www.charleslstanley.com/light-banishes-darkness-always/) - “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” is the foundational truth of the letter of 1 John. All of the other statements in 1 John can be seen to have their foundation in this fundamental statement of the nature of God. In fact, one might apply this to all of Scripture since all creation is designed to bring glory to God.
- [So that our joy may be complete](https://www.charleslstanley.com/so-that-our-joy-may-be-complete/) - Some people think Jesus Christ is a myth, along with his teachings and miracles. Maybe this describes you. The Apostle John was addressing a similar understanding with the gnostics of his time in Ephesus. They had a problem with the concept that Jesus was both fully man and fully God at the same time.
- [Destruction by the real global warming](https://www.charleslstanley.com/destruction-by-the-real-global-warming/) - All the universe will be set on fire and dissolved and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn. That is the end result of the real global warming, not this current minor warming that many claim is the fault of human activity.
- [Paul's contribution to Christian Nationalism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/pauls-contribution-to-christian-nationalism/) - We lived in a different culture when I was a child in the 1940s and 1950s. The culture of my childhood was shattered by the 1960s sexual revolution and its godless worldview. At the time, I didn't realize just how revolutionary it was. By today, in the 2020s decade, it is like the world of my childhood has been totally turned upside down.
- [A prayer for deliverance from wicked and evil men](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-prayer-for-deliverance-from-wicked-and-evil-men/) - Does it make sense to accept a mission assignment that promises lots of pain with the hope of significant success in the mission? When the Lord called the Apostle Paul, he was informed of the suffering he would endure.
- [May your hearts be comforted](https://www.charleslstanley.com/may-your-hearts-be-comforted/) - May your hearts be comforted and established in every good work and word. Why did Paull write this second chapter of Second Thessalonians? He gives us the answer in verse 17; "...comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word." Put in my terms, he wants to bring comfort to the hearts of people who have been upset by misunderstanding regarding the second coming of Jesus. That comfort provides the environment for their hearts to be established in every good work and word. The good work refers to how we live out our faith in Jesus, and the good word refers to sound doctrine. Paul wants his disciples to live fully balanced lives with good doctrine and a lifestyle that reflects that doctrine.
- [Justice is guaranteed](https://www.charleslstanley.com/justice-is-guaranteed/) - God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you (followers of Jesus) and to grant relief to you (followers of Jesus) who are afflicted. When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, he will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God.
- [Courageous or cowardly](https://www.charleslstanley.com/courageous-or-cowardly/) - Courage has always been required for one to follow Jesus faithfully. How much courage has depended, and does depend, on when and where one follows Jesus. There have been seasons in American history when it didn't take much courage to follow Jesus because that was the mainstream way to live. Early in the life of the nascent church, it took enough courage to follow Jesus to give your physical life to be faithful to him. All of the Apostles, save one, were martyred. Only John the beloved was allowed to live out his full years and die a natural death,
- [Sometimes the small miscellaneous statements are the most profound.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/sometimes-the-small-miscellaneous-statements-are-the-most-profound/) - It has been my experience that in most cases, when people look seriously at Scripture, those final words of greeting or salutation at the end of a letter are overlooked as just personal comments without much value for us all. Preachers will often dismiss these sections since they don't usually contain any meaningful doctrinal statements. But this section today has so much powerful material in small packages I want to go through and comment on them phrase by phrase.
- [The Day of the Lord orders the world aright](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-day-of-the-lord-orders-the-world-aright/) - Tornado damage to a community is a natural analog to the nature of our whole world. It is broken, shattered, and in disarray. Everyone understands that our world is broken. That is why we work so hard to fix it. Whether we are talking about the natural world and natural disasters or whether we are talking about societal disasters like political corruption, commercial corruption, or family destruction, it is broken.
- [The second coming will be loud and proud](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-second-coming-will-be-loud-and-proud/) - The second coming of Christ will not be like his first coming, both in character and purpose. The first coming of Christ was essentially an infiltration of humanity. There was no big noise for the whole world to hear or other demonstration that God had taken on flesh. Jesus just snuck into the human experience, being born as a human baby. There were some supernatural accompaniments. The angels announce his birth to the shepherds. The star the Maji followed, and the voice of God to the Maji. All in all, the Savior's birth was a pretty quiet affair.
- [Love has a purpose. Know what it is?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-has-a-purpose-know-what-it-is/) - Ask any Christian what holiness means, and you may get a range of answers. If you ask a conservative Presbyterian (like a PCA or Orthodox Presbyterian), you will get one answer. Ask a liberal or progressive Presbyterian, like Presbyterian USA, and you will get a quite different Presbyterian answer. Ask an Assembly of God (AoG) member, and you will probably get a quite different answer. Ask a Nazarene and you will probably get an answer much like the AoG Christian (because their roots come from the same holiness movement). If you ask a few Southern Baptists and you will get the full range of answers since the Southern Baptists aren't quite as homogenous as the other denominations. So, that leaves us with a question with no singular answer.
- [When a promise becomes a warning to the church in the West.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-a-promise-becomes-a-warning-to-the-church-in-the-west/) - When Paul discipled the new believers in Thessalonica (present-day Thessaloniki, Greece) he made it clear that they would face persecution and affliction because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and his Kingdom. Jesus made this a promise of sorts.
- [Hold fast to what is good](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hold-fast-to-what-is-good/) - For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have
- [God's word to "Gay Christians"](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gods-word-to-gay-christians/) - Have there been "gay Christians" in the history of the church? Or is this strictly a 21st-century thing? History shows us that homosexuality is not new (go all the way back to Sodom and Gomorrah and Leviticus 18 as evidence), and homosexual people have been coming to faith for a long time. So, I would say the issue of "gay Christianity" is not a new phenomenon. The question is, how does the Scripture deal with "gay Christianity"
- [The church of Acts, primitive or prototypical?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-church-of-acts-primitive-or-prototypical/) - Miracles, signs and wonders, and healings were a consistent part of the proclamation of the gospel by the early church in the book of Acts. No one who reads the Bible seriously as the very word of God understands it otherwise. How we read the book of Acts will determine what we expect in the life of the church today. Is it the story of the primitive church, or is it the story of the prototypical church?
- [If someone knows you completely, will they love you?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/if-someone-knows-you-completely-will-they-love-you/) - God knows everything there is to know about you, your secrets, your past and even your future and he loves you with his steadfast love.
- [Hope, inheritance and power](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hope-inheritance-and-power/) - Being filled with the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him is not a one-time event and now I've got it. This is a lifelong relationship with the Holy Spirit. That is why I say this is an ongoing answer to our prayer.
- [What a difference the Holy Spirit makes.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-a-difference-the-holy-spirit-makes/) - I want to encourage any readers who find their emotional life with God lacking. I'm not writing that everyone should be "falling under the power,' or dancing through the congregation every service. I am saying; you should have an emotional connection to Jesus Christ that is apparent to you and on occasion to others.
- [Hope, inheritance and power](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hope-inheritance-and-power-3/) - Paul's prayer is for experiential knowledge, the enlightening of your heart, not just your brain. Good academics, sound doctrine, is very good. I get thrilled with academically sound doctrine. But, sound doctrine, even with a little questionable academics, that has been seared into your heart by the Holy Spirit's spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him is far better. It is truth that has been made powerfully alive in you as a result of this encounter with the Holy Spirit that Paul is praying for the Ephesians, and we should pray for ourselves.
- [Hope, inheritance and power](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hope-inheritance-and-power-2/) - Most of the time when the Scriptures speak of inheritance they are referring to what we humans inherit from our families and our work. In these cases, we are the inheritors. However, in our passage in Ephesians, Jesus is the inheritor, and it states that his inheritance is a glorious inheritance.
- [Worship is not a money making proposition](https://www.charleslstanley.com/worship-is-not-a-money-making-proposition/) - Ministers are teaching both valid Biblical principles and some perversions of Scripture and doing it for personal profit. I think Jesus is angry.
- [How to pray for your enemies.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-pray-for-your-enemies/) - Jesus commands us to love our enemies. The Old Testament tells us that the greatest commandment is that we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and might 1 and our neighbor as ourselves. Sometimes our neighbor is an enemy. At first blush, the prayer of Psalm 7 appears to violate these commands to love our neighbors, including those who are our enemies.
- [Should Christians honor a person's preferred pronouns?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/should-christians-honor-a-persons-preferred-pronouns/) - The concepts of gender fluidity, trans-genderism, preferred pronouns, gender dysphoria, and other departures from nature have mushroomed in the last decade or so. I recently read that as much as 10% of the population is caught up in these delusions. I have my doubts about the statistics. The advancement of this agenda has become ubiquitous in the US Government and corporate policy. People lose their jobs if they don't toe the line and participate in these delusions. This organized agenda is being forced upon the US population and other countries.
- [What to do when you're feeling spiritually weak.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-to-do-when-youre-feeling-spiritually-weak/) - 8583958694
- [Jesus: the skull-crushing seed of Abraham](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-the-skull-crushing-seed-of-abraham/) - The single key Bible verse that sets the theme of the Scriptures is Genesis 3:15. The entirety of the Bible is working out this theme in history. It is the historic battle between the seed of Satan and the seed of the woman. This passage is known among theologians as the protoevangelium, the first promise in Scripture of a Savior and the defeat of our enemy, Satan or the Serpent.
- [How do you think God feels about you?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-do-you-think-god-feels-about-you/) - Do you know how God feels about you? Do you have the feeling that maybe he isn't so pleased with you? Like, maybe he is mad at you and probably everybody else, too? Or, do you, perhaps, have the thought that God is giddy happy over you? Like the teenager who is in the midst of their "first love?"
- [A better covenant built on better promises and a better Priest](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-better-covenant-built-on-better-promises-2/) - The New Covenant provides total and permanent forgiveness of sins through one sacrifice and one Priest. He lives today and makes intercession for us as you read this post.
- [Are you sure you are qualified?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-sure-you-are-qualified/) - Recently I heard the story of my granddaughter, who is studying to become a Physician's Assistant (PA). She has completed the academic portion of her studies and is now in the practical part of her training (the white coat training). One of the "exercises" she had to complete involved holding a beating human heart in her hands. The "patient" had been pronounced brain dead, but the body kept functioning with the aid of machines. I don't know how to describe how I felt when I heard that story, but I am glad she will have the experience to qualify her as a Physician's Assistant.
- [How to battle spiritual desparation.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-battle-spiritual-desparation/) - I think I am safe in saying that anyone who walks with the Lord for any length of time has experienced some period of spiritual separation. It is not abnormal.
- [Freedom through resistance.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/freedom-through-resistance/) - God's original design for every human being was to live in freedom. In the garden of Eden, there was only one stated prohibition; don't eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
- [The mystery of the God Man](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-mystery-of-the-god-man/) - Jesus Christ was fully God and fully man in one person, and will be so forever
- [Regardless of our political perspective, what do we all want?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/regardless-of-our-political-perspective-what-do-we-all-want/) - Whether I am politically a radical left-wing progressive, a centrist, a radical right-winger, or anything in between, what I really want and what my political philosophy is trying to achieve is a good government that will provide the best for me and the society to which I belong. I believe we all want the same outcome of peace and prosperity, all people loving and treating one another accordingly. That would solve the problems of humanity at a certain level. We would have no homelessness, no poverty, and no starvation. Couldn’t we all say Amen to a government like that? Don’t we all want those kinds of results?
- [Is same-sex attraction unchangeable?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-same-sex-attraction-unchangeable/) - In the two thousand years of Christian history, there has never been a question regarding the morality of same-sex attraction (SSA) and homosexual conduct until the twenty-first century. The church has always understood that such feelings and actions are outside the realm of righteous behavior. Same-sex attraction and homosexual conduct have always been identified as sinful.
- [How to speak to non-believers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-speak-to-non-believers/) - All Christians are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). Being a disciple-maker requires speaking to folks who are not disciples of Jesus. For many reasons, many Christians (probably most) are intimidated to talk with others about Jesus. The gospel is the story of what Jesus has done for us; therefore, words are required. We have to talk to them.
- [How to identify false prophets and teachers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-identify-false-prophets-and-teachers/) - False teachers and prophets not only teach false doctrine but they are also characterized by sexual lust and greed. Sometimes the false teaching is more difficult to detect by the theologically untrained than are the characteristics of lust and greed.
- [The proper use of money does buy friends](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-proper-use-of-money-does-buy-friends/) - The proper use of money will buy friends for the long haul, that is, forever. Every day, in the business and political worlds, people use money to buy friends. Maybe it would be better stated as favor rather than friends.
- [We have a missionary God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/we-have-a-missionary-god/) - God's heart is that of a missionary. His plan from the beginning has been to redeem people from every nation, tribe, people, and language. (Revelation 7:9) It is not without significance that God's missionary heart was revealed at the dedication of Solomon's temple. Our quoted Scripture above is part of Solomon's dedication prayer in which he addresses the foreigner, the non-Israelite or Gentile.
- [What does "holy" look like?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-does-holy-look-like/) - As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with
- [Is it the job of professional Christians to proclaim the gospel?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-it-the-job-of-professional-christians-to-proclaim-the-gospel/) - At first blush, it may appear that in two years, the Apostle Paul preached to every resident of Asia (approximately the current Turkey). The population at that time is estimated to be between 8 and 15 million people. Take the low estimate. Is it realistic to assume that Paul was able to take the Word of the Lord to every one of those 8 million residents personally in the two years? That doesn't seem to me to be realistic.
- [Christmas is about the zeal of the Lord of hosts](https://www.charleslstanley.com/christmas-is-about-the-zeal-of-the-lord-of-hosts/) - Christmas is about the zeal of the Lord of hosts accomplishing his eternally determined ends for his creation. "Unto us a son is given" is a line popularized by Handel in his famous musical work, Messiah. Our common vision of Christmas involves snow, Christmas carols, a tree with presents under it, and a fire in the fireplace with the family drinking hot chocolate with a small nativity scene under or alongside that tree. It generates a warm fuzzy feeling like a Currier and Ives painting.
- [When truth is truth](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-truth-is-truth/) - If you are to live through a major earthquake or tornado, or hurricane, you'd better be anchored to a solid foundation of some sort.
- [How to overcome a divided heart](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-overcome-a-divided-heart/) - Every Christian has a problem, the same problem, we are torn between the love we have for the Lord and the love we have for this world. The world is this system of life in which we live. It is the water we swim in like the goldfish. Everything around us is water, and it seems to be normal and just the way things are. But then, we become a Christian and realize that this world is upside down. The way of the Lord is frequently the exact opposite of how life is lived in this world system.
- [What more could you want than joy and gladness forever?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-more-could-you-want-than-joy-and-gladness-forever/) - Psalm 90 is a prayer of Moses in which he acknowledges God for who he is and complains that the Lord disciplines Israel. He pleads for the favor of God. In the middle of this prayer is a glistening jewel to be mined for our personal and familial wealth. It is the prayer request in verse fourteen, quoted above. I want to break down this powerful one-sentence prayer and open up some of the riches in this single sentence.
- [Bless the Lord](https://www.charleslstanley.com/bless-the-lord/) - It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior (Hebrews 7:7). It is natural that we should be blessed by God who is the ultimate superior one. He is also the ultimately blessed one. He is the embodiment of blessedness.
- [The amazing power of best-friendship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-amazing-power-of-best-friendship/) - It seems to be part of the universal human experience that we go through times when our life is mundane, dry, unfruitful, unfulfilling, and feels like a waste. I know I have times like that. I also know that most, if not all, of those time periods of dryness, are my own fault. There is a formula, if you will, for living a life that is fruitful, joyful, extraordinary, and fulfilling, an exhilarating life that we all want to live.
- [Maintaining sanity in the midst of insanity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/maintaining-sanity-in-the-midst-of-insanity/) - We humans cannot live a life of sanity if we are untethered from anything solid and unchangeable. Imagine if you weren't confident that tomorrow morning the sun would rise. What if gravity didn't exist? What if 2 plus 2 didn't equal 4? It would not be possible to live lives of sanity. We live in a time of insanity, but there is a way of maintaining sanity amid insanity.
- [Have you noticed the nexus of judgment and joy?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/have-you-noticed-the-nexus-of-judgement-and-joy/) - The good news of the gospel is greater and more joyous than we often realize. As wonderful as personal salvation is, if that is all we see, we limit the work of Christ and the breadth of the joy he brings to his creation.
- [How to produce disorder and every vile thing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-produce-disorder-and-every-vile-thing/) - Nobody wants to be a fool. We all want to be considered wise people. What isn't common sense is the understanding of what kind of wisdom we have. There is wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, and then there is wisdom that is from above.
- [Everybody wants the benefits of heaven!](https://www.charleslstanley.com/everybody-wants-the-benefits-of-heaven/) - I believe every human being wants what God has to offer in heaven. Everyone wants joy. Everyone wants peace. Everyone would like to be free of all mourning, crying, and pain.
- [Jesus is the same, so is his gospel.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-is-the-same-so-is-his-gospel/) - Because Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, is the same, that is, he is unchanging, the same is true of his gospel; "it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace."
- [Jeremiah's take on the New Covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jeremiahs-take-on-the-new-covenant/) - Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, 32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my
- [How do we deal with the impossible commands Jesus gives?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-do-we-deal-with-the-impossible-commands-jesus-gives/) - Jesus calls us, his followers, to a standard that is impossible to meet: "Love one another as I have loved you." Yeah, right! Anyone who thinks, "OK, I will do that," simply doesn't understand what Jesus just said. This is a call to a totally sinless love; an impossibility for we humans who daily fight against our sinful flesh. For some of us, it seems to be a bigger struggle than others, but we all have to deal with our sin. This includes all those sinful thoughts that we control and never turn into actions. They are still sin. Hard, I know, but that is what Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount.
- [Jesus Christ is The Prophet who changes us](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-christ-is-the-prophet-who-change-us/) - “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— ... I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And
- [Who else wants to be perfectly righteous?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/christ-the-priest-his-priestly-life-active-obedience-complete-obedience-to-the-law-of-god-2/) - Because Jesus lived a perfectly sinless life on our behalf and that sinless life is credited to us when we believe the gospel, we are counted as righteous by faith
- [Can our desires be sinful?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-our-desires-be-sinful/) - God made me this way. I can't help it. Ever since I went through puberty and the hormones got to raging, all I can do is chase skirts. How can I be held accountable for my behavior since God made me this way?
- [God's steadfast love determines the outcome of life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gods-steadfast-love-determines-the-outcome-of-life/) - Our worldview determines our relationship to reality. If we have a Biblical worldview, we will understand that God's steadfast love determines the outcome of our lives.
- [Parenting a foolish child.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/whats-a-parent-to-do-when-your-child-is-a-fool/) - Thoughts on parenting a foolish child. It is hard for a parent to acknowledge that they have a fool for a child.
- [Every human being has knowledge of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/every-human-being-has-knowledge-of-god/) - Every human being has knowledge of God (even if they claim to be atheist) because God has shown it to them. Unfortunately, some have chosen to suppress the truth of God and have exchanged it for the lie.
- [There is more to walking by faith than going to heaven](https://www.charleslstanley.com/there-is-more-to-walking-by-faith-than-going-to-heaven/) - There is a lot more to walking by faith than getting to heaven. For many Christians, believing the Biblical proposition that salvation is by faith alone through grace alone in Christ alone is the definition of walking by faith. That is a very feeble understanding of walking by faith. It is true as far as it goes, but it leaves the walk of faith without substance other than going to heaven when I die.
- [The victory of a humble warrior](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-victory-of-a-humble-warrior/) - For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, 30 engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and
- [The Kingdom of God is like…](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-kingdom-of-god-is-like/) - The Kingdom of God is not fair. That is one conclusion from the parable of the landowner. Fairness would dictate that people who worked harder and longer at the same task would be paid more than those who worked for a very short period of time. The landowner in this parable would be in big trouble with the local labor union.
- [The essential work of the unknown](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-essential-work-of-the-unknown/) - Have you made an essential contribution to the kingdom of God and never been recognized for it? When that happens, we could get upset about it or rejoice in our personal and private contribution to Jesus' plan. Does the fact that your contribution was unknown make it less important? Of course not. The Scriptures tell us that God has preordained good works for us to perform in this life. So, it is apparent that God knows about your good works, whatever they may be.
- [A few insights into the Kingdom of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-few-insights-into-the-kingdom-of-god/) - The people of God, the Jews, the physical descendants of Abraham, we looking forward to the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, they had a misapprehension of the Kingdom of God. But then, one day, the time arrived. What they had awaited showed up. His name was John, and he was baptizing repentant people who were longing for the Kingdom. The problem was that most of them were anticipating a military/political/spiritual deliverer. Instead, they got Jesus.
- [Lessons from the transfiguration](https://www.charleslstanley.com/lessons-from-the-transfiguration/) - You are having an exciting, passionate conversation with Jesus when suddenly you and Jesus are overshadowed by a bright cloud, almost blinding in its brilliance. On top of that, an all-important voice comes from the cloud and interrupts you mid-sentence. Would you think, "Boy, that was rude?" Or maybe you would think, "I guess I'd better shut my mouth and listen.?"
- [How to get the most out of life and death](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-life-and-death/) - To have your best life now, follow the pattern established by Jesus.
- [Justification, sanctification & aspiration](https://www.charleslstanley.com/justification-sanctification-aspiration/) - I don't know about you, but I want to be a person who has the privilege of sojourning in the Lord's tent and dwelling on his holy hill. These are metaphors for living and abiding in his glorious presence. To use New Testament language instead of the language of the Psalmist, I want to walk in the Spirit, filled with his Spirit, consciously aware of his presence and power at all times. It is to have a passionate love for God and to enjoy him always.
- [How to set yourself up to receive mercy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-set-yourself-up-to-receive-mercy/) - Mercy is refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, or persons in one's power. For the one who receives mercy, it is not getting what you deserve. Mercy is very different from grace. Grace is receiving something you don't deserve,
- [A Prayer to Grasp the Power of the Resurrection](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-prayer-to-grasp-the-power-of-the-resurrection/) - Do you want your prayers to make a huge difference? Do you know how to pray powerful faith-filled prayers? Where would you go to learn to do this? It makes sense to me to go to a pro, someone who has experience with powerful praying. Where do I sign-up for that kind of coaching? How much will it cost? Only the cost of having a Bible and then the cost of using it effectively.
- [Spiritual warfare is a corporate activity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/spiritual-warfare-is-a-corporate-activity/) - Spiritual warfare isn't something entered into by only a few elite spiritual special forces who can defeat the enemy in prayer. Spiritual warfare is a corporate activity that includes every believer, whether conscious of it or not.
- [What is the fruit of abiding in Christ?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-the-fruit-of-abiding-in-christ/) - We who follow Jesus are referred to as branches in a vine, presumably a grapevine, although the text doesn't specify this. Grapevines were common in Israel. Anybody who knows anything about producing fruit on vines or trees knows that it is healthy to prune the tree or vine periodically. Pruning keeps them healthier.
- [The basis for praying with extreme authority](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-basis-for-praying-with-extreme-authority/) - The most crucial phrase in the Bible is "in Christ." We don't inherit anything from God; Christ does. We become recipients of the inheritance only by being "in Christ."
- [How to pray for co-workers in the kingdom of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-pray-for-co-workers-in-the-kingdom-of-god/) - How can we pray effectively for our co-laborers in the Kingdom of God? Your Elders need to be supported with effective prayer so they can lead your church and give proper oversight according to the Scriptures. The missionaries you support also need an effective prayer team providing spiritual support in addition to any financial support you may provide to them. Homegroup leaders, outreach leaders, Sunday School teachers, deacons, and a host of other categories of co-laborers in the Kingdom need prayer support. Frankly, we are a all called to serve and be co-laborers in the Kingdom whether we hold a recognized office or ministry or not. Here is one effective approach that you can implement easily.
- [Faith: Do you grow it, or is it given?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/faith-do-you-grow-it-or-is-it-given/) - This whole episode with Jesus and his disciples is odd. What was the point of cursing an innocent fig tree and then talking about speaking to a mountain to be cast into the sea? None of this seems to make sense. There may be a few lessons some can derive from this event, but I see this as training about the nature of supernatural faith. I believe the mountain tossing thing was a metaphor for impossible tasks, and Jesus was telling us how to do impossible tasks.
- [Faithfulness: the secret to attaining your ultimate goal.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/faithfulness-the-secret-to-attaining-your-ultimate-goal/) - Faithfulness is one of the "perfections" of God, that is, he is perfectly faithful.
- [When being hardheaded is a good thing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-being-hardheaded-is-a-good-thing/) - During tough times like many are going through now with COVID and its attending disruptions to life, we often hear James 1:2 quoted as an antidote to our pain. The question we should ask when this advice is given is, "Why? Why should I count trials as points of joy?" When I get the answer, I am still scratching my head. What? Because the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Why is that such a good thing? There is an effect that comes from being steadfast, it produces in us maturity (perfect) and completion (complete in all respects, consummate - Thayer's Greek Lexicon), lacking nothing.
- [Is calling for obedience the same as legalism?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-calling-for-obedience-the-same-as-legalism/) - Obedience to what Jesus has commanded seems to be the missing ingredient in most Western churches. When obedience is emphasized, the teachers are criticized as teaching legalism. The Apostle Paul soundly condemns legalism in his letter to the Galatians.
- [Jesus approach to making disciples](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-approach-to-making-disciples/) - We know that to get the kind of results Jesus got, we must do the work the same way Jesus did. For anyone who has carefully studied how Jesus made disciples, it is evident that the vast bulk of the church is not following Jesus as a disciple-maker.
- [What if you met Jesus on the street today?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-if-you-met-jesus-on-the-street-today/) - Close your eyes (after you finish reading these instructions, of course), imagine you are walking down the sidewalk in your town, and someone comes around the corner in front of you. Somehow you intuitively know this is Jesus. What is his appearance like to you in your imagination?
- [Shall we live by truth, or be dominated by lies?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/shall-we-live-by-truth-or-be-dominated-by-lies/) - The truth is not relegated to religious discussions alone. It is of ultimate importance. Whether humans live in freedom or not depends on the truth. Right now, in the West, truth is a casualty. The powers that be have been doing their best to destroy the truth. Of course, the ultimate truth is Jesus, who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Jesus makes no room for deception, falsehood, and lies. If human beings are to continue to experience freedom from tyranny, then we all are required to speak the truth in the face of lies courageously.
- [How well are we doing during the pandemic?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-well-are-we-doing-during-the-pandemic/) - One purpose of a test is to find out if we pass or fail. Of course, there are other grades from A to F, not just pass or fail. For the pa
- [How Peter identified false prophets/teachers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-peter-identified-false-prophets-teachers/) - The Apostle Peter claims that the primary markers of false prophets or false teachers are greed and sensuality. He didn't focus on doctrinal purity when determining who is false, but their heart and conduct. Peter did briefly mention doctrinal purity in this passage when he referred to "false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them." Denying the Master can refer to several doctrinal heresies like those mentioned by John.
- [Pray and hang in there](https://www.charleslstanley.com/pray-and-hang-in-there/) - God, according to his timetable, gives justice to his people speedily. The unjust judge gave justice simply because he didn't want to be inconvenienced anymore by the crazy old widow who kept complaining to him and crying out for justice. He didn't give justice for noble reasons. This unjust judge did not fear God as the ultimate judge of the earth and the judge to whom this earthly judge would give account. He had no respect for humans since he did not fear God. Why should he respect people made in the image of God? (As a side note, why are we surprised when our fellow humans who do not fear God behave as if there is no God to whom they will give account? It is logical for depraved humans to act in a depraved manner.) The unjust judge dispensed justice for selfish reasons, to get peace and quiet from the widow.
- [Why did God give gifts?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-did-god-give-gifts/) - Part of the reason for the incarnation was for Jesus to reveal the Father. He told Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Luke opens his gospel with a statement of purpose. Theophilus could have certainty about the things he had been taught. In his second volume, the book of Acts, Luke refers to the thing Jesus began to do and teach and illustrates that through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Jesus will continue to minister to the world and his people through the church, his body.
- [The triune God gifts his people](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-triune-god-gifts-his-people/) - Our God is a God of variety. When he distributes his gifts, those gifts don't limit us to some confining box and restrict us from being who we are. In fact, when we understand our gifts from God and give ourselves to those gifts, we are "who we are" more than at any other time. We are living according to God's unique intended purpose for our individual lives.
- [Praying as Jesus commanded - part 2](https://www.charleslstanley.com/praying-as-jesus-commanded-part-2/) - We should absolutely expect our prayers to be answered if we are praying for things which Jesus has explicitly commanded us to pray. Obeying his commands to pray for specific items eliminates the question of whether or not I am praying in the will of God. Last week I wrote the first of two articles on praying as Jesus commanded. I wrote about the prayer for those who abuse or persecute us and the prayer for laborers for the harvest.
- [Praying as Jesus commanded - part one](https://www.charleslstanley.com/praying-as-jesus-commanded-part-one/) - Prayer is, for many Christians, too much of a mystery. Of course, part of the problem is that we don’t consult God’s word sufficiently when we face questions about prayer (and many other subjects). Probably the most common question about prayer is, “Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?” This article (and the one to follow it) won’t answer that question, but it will identify prayers that will be answered when we pray them regularly. They are the prayers that Jesus specifically commanded us to pray.
- [God's Promise: The long view work of the watchman](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gods-promise-the-long-view-work-of-the-watchman/) - There are some passages of Scripture that are difficult to understand if we don't have a solid "Biblical Theology." What's that? The term systematic theology is more common and refers to the systematic study of topics throughout the Bible. For example, we can look at the attributes of God. We look at what we learn of God from Genesis to Revelation and systematize those truths. It is in systematic theology that we see God's omnipotence, his omniscience, his omnipresence, etc.
- [How to live in chaotic times](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-live-in-chaotic-times/) - We always have a choice. We can either retreat into our place of safety (which is really not safe but puts off the inevitable). Or we can be servants of the kingdom of God and risk. In reality, the greater risk is to retreat. Retreat results in isolation, and none of us does well alone. We are social creatures, and as believers in Jesus, we are members of his body. Have you ever known of a severed hand prospering? How about an eye-ball removed from its socket? Does it see well? Severed body parts die. So, according to the analogy, members of the body of Christ that retreat are effectively severed from the body and die. I'm not saying that they lose their salvation and go to hell. I am saying they will shrivel up and be of no value to the kingdom of God.
- [We live in a kingdom labor shortage](https://www.charleslstanley.com/we-live-in-a-kingdom-labor-shortage/) - Researchers tell us the church in the West, and particularly in the United States, is in major decline, and the younger generations have written it off. Because of this, many church leaders have a "Woe is me" attitude toward the church's future. There is even a very depressing book titled "The Great Evangelical Recession" by John S. Dickerson. I've not read it yet, but I have read comments about it. Taken from the proper perspective, it can be helpful because it is always best to view the situation with facts and not just pie-in-the-sky hopes and positive attitudes.
- [How to be of the same mind even if you disagree](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-be-of-the-same-mind-even-if-you-disagree/) - Sometimes even profoundly dedicated Jesus-followers need help. That was the case with Euodia and Syntyche. They needed help to be able to "agree in the Lord." These ladies were not some wall-flowers in the background. They labored by Paul's side along with Clement and "the rest of my fellow workers."
- [My life and my prayer life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/my-life-and-my-prayer-life/) - How I live affects how I pray and the results of my prayers. That statement will probably get some pushback from some of my readers because we are so focused on the grace of God and a walk of faith that we get the idea that how I live doesn't affect my relationship with God. Sorry, but that paradigm is incorrect.
- [I would have mercy and not sacrifice. What?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/i-would-have-mercy-and-not-sacrifice-what/) - God desires that we have intimate knowledge of him and a faithful love toward him and others rather than religious activity on our part. Twice in the gospel of Matthew, Jesus quotes this passage from Hosea 6:6. Jesus' command to the Pharisees was, "Go and learn what this means," and then quotes Hosea 6:6a, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice" (Matthew 9:13 and 12:7). So, it makes sense to me that we should take the hint and make sure we also know what this means since Jesus was obviously not happy that these Pharisees did not comprehend its meaning.
- [To Trip and fall doesn't mean the journey is over](https://www.charleslstanley.com/to-trip-and-fall-doesnt-mean-the-journey-is-over/) - The great news is that if you walk along the path of life with the Lord and you trip and fall, you won't do a faceplant. Why not? Because the Lord, your Father, is holding your hand as you walk, and when you trip, he's got you. You might skin a knee a little and be embarrassed, but no faceplant. The Psalmist says it this way, "he shall not be cast headlong." In our vernacular, it is better understood as not doing a faceplant.
- [If you repeat the lies, you will eventually die.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/if-you-repeat-the-lies-you-will-eventually-die/) - Is the water boiling yet? Did the frog even ask the question? It is time we begin asking this question.
- [How to guarantee people will come to Jesus](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-guarantee-people-will-come-to-jesus/) - Isaiah prophesied, "And they will all be taught by God." Jesus picks up on this truth to instruct his disciples on what must occur for someone to come to Jesus. Jesus taught them that they could not do what was necessary to bring anyone to Jesus. It applies to us as well. We cannot do anything to make someone believe the gospel.
- [Are we being seduced by speculations?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-we-being-seduced-by-speculations/) - The Apostle Paul viewed controversy or speculation as very dangerous and not to be tolerated. There is a not-so-small contingent of the American church that is caught up in just this problem and has been for the past few years. All of what I am here concerned about is political in nature.
- [Perspective means everything](https://www.charleslstanley.com/perspective-means-everything/) - In the midst of the chaos and upheaval of the past couple of years in the United States, many are losing perspective. It appears evil is winning. We have experienced anarchy in many American cities. Many elected officials are refusing to enforce the law. Woke leadership is doing the unthinkable by defunding the police departments in many cities so the people cannot be protected from the lawless hordes that run rampant in those cities. Somehow this is supposed to be good. Crime rates have risen. Murders have risen.
- [Prayer is the weapon we require](https://www.charleslstanley.com/prayer-is-the-weapon-we-require/) - Afghanistan is in chaos, just as Satan wants it to be. Fear is everywhere. Confusion is reigning. The American government doesn't seem to know what is going on since one department gives a press release and says one thing, then another department speaks and contradicts what the other has said.
- [Start small, dream big](https://www.charleslstanley.com/start-small-dream-big/) - Matthew 13 might be called the Kingdom chapter. It contains nothing but parables about the Kingdom of God. It includes the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Weeds, the Mustard Seed and the Leaven parables, the Parable of Hidden Treasure, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Parable of the Net.
- [We are all a bunch of leaky buckets](https://www.charleslstanley.com/we-are-all-a-bunch-of-leaky-buckets/) - A Biblical Christian life is a Spirit-filled life. I found a new word that I will probably over-use, but hey, who cares? The word is pneumatocracy. Pneuma is the Greek word for spirit. The “tocracy” part has to do with ruling. We use it in words like Theocracy and democracy. So, a pneumatocracy means to be ruled by the Spirit. That is what we all should strive for. Paul commands it.
- [What Jesus did for us.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-jesus-did-for-us/) - In my opinion, Isaiah had the most theologically advanced understanding of the work of the Messiah of all of the prophets. Today, theologians call what Isaiah saw as a penal substitution; that is, Jesus took the penalty for our sins on himself, so we don't have to. He was substituted in our place and took our punishment. What Jesus did went beyond just taking the punishment for our personal sins. Let's take a look at the various phrases in this passage and see what took place in the suffering of Jesus.
- [Is your prayer life all talk?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-your-prayer-life-all-talk/) - When someone says they heard from God, or "God spoke to me," they will often get a reaction similar to the one Jesus got when teaching that he is the good shepherd, "He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?"
- [The strongholds of the west](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-strongholds-of-the-west/) - Jesus said we cannot plunder the strong man unless we first bind the strong man. In the grand historical-redemptive picture, I believe Jesus spoke of his life, death, and resurrection that defeated Satan and his minions, thus allowing sinful humans to be set free, i.e., plundered from Satan's kingdom of darkness. I also believe there is a more localized application
- [The unchangeable foundation in a changing world](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-unchangeable-foundation-in-a-changing-world/) - However, God does not change; He is the eternal, triune, creator and sustainer of all things. He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
- [Gospel conversations](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gospel-conversations/) - 72% of practicing Christians pray monthly to share their faith with non-Christians. 40% pray for opportunities to share their faith daily. Practicing Christians are not opposed to sharing the gospel with non-Christians. There is a segment that believes that it is wrong to share our faith with the hope of converting the person shared with. 27% of all practicing Christians, and 47% of millennial practicing Christians believe evangelism is wrong.
- [Praying for a Disciple-Making Movement](https://www.charleslstanley.com/praying-for-a-disciple-making-movement/) - Exactly what is a Disciple-Making Movement (DMM)? Why pray for one? There are a few different definitions of DMM, but they all fall somewhere in the range of the definition I will quote here from Jerry Trousdale and Glen Sunshine's book, The Kingdom Unleashed. "Disciple Making Movement (DMM): a process of disciples making disciples, and churches planting at least 100 churches, with four or more generations of replication."
- [Variety from the Triune God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/variety-from-the-triune-god/) - I have heard it said that if you emphasize spiritual gifts, you will be putting everyone in a spiritual box and destroying the freedom to act as individuals. If anyone believes that, I can only assume they have a minimal understanding of how God manifests himself through the gifts he has given to the church in individual persons.
- [Can I love God and be disobedient?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-i-love-god-and-be-disobedient/) - What is the relationship between love and obedience? Do I earn God's love through my obedience? Obedience is an essential quality of a disciple of Jesus. Jesus gives us the true pattern. In verse 31, he says that he does what the Father commanded "so that" the world may know that I love the Father. Jesus' obedience was intended to be a demonstration of his love for the Father. Is that the ultimate motivation for Jesus? And, does that mean that we obey so that the world will believe that we love Jesus? Is that the motivation for our obedience?
- [Should you expect God to speak to you personally?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/should-you-expect-god-to-speak-to-you-personally/) - At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not
- [justice is!](https://www.charleslstanley.com/justice-is/) - Justice is a frequently used word these days, especially when referred to as social justice. Unfortunately, there are various definitions of what justice is. In the popular culture of the West, it is most often understood in terms of social justice as defined by the political left, especially those of the more radical variety. It is nearly synonymous with Critical Race Theory and has become the setting for battles in State Houses with new legislation outlawing that kind of "justice."
- [Love is the way, not the gift](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-is-the-way-not-the-gift/) - Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher
- [Live Like Jesus](https://www.charleslstanley.com/live-like-jesus/) - Thomas a Kempis, in the years 1418-1427 wrote a book called The Imitation of Christ. It had a profound effect on the church up until the Reformation. I don't want to endorse the contents of the book, but I do like the title. At least, if you understand it the way I mean it. I believe Jesus showed us a pattern for how to live and if we follow it, we will have a very fruitful life.
- [Faith in Jesus is a progressive journey](https://www.charleslstanley.com/faith-in-jesus-is-a-progressive-journey/) - Jesus has called us to make disciples. It is helpful to know how that happens. The image we get from observing people coming to faith at mass evangelism crusades like those of Billy Graham or, more currently, Harvest Crusades led by Greg Laurie make it appear that faith in Jesus just happened instantaneously on the spot. And, I will admit, that it may happen that way for some people. However, that is not what we find in the example of the official from Capernaum.
- [You do obedience](https://www.charleslstanley.com/you-do-obedience/) - Obedience (like discipleship as a whole) is not something you know; it's something you do. - Damian Gerke
- [Called to make disciples](https://www.charleslstanley.com/called-to-make-disciples/) - The word "evangelism" never appears in the Bible. The word evangelist(s) appears a total of three times in the Bible. I was surprised at this when I actually decided to study evangelism in the Bible since it is encouraged so strongly in the evangelical church. Even the Great Commission (our text above) doesn't mention evangelism or evangelist. Should I conclude from these facts that we are wrong to emphasize taking the gospel to people who don't know Jesus? No. So, what exactly did Jesus commission us to do?
- [What is a disciple?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-a-disciple/) - The term "discipleship" has become a trendy buzzword in Evangelical circles in recent years. Unfortunately, there is no commonly accepted definition of discipleship or disciple. A lack of definition leaves room for a great deal of confusion when discussing discipleship or disciple-making.
- [Binding the strongman in your mind](https://www.charleslstanley.com/binding-the-strongman-in-your-mind/) - Everybody has a worldview. Even if you don't know what a worldview is. In simple, non-technical terms, your worldview is how you see and interpret the world around you and in you. A definition from the New Oxford American Dictionary says it is a particular philosophy of life or conception of the world. Your worldview is a creature of your mind. What you think and what you believe about the world around you and about yourself.
- [Running the prince out of town](https://www.charleslstanley.com/running-the-prince-out-of-town/) - Dealing with the devil is always a touchy subject. CS Lewis wrote: There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves (the devils) are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight. CS Lewis, The Screwtape Letters
- [Little prayers that bring big change](https://www.charleslstanley.com/little-prayers-that-bring-big-change/) - Many Christians struggle with praying prayers that they can have confidence God will answer. Or simply, is it right that I pray for this or that?
- [Consider it done!](https://www.charleslstanley.com/consider-it-done/) - We've all heard the phrase, "Consider it done." It's a phrase we like to hear. Whatever we were concerned about, the person telling us to "Consider it done" has taken full responsibility for whatever "it" is. The phrase allows us to go on with other important matters and not get stuck on whatever "it" is. This is the essence of how we are to deal with our own propensity to sin.
- [Overcoming the effects of lockdown, etc.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/overcoming-the-effects-of-lockdown-etc/) - Lots of people are experiencing bad effects from the lockdown that many have experienced due to government mandates in an attempt to control COVID-19. Fortunately, it is beginning to look like we are seeing the end of this plague in our midst. This week the governor of Texas opened up the state 100% from any restrictions on his citizens. Other governors appear to be ready to do the same soon.
- [Are you living your new identity?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-living-your-new-identity/) - You are a saint. I think I made that clear in my last post. In addition to being a saint, our text today gives us two additional points of identity in Christ.
- [Who are you, really?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-are-you-really/) - If you are in Christ, you are no longer identified as a sinner. You are identified in Scripture as a saint.
- [Binding the Strongman](https://www.charleslstanley.com/binding-the-strongman/) - Commentaries could be written around the topics in this short passage from Matthew. There are lots of hot topics here. Things like, "a house divided against itself cannot stand," which is probably more attributed to Abraham Lincoln than to Jesus. The topic of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit; always a head-turner, the unpardonable sin. Too many are afraid they have committed this sin when they don't even qualify to be able to commit it. The whole topic of casting out demons is something that many modern western church leaders would just as soon brush under the rug as if demons will leave us alone if we don't acknowledge them.
- [Proclaiming the gospel in the right spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/proclaiming-the-gospel-in-the-right-spirit/) - Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for
- [KOG-MLM (Multi-Level Ministry)](https://www.charleslstanley.com/kog-mlm-multi-level-ministry/) - The Kingdom of God is all about multiplication. I know it doesn't get spoken of very much, but it is a major concept from Genesis to Revelation. The title of today's writing refers to the Kingdom of God (KOG) and the emphasis on multiplication (MLM). By MLM, I don't mean multi-level marketing. However, the concept of multi-level applies directly to the KOG, Multi-Level Ministry.
- [Hitting pay dirt during your devotions](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hitting-pay-dirt-during-your-devotions/) - We all know that we should pray before our devotional reading asking for God to "bless our reading time." Piper gives a particular prayer that has been part of his devotional life for some time. I have adopted it.
- [Covenant: The architecture of Scripture](https://www.charleslstanley.com/covenant-the-architecture-of-scripture/) - Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone
- [The Mother of all Covenants](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-mother-of-all-covenants/) - Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. - John 4:34 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent
- [The first covenant in time - a covenant of works](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-first-covenant-in-time-a-covenant-of-works/) - The first covenant made after creation was that between God and Adam. It was a covenant based on Adam's perfect perpetual obedience and the promise was eternal life.
- [The Mother of all Promises](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-mother-of-all-promises/) - This Mother of all Promises in Genesis 3:15 is the beginning of the implementation of the covenant of grace. It is stated in a seminal form here, and we will see it fleshed out more fully in Genesis 12-17 in the covenant with Abraham.
- [Everybody needs a rainbow](https://www.charleslstanley.com/everybody-needs-a-rainbow/) - Not all covenants are redemptive nor conditional. The covenant God made following the flood was not redemptive, and it was a unilateral promise from God to all creation.
- [Episode #1 The Abrahamic Covenant: the promise given](https://www.charleslstanley.com/episode-1-the-abrahamic-covenant-the-promise-given/) - Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. - Galatians 3:16
- [Episode #2 Abrahamic Covenant: the promise confirmed](https://www.charleslstanley.com/genesis-15-abrahamic-covenant-the-promise-confirmed/) - Assurance, we all need it. It doesn't mean a person has lost their relationship with God. Abraham was not acting out of doubt. The reason he was asking God about how the promise was to be fulfilled when he had no son was precisely because he did believe God. He believed his offspring would be as the stars in the sky.
- [Episode #3 The Abrahamic Covenant: the promise signified](https://www.charleslstanley.com/episode-3-the-abrahamic-covenant-the-promise-signified/) - When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is
- [The Mosaic covenant that leads to Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-mosaic-covenant-that-leads-to-christ/) - God already had a gracious covenant, a covenant of promise, with God's people through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Why another covenant? Why did God make another covenant with Israel through his intermediary, Moses?
- [The forever covenant that created a king](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-forever-covenant-that-created-a-king/) - Once again, we are seeing the character of God in covenant. He revealed his name as, "“The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
- [How Jesus fulfilled the impossible condition to become the King](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-jesus-fulfilled-the-impossible-condition-to-become-the-king/) - There were two conditions to the Davidic covenant; build a house for God and, obey God's commandments.
- [What's new about the new covenant?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/whats-new-about-the-new-covenant/) - Now we have a new covenant that was prophesied by Jeremiah and Ezekiel and in many other places in the Old Testament. This New Covenant was inaugurated by Christ at what we call the last supper.
- [The greater glory of the new covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-greater-glory-of-the-new-covenant/) - Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills,
- [The New Covenant is "Abraham plus"](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-new-covenant-is-abraham-plus/) - Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? 7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture,
- [The Resurrection: the linchpin of the New Covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-resurrection-the-linchpin-of-the-new-covenant/) - In the narrative of Abraham's story, we find types and shadows of the New Covenant. In a manner of speaking, Abraham experienced the resurrection when he took Isaac to the mountain and planned, at God's direction, to sacrifice him.
- [Now what?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/now-what/) - In the United States, as of today, January 20, 2021, we are embarking on a new Federal Administration with President Joe Biden's inauguration. Bible-believing Christians must be fully aware that we now have a government in full control of the political party committed to the destruction of our historically established Biblical Worldview. Core Biblical teachings and practices will be under attack as never before in this country.
- [The pathway out of your present depression](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-pathway-out-of-your-present-depression/) - I am not a person who is prone to depression. But, yesterday the Lord made clear to me that I have been depressed of late. I was thinking about my behavioral changes and wondering why. My normal discipline of prayer has been interrupted. I found it too easy to escape by taking a nap. Fortunately, I have been able to maintain all of my duties in regard to my business and personal obligations to friends and family. As I was pondering these behavioral changes, I asked the Lord, "What is wrong?" He gave me a simple answer. "You are depressed." Really? I don't do depression. I don't get depressed. But as I thought about it, I had to agree. (It's usually good to agree with the Lord, by the way.)
- [Share in suffering for the gospel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/share-in-suffering-for-the-gospel/) - Everyone who follows Jesus should anticipate that they will suffer because of their submission to the Lordship of Jesus. I know this is not a popular topic. Many preachers would never preach this because they would be afraid of the mass exodus they might see from their church. But, the word of God makes it clear that
- [Are you praying for your neighbors?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-praying-for-your-neighbors/) - Are you praying regularly for your neighbors? I'm now writing about your literal neighbors, the people who live in your neighborhood. The people next door or across the street. Praying for people is one of the greatest acts of love you can do. But that sounds rather passive. That is true only if you don't understand what happens when you pray for people.
- [Why humans can be so self-destructive](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-humans-can-be-so-self-destructive/) - A few years ago, I was introduced to the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) approach to introducing people to God. It is quite simple. We read the text, repeat it, and then ask a couple of questions. What does this text tell you about God? What does this text tell you about humans? Then it moves on into application.
- [Sin of cynicism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/sin-of-cynicism/) - It is easy to be a cynic about politics. It seems that politicians are designed to promote cynicism. There seem to be very few politicians who are truly principles-based. A cynic believes that it is human nature to always act in self-interest and not with any form of altruism. A true cynic fails to believe in love. A true cynic does not trust.
- [Dancing with the Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/dancing-with-the-spirit/) - There is a difference between a pronouncement and a command. A pronouncement is merely a telling of what is or will be. A command tells someone to do something. Jesus, in Matthew 24:14 makes a pronouncement to the effect that the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed to the whole world. There is no doubt that it will be done. In fact, he says it is a prerequisite to the end of the age, the delicious stuff, the New Heaven and New Earth.
- [Following Jesus is a social thing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/following-jesus-is-a-social-thing/) - Too frequently, people are coming up with the idea that they can be Christian and not go to church. Or, an alternative note, I can worship God in nature all alone. How do these ideas stack up with what the Bible says about Christians and how they are to follow Jesus?
- [How to see God's purpose fulfilled in your life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-see-gods-purpose-fulfilled-in-your-life/) - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit
- [The spiritual nature of resistance to the gospel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-spiritual-nature-of-resistance-to-the-gospel/) - And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the
- [It's not time to shut up.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/its-not-time-to-shut-up/) - We are facing soft totalitarianism in American society today. We are not allowed to speak freely. If you say the wrong thing, you are "canceled." We have a new American orthodoxy that has been created by a spirit that opposes the foundations of American society and Christianity in particular.
- [Peace during stress and chaos](https://www.charleslstanley.com/peace-during-stress-and-chaos/) - As I write today, November 4, 2020, the day after the 2020 Presidential election, and the winner is not yet clear. It will probably be a few days, and maybe longer if the courts become too entangled in the election. This has, with little question, been the most contentious election season in my lifetime.
- [Should civi law reflect Biblical law?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/should-civi-law-reflect-biblical-law/) - Aligning civil law with Biblical law aids the gospel because it informs society of God's righteous requirements even if the society breaks the civil law. When civil law is contrary to God's law, it communicates to a population that there are no restraints on sinful conduct and no accountability. When civil law aligns with God's law, people are informed daily of God's righteous requirements, and when those requirements are ignored, there are consequences. In the case of civil law, it may be a fine or a day or two in jail for minor offenses. Greater offenses include up to capital punishment. Lawbreaking has consequences.
- [How to restore one who was caught by sin](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-restore-one-who-was-caught-by-sin/) - Spiritual, or mature, Christians have a responsibility to restore fellow followers of Jesus who have not yet learned to walk by the Spirit but are still living according to the principles of the world.
- [By my Spirit: Working and winning during opposition](https://www.charleslstanley.com/by-my-spirit-working-and-winning-during-opposition/) - Human effort will never produce the Kingdom of God.
- [The Path to Greatness: The way up is down](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-path-to-greatness-the-way-up-is-down/) - So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to
- [Anxiety: The cause and the cure](https://www.charleslstanley.com/anxiety-the-cause-and-the-cure/) - “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns,
- [Love can be misguided](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-can-be-misguided/) - Love can be misguided. This statement may sound heretical, but Paul prays that the love of the Philippian Christians would not stand alone but will abound more and more with two other characteristics, knowledge and discernment.
- [Grace and truth: How to address controversial topics](https://www.charleslstanley.com/grace-and-truth-how-to-address-controversial-topics/) - In non-Christian nations, the gospel has always been the outsider point of view on almost any topic. It has been a controversial message. It has always upset the prevailing worldview. It has had an economic impact on some who were committed to their idolatry, such as the silversmiths in Athens, whose livelihood was challenged by the gospel. People stopped purchasing idols created by silversmiths in favor of the invisible God of creation.
- [The Strength of Babies](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-strength-of-babies/) - O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,4 what is man that you
- [The necessity of experience](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-necessity-of-experience/) - How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord;my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah5 Blessed are those whose
- [God, Sex, and vengeance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/god-sex-and-vengeance/) - Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual
- [Love, Obedience, and the Holy Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-obedience-and-the-holy-spirit/) - “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he
- [Dining with sinners and tax collectors](https://www.charleslstanley.com/dining-with-sinners-and-tax-collectors/) - Jesus was regularly found consorting with religious outcasts, prostitutes, tax collectors (people who were greedy and unscrupulous), folks looked down upon by proper society folks and Pharisees in particular. We consider Jesus to be the example of how we should live when it comes to his compassion, his truth-telling, his devotion to the Father, and many other of his character traits. We often fail to adopt his missional methods for reaching the people for whom he came, lived, and died. I think we should look harder at his methodology for reaching the world. We too should spend time with "sinners and tax collectors."
- [How to communicate during this time of agitation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-communicate-during-this-time-of-agitation/) - I am writing to Christians. I can't expect those outside the household of faith to agree with what I will say now. They are not committed to the Lordship of Jesus over their lives - which Christians are, at least in theory. If you consider yourself a believer in Jesus and find it hard to swallow that description of how you are to live your life under the Lordship of Jesus, then I implore you to reexamine your life and your faith commitment. Romans 10:9-10 says, "...if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." There are two elements here: a heart-level faith in the resurrection of Jesus and a confession of the Lordship of Jesus in your life. Without either of these, there is no salvation, according to this passage. Now you know my presupposition as I address how we communicate in this present time of agitation.
- [What the righteous justice of God will look like](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-the-righteous-justice-of-god-will-look-like/) - The wrath of God is not a popular subject. In fact, I find that in the church in the United States, we are rather embarrassed about the whole idea. I think that perspective may change if current trends continue in which the church is further marginalized and may find itself under actual persecution of the kind the New Testament believers found themselves.
- [What has Jesus asked us to pray for?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-has-jesus-asked-us-to-pray-for/) - And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the
- [Jesus loves the little children of the world](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-loves-the-little-children-of-the-world/) - But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This
- [Why do I care about Christian unity?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-do-i-care-about-christian-unity/) - I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your
- [Why God doesn't answer prayer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-god-doesnt-answer-prayer/) - When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you;even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.Isaiah 1:15 How often have you heard someone say, "God answered my prayer, he just said, No!" Well, maybe he said no, or perhaps he didn't answer your prayer for a Biblical
- [How to fix your spouse when they are really screwed up.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-fix-your-spouse-when-they-are-really-screwed-up/) - Facebook Twitter Gmail Print Friendly LinkedIn “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be
- [Impudent, Bold, and Brassy Prayer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/impudent-bold-and-brassy-prayer/) - And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is
- [Which is more important, prayer or the word?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/__trashed-17/) - And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and
- [The role of prayer in extending the kingdom of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-role-of-prayer-in-extending-the-kingdom-of-god/) - We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the
- [Being a Christian is like being an onion](https://www.charleslstanley.com/being-a-christian-is-like-being-an-onion/) - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5 Put
- [How not to respond to God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-not-to-respond-to-god/) - Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven,
- [From immeasurable greatness of power to immeasurable riches of grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/from-immeasurable-greatness-of-power-to-immeasurable-riches-of-grace/) - Remember the thrust of Paul's prayer is that the eyes of our hearts are to be enlightened so we can know at an experiential level several things: the hope to which we are called, the riches of his glorious inheritance in us, the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us and now point number four, that we might know the immeasurable riches of his grace.
- [What to do when life seems completely out of control](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-to-do-when-life-seems-completely-out-of-control/) - The person who rejoices in the supremacy of Christ in all things rests in God's Providence while working to fulfill God's purpose in his life.
- [How to keep from being taken by surprise](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-keep-from-being-taken-by-surprise/) - Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.Colossians 4:2 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here
- [Will you do what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/will-you-do-what-it-takes-to-be-a-disciple-of-jesus/) - Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For
- [Does knowing the truth set you free?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/does-knowing-the-truth-set-you-free/) - So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”John 8:31-33 Knowing
- [There really is an eleventh commandment](https://www.charleslstanley.com/there-really-is-an-eleventh-commandment/) - When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I
- [How to respond to your circumstances](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-respond-to-your-circumstances/) - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the
- [Are you laying up treasure in the last days?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-laying-up-treasure-in-the-last-days/) - Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields,
- [The entrepreneur’s sin](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-entrepreneurs-sin/) - Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to
- [God first](https://www.charleslstanley.com/god-first/) - “Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Matthew 6:9-13 Prayer is one of those things that, on the one hand, is the most simple thing
- [Who is your friend?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-is-your-friend/) - What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to
- [Is your spring producing both fresh and salt water?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-your-spring-producing-both-fresh-and-salt-water/) - Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so
- [Faith is more than a confession](https://www.charleslstanley.com/faith-is-more-than-a-confession/) - What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body,
- [The sin of favoring one percenters](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-sin-of-favoring-one-percenters/) - My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say,
- [Being undeceived doers of the Word](https://www.charleslstanley.com/being-undeceived-doers-of-the-word/) - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if
- [God is always the full moon](https://www.charleslstanley.com/god-is-always-the-full-moon/) - Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.James 1:16-18 When I
- [Facing up to our own weakness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/facing-up-to-our-own-weakness/) - Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no
- [The gospel as the great equalizer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-gospel-as-the-great-equalizer/) - Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.James 1:9-11 Every human
- [The key to wisdom when you need it](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-key-to-wisdom-when-you-need-it/) - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive
- [How trials are an occasion for joy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-trials-are-an-occasion-for-joy/) - James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:Greetings.2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.James 1:1-4 The letter of James often gets a bum
- [Three life-altering tips from St. Peter on answered prayer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/three-life-altering-tips-from-st-peter-on-answered-prayer/) - Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.1 Peter 3:7 Most everybody prays sometimes. Maybe it's only from a foxhole where it is said there are no atheists.
- [Is God pleased with our worship?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-god-pleased-with-our-worship/) - Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom!Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!11 “What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the Lord;I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts;I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.12 “When you come to appear before me, who
- [How to upset the apple cart.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-upset-the-apple-cart/) - And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
- [How flexible is your wineskin?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-flexible-is-your-wineskin/) - After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes
- [What kind of soil am I?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-kind-of-soil-am-i/) - “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since
- [Who gets the credit?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-gets-the-credit/) - “Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, the powerand the glory forever AmenMatthew 6:9-13 President Ronald Reagan said, "There
- [What is the point of sound doctrine?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-the-point-of-sound-doctrine/) - The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.1 Timothy 1:5 Most followers of Jesus are concerned to have sound doctrine or teaching. Doctrine is not something to argue over, it is something to bask in. When we allow ourselves to bask in sound teaching from
- [The aim of gospel exhortation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-aim-of-gospel-exhortation/) - As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good
- [Inexpressible joy in the unseen](https://www.charleslstanley.com/inexpressible-joy-in-the-unseen/) - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to
- [Forgiving and forgiven](https://www.charleslstanley.com/forgiving-and-forgiven/) - “Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Matthew 6:9-13 How much are you willing to forgive? Do you find yourself sometimes holding a grudge against
- [Enough for today is enough](https://www.charleslstanley.com/enough-for-today-is-enough/) - “Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Matthew 6:9-13 The idea of claiming prosperity for ourselves in the name of Jesus is foreign to how
- [The Kingdom come](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-kingdom-come/) - “Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.10 Your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread,12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Matthew 6:9-13 After we have given worship to our gracious Father in heaven, the next thing in this
- [How do disciples respond to opposition?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-do-disciples-respond-to-opposition/) - When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father
- [Why God puts his name on us.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-god-puts-his-name-on-us/) - May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah2 that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah5 Let the peoples
- [Do you only see the evil?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-you-only-see-the-evil/) - Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart;there is no fear of God before his eyes.2 For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.3 The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good.4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is
- [What to do with the sin nobody seems to recognize](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-to-do-with-the-sin-nobody-seems-to-recognize/) - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is
- [Avoiding self-delusion](https://www.charleslstanley.com/avoiding-self-delusion/) - Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if
- [Motivational gifts; putting them together](https://www.charleslstanley.com/motivational-gifts-putting-them-together/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [No spare parts in the body of Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/no-spare-parts-in-the-body-of-christ/) - For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same
- [The motivational gift of mercy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-mercy/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [The motivational gift of facilitating (leadership)](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-facilitating-leadership/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [The motivational gift of contributing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-contributing/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [The motivational gift of exhortation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-exhortation/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [The motivational gift of teaching](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-teaching/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [Making your gift effective](https://www.charleslstanley.com/making-your-gift-effective/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good
- [Ethical exhortations for using your gift](https://www.charleslstanley.com/ethical-exhortations-for-using-your-gift/) - Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you;
- [The motivational gift of insight (prophecy)](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-insight-prophecy/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [Spiritual Gifts for everybody](https://www.charleslstanley.com/spiritual-gifts-for-everybody/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good
- [So, what exactly is a motivational gift?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/so-what-exactly-is-a-motivational-gift/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world,[c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and
- [The motivational gift of service](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-motivational-gift-of-service/) - I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable
- [How is it that I can Bless the Lord?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-is-it-that-i-can-bless-the-lord/) - So, for us to bless the Lord is very different than for the Lord to bless us. When he blesses us, we are receiving good from him. When we bless him, we are acknowledging him for who he is and what he has done.
- [How is it that we are called to do what Jesus did?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-is-it-that-we-are-called-to-do-what-jesus-did/) - Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and
- [Is there any value to being a God-besotted follower of Jesus?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-there-any-value-to-being-a-god-besotted-follower-of-jesus/) - Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”3 As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not
- [One who witnessed the resurrection is still alive.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/one-who-witnessed-the-resurrection-is-still-alive/) - And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than
- [Where is your strength?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/where-is-your-strength/) - “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.2 The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation;this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in
- [Is obedience required of a disciple?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-obedience-required-of-a-disciple/) - “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them
- [Now everything counts...forever.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/now-everything-counts-forever/) - I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable,
- [Would you be free?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/would-you-be-free/) - What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves,[c you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you
- [Mining for gold in Psalm 51](https://www.charleslstanley.com/mining-for-gold-in-psalm-51/) - Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,so that you may be justified in your words and blameless
- [How to sow seed that produces a harvest of righteousness.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-sow-seed-that-produces-a-harvest-of-righteousness/) - Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition
- [Blessed grief](https://www.charleslstanley.com/blessed-grief/) - Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.Ephesians 4:29-30 Jesus gets all the good press in the Bible,
- [The pathway to Kingdom greatness is to avoid greatness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-pathway-to-kingdom-greatness-is-to-avoid-greatness/) - And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your
- [The foundation of hope for the BIG prayers.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-foundation-of-hope-for-the-big-prayers/) - Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!2 O Lord, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.5 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;6 my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for
- [If God is all loving, then why ____________?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/if-god-is-all-loving-then-why-____________/) - “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the
- [Do you really want to know what God's word teaches?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-you-really-want-to-know-what-gods-word-teaches/) - About the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and began teaching. 15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, “How is it that this man has learning,when he has never studied?” 16 So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. 17 If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or
- [S.W.A.P. your self-empowered, self-directed life for a Spirit-empowered, Spirit-directed life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/s-w-a-p-your-self-empowered-self-directed-life-for-a-spirit-empowered-spirit-directed-life/) - "And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” - Luke 24:49 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” - Acts
- [The beauty of loving much](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-beauty-of-loving-much/) - And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like
- [Have you been challenged by love?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/have-you-been-challenged-by-love/) - And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like
- [What is different about Jesus' teaching?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-different-about-jesus-teaching/) - And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out,24 “What have you to do with us,
- [Does Jesus really care for you if you are a nobody?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/does-jesus-really-care-for-you-if-you-are-a-nobody/) - And when Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. 22 Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet 23 and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of
- [Before the beginning there was steadfast love and faithfulness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/before-the-beginning-steadfast-love-and-faithfulness/) - Considering God “before the beginning” is, I find, a fruitful exercise. It helps me to clarify the character and nature of God which in turn increases my confidence in him and his promises. I have the general impression, and maybe it is just my weakness, that when God is said to have steadfast love and faithfulness,
- [Are you taking full advantage of your life in the Spirit?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-taking-full-advantage-of-your-life-in-the-spirit/) - The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare[c] the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the
- [In demonstration of the Spirit and of power: a call to prayer and fasting](https://www.charleslstanley.com/in-demonstration-of-the-spirit-and-of-power-a-call-to-prayer-and-fasting/) - I envy people whose minds work in a way that makes them excellent apologists and debaters. Unfortunately for me, I am not one of those people. I don't have the attitude that apologetics is a waste of time and should not be engaged in. However, I do hold strongly to the position that no amount of logical reasoning or fancy philosophizing will bring anyone into saving faith in Christ.
- [Can you see an expansive vision of the future?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-you-see-an-expansive-vision-of-the-future/) - And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the
- [What is your motivation toward holiness?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-your-motivation-toward-holiness/) - It seems that holiness is one of those subjects that is extremely difficult to address without getting into trouble. We either fall off into legalism with a set of rules for conduct and thus completely fail the objective of being holy. We simply become 21st century Pharisees. Or, we ignore God's requirement of holiness altogether. Neither position is acceptable to Scripture, our sole rule of faith and life.
- [Is anything too difficult for God?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-anything-too-difficult-for-god/) - ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. 18 You show steadfast love to thousands, but you repay the guilt of fathers to their children after them, O great and mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts, 19 great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes
- [How to fast and be heard by God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-fast-and-be-heard-by-god/) - Motives color everything we do, but actions still count. Both matter, especially in spiritual matters. It is possible to go church, sing the hymns and praise choruses, pray and give and yet be offending God. I don't want to be offending God, especially when I am supposed to be doing things to please him. Israel had this problem with their fasting.
- [Sometimes you just have to preach yourself happy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/sometimes-you-just-have-to-preach-to-yourself/) - Today I awoke in much pain...in both feet this time. Gout. It's supposed to be the rich man's disease. Hah! Then why do I have these attacks? Now is the time for me to remind myself of God's promises and what better place to go than Psalm 103. Today's devotional will have a different format
- [When the Bread of Life is better than tacos and guacamole](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-the-bread-of-life-is-better-than-tacos-and-guacamole/) - Facing insurmountable odds, Jehoshaphat prayed, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." Facing insurmountable odds can come in both a defensive posture, as was the case with Jehoshaphat and offensive odds as in expecting to complete the Great Commission in our lifetime. 
- [Why am I writing about fasting?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-am-i-writing-about-fasting/) - Jesus teaches us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." We are to launch a revolutionary prayer for Jesus to overcome this world system with the kingdom of God. Those prayers are being answered today in dimensions never before seen since the resurrection. We don't
- [Daniel's plea bargain with God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/daniels-plea-bargain-with-god/) - The prophets are usually read for the content of their prophecies. While that is important, we need to look at the life of the prophets and their relationship to the Lord as well. We need to learn and apply the lessons of their example. It has been greatly impressed upon me recently that our study of God's word should be primarily so we can "obey all that Jesus commands us," rather than to obtain more sound doctrine. I am by no means belittling sound doctrine, I love sound doctrine, but sound doctrine that is not obeyed is destructive. James makes it clear that one who is a hearer only and not a doer of the word is self-deluded, so obedience to sound doctrine is required for us to gain the benefit of it. So, with that in mind, lets look at this experience of Daniel.
- [Three things God rewards that the world views as worthless](https://www.charleslstanley.com/three-things-god-rewards-that-the-world-views-as-worthless/) - “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by
- [Are you qualified to see the light?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-qualified-to-see-the-light/) - A significant portion of the letter to the Colossians is written to deal with "the Colossian Heresy." Exactly what that heresy was is not clear. There are, however, certain elements of heresy that were either in the church or were threatening the church at Colossae.
- [How to cultivate a harvest of righteousness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-cultivate-a-harvest-of-righteousness/) - What is the solution to our vile and cantankerous society? We seem to have lost the ability to have a civil discussion when there is any disagreement on much of anything.
- [Sing your way to victory](https://www.charleslstanley.com/sing-your-way-to-victory/) - Life gets tough sometimes. Families let us down occasionally and leave us hanging. Churches don't always do an excellent job of shepherding hurting sheep, and when we are the sheep, it hurts a lot. Harboring the feeling that God himself has forsaken you has got to be the absolute worse.
- [What to do when your life needs a makeover](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-to-do-when-your-life-needs-a-makeover/) - My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight
- [Hope for times and circumstances that don't look hopeful](https://www.charleslstanley.com/hope-for-times-and-circumstances-that-dont-look-hopeful/) - It appears that the church in Europe and the United States is becoming more apostate by the day. For much of the visible church, the Scriptures are no longer the rule of faith and practice. The church in these two regions seems to be in "captivity" to the powers of the world around her. It would be easy to be discouraged as I know some are. Israel and Judah were facing a similar situation when Isaiah prophesied.
- [What difference does it make if God is unchangeable?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-difference-does-it-make-if-god-is-unchangeable/) - If God is not unchangeable, then we are undone. What if he changes a little and is not perfectly good? Could he sometime in the distant future become really bad?
- [It's the wrath that makes grace so glorious.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/its-the-wrath-that-makes-grace-so-glorious/) - As he hung on the cross, Jesus became the object of God's wrath. For centuries God had seen the sins of the people. "...in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins." (Romans 3:25). We are told by some people that the God of the Old Testament is a wrathful God. In spite of the many examples of God's wrath like fire consuming Nadab and Abihu for their sin, and the earth swallowing up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram for their rebellion, the fullness of God's wrath was hardly unleashed.
- [Do you know the joy of being blameless?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-you-know-the-joy-of-being-blameless/) - Psalm 84 presents us with a vibrant vision of a man whose ultimate treasure is the Lord. He finds soaring joy in the presence of God. This is a beautiful poem that speaks of the beauty of the courts of the Lord and the blessings of those who dwell there. "My soul longs, yes faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." (v.2) "For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere." (v. 10) The psalmist gushes forth with deep emotion as he expresses in these familiar verses his love for God and the wonder of living intimately with Him.
- [Do you know the cure for strife?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-you-know-the-cure-for-strife/) - One way to avoid strife is to become a hermit. It works but isn't very practical. Most of us need to go to work and earn a living and interact with the rest of society. Strife seems to be the soup we swim in these days, at least in the United States. We do live in a cultural war even if we don't want to admit it.
- [Why it is rational to sacrifice yourself?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-it-is-rational-to-sacrifice-yourself/) - Some people think Jesus-followers are not rational. I beg to differ. I believe Jesus-followers are the most rational people on earth. But it only fits rationality based on our presuppositions. If you believe that there is no Creator, no sin, and separation from the Creator, no purpose to the universe. If you believe that we are all there is. If you believe there are no absolutes. Then I suppose it is rational to believe that Jesus-followers are not rational. On the other hand, if you believe that there is a Creator and Sustainer of all things; that there is a point to all of this, that things are not as they are supposed to be, and finally that there is One who is making all things new, then being a Jesus-follower is the most rational thing one can do.
- [What kind of debt is acceptable?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-kind-of-debt-is-acceptable/) - My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, have given your pledge for a stranger, 2 if you are snared in the words of your mouth, caught in the words of your mouth, 3 then do this, my son, and save yourself, for you have come into the hand of your neighbor: go, hasten, and plead urgently with your
- [Why hope is not a fantasy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-hope-is-not-a-fantasy/) - We all have things for which we hope. It may be a possession like a new car or house, or it may be the meeting of a goal like a promotion at work or a championship as a team member. When in high school, athletics were very important to me. I was fortunate enough to letter in Varsity basketball three out of my four years in high school and played on the first string team each of those three years. When we won a tough game against one of our rivals, the locker room was a fun place to be after the game. In spite of being soaked in sweat and nursing sore blisters on our feet, there were smiles a mile wide. There was a tremendous sense of satisfaction.
- [Why is it so hard to produce Utopia?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-is-it-so-hard-to-produce-utopia/) - Everybody longs for Utopia where everything is just perfect. Maybe we don't consciously think about it, but I believe that deep down in our hearts all people want a world without poverty, war, vicious rivalry, oppression, enslavement, hatred, and rebellion. We really do want everyone to be able to live in peace and prosperity and personal fulfillment. It doesn't matter whether you are a liberal or conservative, left-wing or right-wing, we all want these things. So, why can't we get them?
- [His steadfast love: the most highly emphasized character trait of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/his-steadfast-love-the-most-highly-emphasized-character-trait-of-god/) - Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made
- [How do you stop the inevitable negative outcome?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-do-you-stop-the-inevitable-negative-outcome/) - In our social and business worlds of self-promotion, the touted outcome is Success. Among the business books I have in my library is one titled, "101 ways to Promote Yourself - Maximize Your Biz-Ability Through Viz-Ability." I have several others like it. They are all about self-promotion. I have been known to say, "If I do not toot my own horn, my horn will not be tooted!" Our friend Agur, the author of Proverbs 30, has a bit of a different take on this self-promotion business. He refers to this exalting of myself as foolish. Ouch!
- [How to stay on track when you are confronted with extremes](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-stay-on-track-when-you-are-confronted-with-extremes/) - I love God's truth and when I observe what I believe are doctrinal extremes it grieves my heart. My observation from my many years in the church is that in most instances of extreme teaching the real problem is a heart problem in the teacher.
- [When Antioch became a bastion of grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-antioch-became-a-bastion-of-grace/) - The existence of grace is demonstrable. We can't see the wind, but we do see the evidence of it with leaves blowing in the wind or fields of grain swaying in the breeze. The existence of wind is observable. So too is grace.
- [When slow is better than quick](https://www.charleslstanley.com/when-slow-is-better-than-quick/) - What sets you off? For most of us, there is some set of conditions that will trigger quick anger. I know for myself when I am in pain, maybe a nasty headache, it doesn't take much to set me off, so I flare up in anger. I seem to have much less control of my spirit when I am experiencing pain in addition to some other irritant that, absent the pain, wouldn't bother me much, if at all.
- [Work at not working, the work of faith](https://www.charleslstanley.com/work-at-not-working-the-work-of-faith/) - The greater context of this passage is dealing with the proposition that Jesus is greater than Moses, and whereas Moses and Joshua were not able to bring God's people into God's rest, Jesus does just that. This context deals a lot with the twin sisters of disobedience and unbelief; they always go around together.
- [Give instruction to a wise man](https://www.charleslstanley.com/give-instruction-to-a-wise-man/) - Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. 2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink
- [Grace is the foundation of real life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/grace-is-the-foundation-of-real-life/) - My wife picked up the saying somewhere, "If a Christian sins, he hasn't fallen from grace, he has fallen into grace." We are so good at getting it backward, especially when it comes to the gospel. Grace is what engulfs us when we deserve to be left naked and afraid as was the case with Adam and Eve after they sinned. "Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths." (Because they were ashamed and needed to cover themselves). [Genesis 3:7]
- [How to make your heart pure](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-make-your-heart-pure/) - Last week I wrote about the effect of a pure heart and gracious speech being friendship with people of influence. I left out a critical bit of information. How does one purify their heart? Proverbs asks the critical question, "Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?" (Proverbs 20:9). This is a rhetorical question. The answer from any honest person is, "Not me."
- [The many sides of the gift of grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-many-sides-of-the-gift-of-grace/) - Grace is a nuanced word, ranging from shades of abstract meaning to the very concrete. It speaks of justification, being made right with God without our own merit - what an amazing dimension of grace this is, that we are welcomed to rest on the merits of Christ's perfect life rather than on our own attempts at perfection.
- [How to be the king's friend](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-be-the-kings-friend/) - With the duplicity and extreme rancor of the current public discourse, it seems there would be no place for the man of Proverbs 22:11. Who today expects to find in public life a pure heart or gracious speech? It is possible, even in the most unexpected of places to find such men. Daniel was just such a man.
- [The uniqueness of the message of grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-uniqueness-of-the-message-of-grace/) - Biblical Christianity is unique among religions because of its trajectory of grace. Every other religion, and many perversions of the gospel of grace, postulate a relationship with God that is determined by human effort to please God. God initiates the religion of Jesus Christ and it is due to God's efforts that Jesus has made the Father known. The positive relationship between God and man is due to God's efforts, not man's.
- [He will not clear the guilty](https://www.charleslstanley.com/he-will-not-clear-the-guilty/) - This is sort of a shocker. We have been reading about how merciful and gracious God is and how he forgives iniquity and transgression and sin. (All really good news for me!)
- [Did you know context is critical to properly grasping God's promises?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/did-you-know-context-is-critical-to-properly-grasping-gods-promises/) - This passage contains two of the most commonly quoted promises in the Bible; I can do all things through him who strengthens me, and my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. What does Paul mean when he says, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me?"
- [Why we should get to know well the Apostle Paul](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-we-should-get-to-know-well-the-apostle-paul/) - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. -
- [How graciousness is seen by everyone](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-graciousness-is-seen-by-everyone/) - Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- [Is "Just follow your heart" good advice?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-just-follow-your-heart-good-advice/) - Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. - Proverbs 28:26 How many times have you watched a movie or TV show and someone is caught in a dilemma. The tension of the story includes the difficult decisions that character has to make. The inevitable advice
- [There are some people we just ought to avoid.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/there-are-some-people-we-just-ought-to-avoid/) - The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about the fool. I found it helpful to determine just what Scripture means when it refers to a fool. I really don't want to be one, and I do want to take Scripture to heart when it comes to dealing with fools.
- [Are your treasures fruitful or deadly?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-your-treasures-fruitful-or-deadly/) - Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death. - Proverbs 10:2 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. - Proverbs 11:4 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of the Lord. In the fire of
- [How to live a life worth imitating](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-live-a-life-worth-imitating/) - This is one passage I find very intimidating. The Apostle Paul invites us to imitate him. That's not bad, the pressure is on Paul, not me, to live a life worth emulating. But then he goes on and says, "and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." Now Paul is talking about other people whom we can follow as an example of what it is to be a Jesus-follower. This isn't the only time Paul makes this kind of statement. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 he says, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." If I am to be an imitator of the way Paul lived his life, that means that I need to be able to say to others, be imitators of me as I am of Christ... Now we are getting serious. I much prefer the position that you shouldn't watch me but watch Jesus instead. And that's not wrong. Ultimately, he is the only example for us to follow. But he is much more than an example, he is our life. Without him living in us and through us, we have no life.
- [What does your heart have to do with your health?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-does-your-heart-have-to-do-with-your-health/) - Some call it a psychosomatic disease. Another way to say it is, "It's all in your head." The truth is, lots of diseases are rooted in our hearts. In this proverb, a tranquil heart is contrasted with a heart of envy. This word envy also indicates jealousy or passion (in the negative sense). When we find ourselves all worked up over someone else's prosperity or success, we are contributing to the "rottenness of our bones." That prosperity or success can be financial, career, social life or just about any other area of life. By contrast, the tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, that is, it contributes to our good health. It improves our immune systems. It will help overcome attacks of viruses and bacteria. One who has a tranquil heart will have fewer colds than they would have if they had an envious heart. I would even apply this to more extreme situations and say that a tranquil heart will help battle cancer, it is life to the flesh. Remember, Proverbs is practical wisdom from God and is founded on the fear of God. It is not just "spiritual" talk. God's wisdom has very practical implications for our lives.
- [Why really good, religious people miss heaven](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-really-good-religious-people-miss-heaven/) - Have you ever shared the gospel with someone and they responded with something like, "That's too good to be true." Or, "That can't be right because it's too easy. I have to do something to earn my place in heaven." There are a couple of reasons for that kind of response.
- [How to check your internal thermometer for the condition of your heart](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-check-your-internal-thermometer-for-the-condition-of-your-heart/) - We are naturally so weak-headed about God's word that he has to exhort us to pay attention, focus on his word, keep it ever before us with particular emphasis on holding God's word in our hearts, not just our heads. Then he gives us the ground of this exhortation, or the "why." God's words are life and healing. Do we need to know more? Since life and healing are in God's word, I would think we self-centered human beings wouldn't need to know much more to determine that it is essential to pay attention to God's word and to hold it dear in our hearts.
- [The beauty and power of gospel camaraderie](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-beauty-and-power-of-gospel-camaraderie/) - I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has
- [How to avoid self-inflicted pain](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-avoid-self-inflicted-pain/) - The path of uprightness has two benefits, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. That may not sound too dramatic, but when one has lived a few decades as I have, you realize that slow and steady progress is a good thing. If one can go through life without ever experiencing being hampered or of stumbling, that person will be viewed by most everyone as a real success in life.
- [God's pleasure in working out our salvation, doing the impossible](https://www.charleslstanley.com/gods-pleasure-in-working-out-our-salvation-doing-the-impossible/) - Glorious paradox. Two mutually exclusive things are held side by side and declared to be true. It leaves us in a place to worship his infinite complexity and simplicity. He is far above our ways and our understanding while presenting us with simple instructions to be obeyed. These are the kinds of truths that when encountered cause us to fall on our knees and worship him. God has highly exalted Jesus, therefore, work out your salvation. Motivation is secondary; empowerment is primary. Jesus is exalted so that every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth, and confess that he is Lord. That is our motivation to obedience which is specified as working out our salvation.
- [The glass half-full approach to wise living](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-glass-half-full-approach-to-wise-living/) - Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, 2 for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother, 4 he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments,
- [Everything is needful that he sends](https://www.charleslstanley.com/everything-is-needful-that-he-sends/) - "Everything is needful that he sends; Nothing can be needful that he withdraws." - John Newton
- [How to avoid the traps that destroy so many](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-avoid-the-traps-that-destroy-so-many/) - A great many of the difficulties of life are avoidable. We bring them on by our own foolish behavior. Learning wisdom equips us with the stuff of life to avoid many of the pitfalls in which we see others trapped. Creation owes it’s existence to the Lord’s wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. We are therefore advised not to lose sight of sound wisdom and discretion ourselves since it is the stuff of Creation, that is how the world works.
- [Suffering: the spiritual gift we would rather not receive](https://www.charleslstanley.com/suffering-the-spiritual-gift-we-would-rather-not-receive/) - Some commentators describe this letter of Paul to the Philippians as a missionary support letter reporting to his supporters what God has been doing on his mission field and keeping the flow of funds coming so the missionary can stay on the mission field. I get it. But, I think it under-rates Paul. I don't get from this that Paul is writing a fundraising letter for himself.
- [The uniqueness of the Christian God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-uniqueness-of-the-christian-god/) - Only the Christian Trinitarian God is eternally loving, both just and the justifier of sinners, both transcendent and immanent and is an eternal community in himself. It is important to our worship and our apologetics to know who our God is.
- [If God is good, then why...?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/if-god-is-good-then-why/) - The idea that God is good is ubiquitous. We all hear phrases like, "good Lord," "the good Lord above," and "good God."
- [The love Trinity (not a love triangle)](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-love-trinity-not-a-love-triangle/) - Without the Trinity, we would not have an eternal loving Father God.
- [Our God is a happy God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/our-god-is-a-happy-god/) - There are obviously some people who get their vision of God from somewhere other than my source. I'm not saying there is no such thing as the wrath of God, there certainly is, but his wrath is not at his core. At his core, God is happy. God is sovereign. "Our God is in the
- [The comfort of Divine Providence](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-comfort-of-divine-providence/) - By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability and expectation; for I had four bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet escaped unhurt, altho' death was levelling my companions on every side. - George Washington, letter to John A. Washington July 18, 1755 The Hand
- [I love your habitation, the place where your glory dwells](https://www.charleslstanley.com/i-love-your-habitation/) - O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. - Psalm 26:8 One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire (meditate) in his temple.
- [Our Wholly Holy God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/our-wholly-holy-god/) - To be holy is 1)to be separate and 2)to be pure from sin or evil.
- [A Biblical response to the response to the recent election](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-biblical-response-to-the-response-to-the-recent-election/) - Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no
- [Donald J. Trump: Love him or hate him as our next President?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/donald-j-trump-love-him-or-hate-him-as-our-next-president/) - We all know our nation is greatly divided, including whether we are in despair over our future with a Trump Administration or giddy at the prospects of draining the swamp. Tomorrow, Donald J. Trump will be inaugurated as our next President. Scripture gives us wisdom on how to approach the next four years (or maybe
- [Wisdom, the secret to a life of mercy and good results](https://www.charleslstanley.com/wisdom-the-secret-to-a-life-of-mercy-and-good-results/) - Jehovah is the only wise God. While he makes this exclusive claim to wisdom among the gods, the beauty is that he has promised to share his wisdom with we simple ones.
- [Can I pray aright if there is no Trinity?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-i-pray-aright-if-there-is-no-trinity/) - The beauty of this kind of prayer is that we are entering, in a special way, into the fellowship of God.
- [The most extreme demonstration of God's glory](https://www.charleslstanley.com/magnify-the-lord-with-me/) - The Scriptures often speak of magnifying the Lord or magnifying his glory. I used to think of magnifying something as making it look bigger.
- [Are you sure God didn't change his mind?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-sure-god-didnt-change-his-mind/) - Does this mean that God can't be trusted? That he just may change his mind midstream?
- [How to think Christianly about climate change](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-think-christianly-about-climate-change/) - God, who is the creator and sustainer of all creation, is still the Sovereign Lord and is unchangeable regarding his promises. This truth should inform our approach to this topic. Verses 27-30 demonstrate God ordained climate change.
- [Are you worried about your decision being in the will of God?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-worried-about-your-decision-being-in-the-will-of-god/) - Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the
- [The glory of the incarnation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-glory-of-the-incarnation/) - Recognizing the fact that the Triune God is eternal, invisible, spirit and that the eternal Son of God, voluntarily became a man (assuming a finite, visible, fleshly existence) and will forever retain his humanity in its resurrected, glorified state, makes the love of God for us even more glorious in our understanding.
- [What may we have missed that the shepherds understood?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-may-we-have-missed-that-the-shepherds-understood/) - The Jewish expectation of the Messiah was a man sent from God to be their deliverer, what they got was God sent by God in the form of a man to be their Savior.
- [Your goals for 2017 in a larger context](https://www.charleslstanley.com/your-goals-for-2017-in-a-larger-context/) - As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. 17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, 18 to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his
- [The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-fear-of-the-lord-is-the-beginning-of-wisdom/) - How does one practice the fear of the Lord? I guess first, we should ask what does it mean to fear the Lord?
- [Unlocking the Jesus code in the Bible](https://www.charleslstanley.com/unlocking-the-jesus-code-in-the-bible/) - Exodus 34 The Lord said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on
- [Two unusual things I'd never know without language geeks](https://www.charleslstanley.com/two-things-id-never-know-without-language-geeks-2/) - I'm no Greek or Hebrew scholar. Fortunately, I know some folks who are. Thanks to these language geeks, I have a much greater appreciation for some passages of Scripture. Hendiadys and Chiasm: Two strange words that refer to literary devices. Understand these devices, and you will have a greater appreciation for Scripture. Hendiadys How do you describe
- [Get rid of joyless Christianity once and for all](https://www.charleslstanley.com/get-rid-of-joyless-christianity-once-and-for-all/) - Are you stuck somewhere between the initial joy of your salvation and the joy that comes from being settled into his steadfast love and faithfulness?
- [Have remarkable confidence you never thought possible](https://www.charleslstanley.com/have-remarkable-confidence-you-never-thought-possible/) - The declaration of his name is the character of our covenant making and covenant keeping God.
- [The God of Screw-ups is our fortress](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-god-of-screw-ups-is-our-fortress/) - During my devotional reading this morning in Psalm 46 - 50 I was particularly impressed with the timeliness of the theme of these Psalms to our current condition in the United States. Donald J. Trump is now President-elect. Those who supported him are pleased and looking forward to the implementation of his platform. On the
- [Is it forgiveness that you are needing?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/is-it-forgiveness-that-you-are-needing/) - The entirety of the life of Jesus Christ is substitutionary. He lived a perfectly sinless, righteous life so his earned righteousness could be substituted for our unrighteous lives. His death, the death of a sinless man who, being sinless, did not deserve death, was substituted for our death. His death in our place earned our forgiveness.
- [Are you "as guilty as sin?"](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-as-guilty-as-sin/) - I am sure we have all heard the expression, "guilty as sin." I am also sure that most of us don't stop to contemplate the truth of it in every case. We are all "guilty as sin," or rather guilty of sin; both the sin of Adam we all inherited and guilty of our own particular sins. That guilt we bear is the reason Jesus died.
- [Wanna hang out where the glory dwells?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/wanna-hang-out-where-the-glory-dwells/) - Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness. 4 I do not sit with men of falsehood,
- [What we can learn from a simple introduction.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-we-can-learn-from-an-introduction/) - Each of the four gospels was written from a different perspective to a different audience with a different objective in mind. Obviously, they were all intended to tell the story of Jesus, but their point in the telling was different. I am fascinated to see what different things we learn about God just from the introductions to each of the gospels.
- [Seeing the glory of God.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/seeing-the-glory-of-god/) - God became flesh and lived among we humans. For we who have been Christians most of our lives, this is old hat. That's often the problem with us, powerful truth becomes old hat. So, think about it a minute.
- [The miracle of glory at the wedding party](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-miracle-of-glory-at-the-wedding-party/) - The interplay between Jesus and his mother, Mary, has always fascinated me. I still don't know what to make of it. Clearly, Mary had expectations of Jesus' capabilities when she brought it to his attention that the wine had run out. It appears that Jesus was irritated with her by referring to her as "woman" instead of something like, "Mom."
- [Seeing Jesus for who he is](https://www.charleslstanley.com/seeing-jesus-for-who-he-is/) - When we seek to receive glory from one another rather than from God, we voluntarily blind ourselves from seeing the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures, thus cutting ourselves off from the benefits of the faith-producing word of God.
- [The open invitation to eternal security](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-open-invitation-to-eternal-security/) - When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that
- [How do you see when you are blind or hear when you are deaf?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-do-you-see-when-you-are-blind-or-hear-when-you-are-deaf/) - Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 13 So the Pharisees said to him, “You are bearing witness about yourself; your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I do bear witness about myself,
- [Exclusive ownership and extreme care](https://www.charleslstanley.com/exclusive-ownership-and-extreme-care/) - “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he
- [Do people who die really die?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-people-who-die-really-die/) - This Lazarus story is revealing of both the humanity and deity of Christ. We see his humanity in the grief and sadness of death, his anger at death, his weeping and mourning with the family and friends.
- [Can time management produce wisdom, joy and gladness?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-time-management-produce-wisdom-joy-and-gladness/) - Time management is the touted tool for efficiency. The expected outcome is a greater production with no more effort. The motive for time management efforts is most often money. Get more profit out of your time. But money doesn’t satisfy.
- [How to defeat the fear of evangelism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-defeat-the-fear-of-evangelism/) - Evangelism. For some, this is an ugly word. It is painful. We feel coerced into taking actions with which we are uncomfortable. We don't want to confront other people with a message that could end up a bit confrontational. Be h0nest, most of us are in this camp. We feel ill-equipped to get into an apologetic conversation where our intellectual preparation will be challenged. The other guy will probably have a better grasp of the issues than I have and I don't want to fail the Lord and, probably, even more, I don't want to be embarrassed. Do you feel me?
- [How should you "suffer for Jesus?"](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-should-you-suffer-for-jesus/) - Paul is the suffering-missionary suffering, not in a substitutionary way, but as a demonstration of the gospel trajectory; God reaching to us, God sent Paul to the Gentiles. Paul’s going to the Gentiles caused him much suffering. That suffering testified to the genuineness of the gospel.
- [Jesus wants you to know joy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/jesus-wants-you-to-know-joy/) - Jesus intends that we live in his joy and that we experience it to the full. Jesus taught that he is the true vine and we the branches in order that we be able to live in his joy and that our joy be full. So, what's the "secret sauce" that gets us to this place of joy?
- [How to have a theological debate](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-have-a-theological-debate/) - Debating the meaning of Scripture among believers is a good thing. When we engage honestly, we learn, We grow.
- [Will all nations really worship God? You're kidding, right?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/will-all-nations-really-worship-god-youre-kidding-right/) - North Korea threatens world peace. Russia is attempting to reestablish herself as a super-power. Iran and its client-states are bent on destroying Israel. Islamists are terrorizing parts of Africa enslaving many. The Syrian conflict is still out of control. The United States is in internal turmoil while she attempts to use her might to stabilize the chaos around the earth. This picture makes it appear the world is in worse shape than it was during the last century with it's two world wars and the cold war along with the cultural revolution that exploded on the scene in the West during the 1960's.
- [What did the suffering servant suffer for?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-did-the-suffering-servant-suffer-for/) - Today, I want to focus us on the benefits of the work of Christ that are depicted in Isaiah 52:13-53:12.
- [Are you in the good-news, bad-news, good-news story?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-in-the-good-news-bad-news-good-news-story/) - The bulk of the book of Hosea is just sad. Israel, sometimes referred to as Ephraim the largest tribe in Israel, is called a whore, one who has run after idols, instead of God, her husband. One of the famous passages from Hosea is in Hosea 8:7, "For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." The prophet had the unenviable calling to speak for God a message that was hard and extended over about 30 years and four kings. I surmise that Hosea was not too popular in the king's court or anywhere else in Israel.
- [How about a little thanksgiving with that prayer?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-about-a-little-thanksgiving-with-that-prayer/) - Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:5-7 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful
- [Have you limited yourself to a photograph when you could have the real thing?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/have-you-limited-yourself-to-a-photograph-when-you-could-have-the-real-thing/) - I have always thought this statement about a "festival or a new moon or a Sabbath" being a shadow of things to come, but the substance belonging to Christ to be fascinating. How are these things a shadow of Christ?
- [The Big 5 Blessings that are yours in Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-big-5-blessings-that-are-yours-in-christ/) - As Christians, what we have we have purely by virtue of being in Christ. He is the one who inherits all things. We are blessed "in Christ" with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. That is a rather all-encompassing statement. Paul goes ahead and breaks it down in the following section giving us five examples of the blessings we have in Christ.
- [Discovering God's unique will for you.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/discovering-gods-unique-will-for-you/) - I know many people are disconcerted with the concept of God's absolute sovereignty over all things which includes his providence. Personally, I have come to find great comfort in it. The sovereignty of God is one of those Scriptural topics that must be handled with great care. God's sovereignty never diminishes our responsibility for our own decisions and actions. It is paradoxical but true.
- [He made two into one dwelling place for God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/he-made-two-into-one-dwelling-place-for-god/) - I believe this means there is a special presence of the omnipresent God when Jesus' followers gather in his name. No wonder we are exhorted not to forsake the assembling together of the church. Jesus is there in a special way whether it is a small gathering of four or five in someone's living room or thousands in a mega-church worship service. He is there with his special presence. We are his dwelling place by the Spirit.
- [What is your source of boldness and confidence?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-is-your-source-of-boldness-and-confidence/) - Today in Islamic nations like Iran and others along with Communist nations like China and North Korea, brothers and sisters in Christ are imprisoned for sharing the gospel with fellow citizens of these nations. It is no different than Paul's experience. The gospel was, and is, a threat to the dominance of idolatry in whatever form it takes. It was during Paul's imprisonment in Rome in A.D. 62 that he penned this glorious epistle to the Ephesian church.
- [How can we be filled with the fullness of God?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-can-we-be-filled-with-the-fullness-of-god/) - For us to have experiential knowledge of the things of God, we must be strengthened in our inner man or our hearts, if you will. In our natural state, we are incapable of apprehending the things of God. This is the great personal work of the Holy Spirit in our inner man.
- [Do we respect the one body of Christ?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-we-respect-the-one-body-of-christ/) - I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your
- [How to effectively pray for your children](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-effectively-pray-for-your-children/) - And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. - 1 John5:13-14 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask
- [One truth about God that can change your life forever](https://www.charleslstanley.com/one-truth-about-god-that-can-change-your-life-forever/) - We are more secure as believers in Jesus Christ than we know. At the core of that security is the core of God’s name, “steadfast love and faithfulness.”
- [Mending what is broken](https://www.charleslstanley.com/mending-what-is-broken/) - Excuse me for getting a little technical with language here, but the term could well be translated "to mend or repair." We find the same word used when James and John are "mending" their fishing nets. Galatians 6:1 encourages us to "restore" our brother.
- [A pipe dream or a Divine decree?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/a-pipe-dream-or-a-divine-decree/) - The equipping/mending/restoration of the saints is to enable us to serve and in that service build up the body of Christ. Paul puts a time limit on this service; it is to continue "until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood." This unity of the faith is either a pipe dream or a Divine decree that is humanly impossible but divinely decreed and will come to pass.
- [The paradox of perfection and performance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-paradox-of-perfection-and-performance/) - We who have been told that we are blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, chosen before the foundation of the world, holy and blameless, are also told to put off the old self and put on the new self. We who are "perfect in Christ" are still in process. These are paradoxical truths that apply to all of us who are in Christ.
- [How we grow from grace to grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/eph-4-again-2/) - Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice
- [Overcoming sexual immorality, impurity and covetousness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/overcoming-sexual-immorality-impurity-and-covetousness/) - Paul hits hard in three areas, sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. All three speak directly into our culture and unfortunately into the church in many cases. It is because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
- [Why do Biblical standards for marriage matter?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-do-biblical-standards-for-marriage-matter/) - Paul is using these facts about the relationship between our brain (our head) and our body to illustrate two other relationships, that of Christ and the church and that of a husband and wife. We can learn volumes from these analogies.
- [The superpower for successful Biblical leaders and followers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-superpower-for-successful-biblical-leaders-and-followers/) - Fathers and Masters (Employers) are leaders. Children and Bondservants (Employees) are followers. This may be simplistic, but it gets my point across. We can learn a lot from both the explicit application of this passage to Children and Fathers, Bondservants and Masters and the implicit application to the broader categories of leaders and followers.
- [Thoughts on the elements of spiritual warfare](https://www.charleslstanley.com/thoughts-on-the-elements-of-spiritual-warfare/) - It seems that throughout the history of the church, and now is no exception; there are two extremes when it comes to the topic of spiritual warfare. There is the denial of the devil and his demons, an attempt to relegate them to the annals of ancient myth. This position is certainly not supported by Scripture. The other extreme is convinced there is a demon behind every rock and hidden in every closet. That too is a false extreme. But, spiritual warfare is real. The devil is real, and we need to be properly apprised of the situation.
- [How to make sure you don't miss out on grace and peace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-make-sure-you-dont-miss-out-on-grace-and-peace/) - The letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia has a distinct tone. It does not contain his usual congenial warmth we see in his other letters. There is no thanksgiving section in which Paul thanks God for his work among the letter's recipients. Galatians is rather stern in tone. You might say Paul is ticked off.
- [How quickly we forget the most important truth](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-quickly-we-forget-the-most-important-truth/) - When Paul jumps into his letter, it begins with "how quickly" the Galatians were deserting the God who called them in the grace of Christ. And it was quick.
- [To circumcise or to not circumcise, that is the question](https://www.charleslstanley.com/to-circumcise-or-to-not-circumcise-that-is-the-question/) - Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.3 But even Titus,
- [The power of a quiet and unassuming man](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-power-of-a-quiet-and-unassuming-man/) - Jesus is the focal point of all history and especially the Christmas story. It is the story of his birth, real history. Next to Jesus, Mary seems to gain most of the attention. However, today I will put the focus on Joseph. We don't learn a lot about Joseph in the gospel accounts. It is assumed that he died before Jesus entered his public ministry at the approximate age of 30 since we don't read his name during the adulthood of Jesus.
- [How to avoid a public rebuke](https://www.charleslstanley.com/how-to-avoid-a-public-rebuke/) - The Apostle Peter is generally thought of as the brash, bombastic disciple ready to die for Jesus. He is a "shoot first and aim later" kind of guy. It was Peter who cut off the ear of Malchus in the Garden before Jesus surrendered himself to the Roman soldiers. That image doesn't bring forth the thought of Peter being a hypocrite or a double-minded man. And yet, that is precisely what he was in this scene.
- [Who is counted as righteous and why?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-is-counted-a-righteous-and-why/) - Who is it that is counted as righteous and gets to go to heaven? Will I make it through the pearly gates if at least 51% of my actions in life are good? After all, I did more good than bad, right? That's fair, isn't it?
- [Are you as foolish as a Galatian?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-as-foolish-as-a-galatian/) - Wow! Paul lays it on kind of thick here. He calls the Galatians fools and then asks them who bewitched them. Paul plasters them with the epithet of being such fools that a pagan could bewitch them from the truth. Again, it is obvious that Paul is a little miffed.
- [Freedom when the light comes on.](https://www.charleslstanley.com/freedom-when-the-light-comes-on/) - When we "get" this part of Paul's argument, we will have overcome the performance struggles that most of us have had at one time or another in our desire to enjoy a good relationship with God. God's deal with us is one of promise, not one of law and obedience to that law.
- [From the slavery of the law to the freedom of sonship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/from-the-slavery-of-the-law-to-the-freedom-of-sonship/) - Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were
- [Who chooses slavery when they are born to freedom?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-chooses-slavery-when-they-are-born-to-freedom/) - It is a perfectly normal human tendency to want to earn what we get. We don't like to be objects of "charity." However, when it comes to our relationship with God, we should probably rethink that posture. Paul lays out an allegory that carries us all the way to the end of chapter 5. It is a story of freedom and slavery. Given a choice, who would be a slave?
- [Why spoil the gospel lump with legalism's yeast?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/why-spoil-the-gospel-lump-with-legalisms-yeast/) - This post will probably offend some readers just as Paul's message offended some of his hearers. Fortunately for me, you are reading this on some digital device many miles from where I stand so you can't easily arrange to persecute me and stone me as Paul's hearer's persecuted him.
- [What works to overcome sin since human effort fails every time?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-works-to-overcome-sin-since-human-effort-fails-every-time/) - Every Christian has a struggle. It is a struggle that will, in this life, never go away completely. It should become lessened as we grow in the grace of Jesus Christ, but we can not let our guard down, or it will come roaring back. It is the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit.
- [Can a legalist really be hot for Jesus?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-a-legalist-really-be-hot-for-jesus/) - People who are legalistic are usually judgmental and critical of those who don't live up to the legalist's standards. When a legalist observes a brother sin, his natural tendency is to pile on. Wrong! Paul's instruction is to restore him in a spirit of gentleness, not something that comes naturally to a legalist.
- [Love is the fulfilling of the law. But how?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/love-is-the-fulfilling-of-the-law-but-how/) - As I have worked my way through the book of Galatians, a question has presented itself to my mind about the Law and the love of God. It seems to me that most of the time in my life when these two subjects have been put forward, they have usually been juxtaposed as conflicting with one another. I believe that idea is wrong. The two are beautifully compatible and mutually supportive. I am considering the moral law primarily since it is the portion of the law that is enduring to the end of the age.
- [New creation, the only thing that really counts](https://www.charleslstanley.com/new-creation-the-only-thing-that-really-counts/) - Legalistic Christians are hypocrites according to Paul's description. He says, "even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh." When I was much younger and didn't have a broad grasp of the gospel, I too had rules that I inherited from some Christians around me. I was quick to impose those rules on others and found myself becoming a judgmental person.
- [Possessing the potent power of prudent proverbs](https://www.charleslstanley.com/possessing-the-potent-power-of-prudent-proverbs/) - Wisdom literature, which includes Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and Job, is a unique genre of literature. It is different from the historical narrative in which we get the Bible stories that are the fodder for children's stories, and different from the epistles of the New Testament or the imagery of apocalyptic literature like Revelation, Daniel, and Ezekiel. These Wisdom books are also known as Poetic literature because they all contain lots of Hebrew poetry. When reading Proverbs, it is important to keep in mind the type of literature we are reading.
- [Who else wants true wisdom?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-else-wants-true-wisdom/) - The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to
- [Who sets an ambush for his own life?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/who-sets-an-ambush-for-his-own-life/) - That which is particularly applicable to young people is the recognition that listening to your parent's wisdom isn't just some old-fashioned idea; God says it is something that will bring you honor. The imagery is that of a graceful garland on your head (a crown) and pendants for your neck. These are emblems of honor, and they are earned by youth who accept parental-wisdom and do not rebel against their parent's godly wisdom. Picture the Olympic champion with the garland on his head and the gold medal around his neck. If you are a young person who has submitted to the Lordship of Christ, understand that this is a matter of being a disciple of Christ.
- [Do you know the love that arises from being a disciple-maker?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/do-you-know-the-love-that-arises-from-being-a-disciple-maker/) - Can you name the disciples you have made? I am loathed to lay on anyone a guilt trip, but I also believe we need to speak the truth in love. If you can't name anyone whom you have discipled into Christ or discipled into a more mature place as a follower of Jesus, then maybe you have yet to participate fully in this mission to which Jesus has called us all. I believe it is only from that vantage point that we can really identify with the affection Paul describes.
- [Can you raise a crop and not eat its fruit?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/can-you-raise-a-crop-and-not-eat-its-fruit/) - Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; 21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: 22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? 23 If you turn at my
- [The paradox of pain and joy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-paradox-of-pain-and-joy/) - I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without
- [The guaranteed keys to a good life and stable prosperity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-guaranteed-keys-to-a-good-life-and-stable-prosperity/) - My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of
- [Are you a competitive disciple-maker?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/are-you-a-competitive-disciple-maker/) - Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or
- [The joyful product of a well lived life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-joyful-product-of-a-well-lived-life/) - My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight
- [Here or there, which is better?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/here-or-there-which-is-better/) - Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by
- [The source of loyalty: what every relationship needs](https://www.charleslstanley.com/beginningthere-loyalty-2/) - All human virtues which we hold in high esteem find their origins in the Creator. Loyalty is one of those positive virtues we all appreciate even though in all honesty the most loyal of us practices loyalty imperfectly.
- [The single important fact to explode your self-esteem](https://www.charleslstanley.com/before-the-beginning-he-knew-my-name-2/) - Once upon a time, before there was time, in a place far, far away, before there were places, God knew my name and wrote it down in a book. There was no creation yet. There were no birds, no stars, no angels or demons, and certainly no humans. There was only God. God, the three-in-one
- [Security: the power of the eternal covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/before-the-beginningthere-was-covenant-2/) - One thing God did, and I submit the most important thing as far as we humans are concerned, was to make an eternal covenant.
- [Tomorrow is Friday, but Sunday's a-comin'](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tomorrow-is-friday-but-sundays-a-comin/) - Good Friday! Who ever came up with that name? It's not what I would think of if someone would say to me, "Have a good day." Was it such a good day for Jesus? From a human perspective, not so much. His "bad day" actually started the evening before. He celebrated the Passover meal late
- [Glory in the church](https://www.charleslstanley.com/glory-in-the-church/) - The very idea of God's glory, a reality that exists only as the product of God's absolute perfection, is hard for us to fathom. Actually, that is the reason God created everything (including us), to magnify his glory, to give us object lessons in creation that reveal something of his glory.
- [Before the beginning...there was Trinity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/before-the-beginning-there-was-trinity/) - Because God is triune, he has eternally been personal and relational in his own being, even before the beginning. This is necessarily true since God is perfect love.
- [Philippians 1:6](https://www.charleslstanley.com/philippians-16/)
- [Christmas Selah! Bite](https://www.charleslstanley.com/christmas-selah-bite/)
- [Before the beginning...there was God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/before-the-beginning-there-was-god/) - Before the beginning there was God is cultural heresy in the 21st century. This is really the dividing point in our culture. There are the Oneists who believe there is no God outside the universe but that all is really just one. Historically, the major religions holding this view are Buddhism and Hinduism. They take
- [What if you met Jesus on the street today?](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-if-you-met-jesus-on-the-street-today/) - Close your eyes (after you finish reading these instructions, of course), imagine you are walking down the sidewalk in your town, and someone comes around the corner in front of you. Somehow you intuitively know this is Jesus. What is his appearance like to you in your imagination?
- [Dancing with the Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/dancing-with-the-spirit/) - There is a difference between a pronouncement and a command. A pronouncement is merely a telling of what is or will be. A command tells someone to do something. Jesus, in Matthew 24:14 makes a pronouncement to the effect that the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed to the whole world. There is no doubt that it will be done. In fact, he says it is a prerequisite to the end of the age, the delicious stuff, the New Heaven and New Earth.
- [Faith is more than a confession](https://www.charleslstanley.com/faith-is-more-than-a-confession/) - What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body,

## Pages

- [About](https://www.charleslstanley.com/about/) - I have the advantage of a background that is religiously eclectic. I jokingly say I am a Methepiscobapiterianostal. That is to say; most of my life I haven't had tremendous loyalty to any one denomination or theological system. I have, however, always held a strong commitment to Scripture and living in accord with it. I
- [What I believe...](https://www.charleslstanley.com/what-i-believe/) - Anytime I read "spiritual" material, I want to know the foundation of the writer. What does he or she believe? That will be no different for you reading my material. So, here is a brief statement about my foundation.
- [Mission](https://www.charleslstanley.com/mission/) - I have been writing one way or another for decades. A few years ago, I began to get a little serious about it and began to study the craft. Life happened and all my best intentions to write more just fell by the wayside. Now, I am making writing a major component of my life
- [The Creeds](https://www.charleslstanley.com/the-creeds/) - The Apostle's Creed (dated no later than the fourth century) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,
- [Movement Resources](https://www.charleslstanley.com/movement-resources/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.7″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” link_option_url=”https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vFBkIdTkEEu_hr9YJ_cRgE8fOTI5NEvpciAynavJc1Q/edit#heading=h.ox06ytm3ztxl” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″] Baptism Hammer (Handout) [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
- [TERMS OF USE AND PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.charleslstanley.com/terms-of-use-and-privacy-policy/) - The following TERMS OF USE and PRIVACY POLICY are subject to change at any time and at the sole discretion of the Site owner and operator. Please visit the site regularly for updates. Terms of Use Please read the following terms of use relating to your use of this site, and all the sites listed
- [My Speaking Page](https://www.charleslstanley.com/my-speaking-page/) - I have one passion, to know and enjoy the Lord and then to share that joy and knowledge of God with others in a manner that helps them make progress in their lives. I am an encourager/exhorter. Let's make progress. I am not a motivational speaker, I am a teacher of God's word done as
- [Start Here](https://www.charleslstanley.com/start-here/) - If you're like most of my readers, you are a Christian, and you care about your faith. You have all the challenges of being human and are susceptible to doubt, frustration, and discouragement. You also know that Christ is your strength, and you are designed to glorify God by enjoying him forever. What we all
- [Free Seminary Education](https://www.charleslstanley.com/resources/free-seminary-education/) - For non-U.S. citizens, free seminary level education is available in several different languages. Courses can be taken for academic credit if you desire or you can study and receive a certificate for the completion of courses but no academic credit will be available. You choose which approach is right for you. This education is available
- [Disciple-Making Training](https://www.charleslstanley.com/resources/disciple-making-training/) - Jesus gave a command to all of us to make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20. Many of us have never been trained on a simple, infinitely duplicable method for how to make disciples. On this page, I want to share some simple and profound tools that will enable any follower of Jesus to effectively share the gospel with the people where they live, work, and play.
- [Resources](https://www.charleslstanley.com/resources/)
- [Contact](https://www.charleslstanley.com/contact/)
- [Thank you for signing up for notifications](https://www.charleslstanley.com/thank-you-for-signing-up-for-notifications/) - I want to welcome you to Living Life Successfully. I trust you will find blessing as you meditate on God's word and find it changing you.

## Tags

- [Happiness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/happiness/)
- [Happiness of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/happiness-of-god/)
- [Predestination](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/predestination/)
- [Glory](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/glory/)
- [Covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/covenant/)
- [Trinity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/trinity/)
- [Creation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/creation/)
- [Marriage](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/marriage/)
- [Church](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/church/)
- [Joy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/joy/)
- [Nations](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/nations/)
- [Isaiah](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/isaiah/)
- [suffering](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/suffering/)
- [benefits](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/benefits/)
- [justification](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/justification/)
- [healing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/healing/)
- [prayer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/prayer/)
- [children](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/children/)
- [Word of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/word-of-god/)
- [sovereignty of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sovereignty-of-god/)
- [Hosea](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hosea/)
- [abiding in Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/abiding-in-christ/)
- [miracles](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/miracles/)
- [John](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/john/)
- [fatherhood](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fatherhood/)
- [Thanksgiving](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/thanksgiving/)
- [in Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/in-christ/)
- [inheritance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/inheritance/)
- [redemption](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/redemption/)
- [Holy Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/holy-spirit/)
- [Ephesians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/ephesians/)
- [emotions](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/emotions/)
- [Hope](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hope/)
- [Power](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/power/)
- [Witness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/witness/)
- [Grace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/grace/)
- [Will of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/will-of-god/)
- [Decision making](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/decision-making/)
- [Mission](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/mission/)
- [sanctification](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sanctification/)
- [paganism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/paganism/)
- [singing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/singing/)
- [fellowship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fellowship/)
- [Body of Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/body-of-christ/)
- [Love](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/love/)
- [Respect](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/respect/)
- [Employers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/employers/)
- [Employees](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/employees/)
- [Spiritual Warfare](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/spiritual-warfare/)
- [Galatians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/galatians/)
- [salvation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/salvation/)
- [works](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/works/)
- [angel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/angel/)
- [Discipleship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/discipleship/)
- [Truth](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/truth/)
- [Circumcision](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/circumcision/)
- [Christmas](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/christmas/)
- [Hypocrisy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hypocrisy/)
- [Rebuke](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/rebuke/)
- [Confrontation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/confrontation/)
- [Law](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/law/)
- [Promise](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/promise/)
- [Abraham](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/abraham/)
- [Sonship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sonship/)
- [Exodus](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/exodus/)
- [Sin](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sin/)
- [born again](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/born-again/)
- [new creation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/new-creation/)
- [hypocrite](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hypocrite/)
- [freedom](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/freedom/)
- [Psalms](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/psalms/)
- [Proverbs](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/proverbs/)
- [wisdom](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/wisdom/)
- [Money](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/money/)
- [reward](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/reward/)
- [Phillipians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/phillipians/)
- [disciple-making](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/disciple-making/)
- [Philippians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/philippians/)
- [gospel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/gospel/)
- [Knowledge](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/knowledge/)
- [fear of the Lord](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fear-of-the-lord/)
- [understanding](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/understanding/)
- [eternal life](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/eternal-life/)
- [making disciples](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/making-disciples/)
- [Kingdom of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/kingdom-of-god/)
- [heart](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/heart/)
- [good works](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/good-works/)
- [fool](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fool/)
- [Folly](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/folly/)
- [Hebrews](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hebrews/)
- [Acts](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/acts/)
- [Providence](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/providence/)
- [Prosperity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/prosperity/)
- [steadfast love](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/steadfast-love/)
- [HESED](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hesed/)
- [Romans](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/romans/)
- [strife](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/strife/)
- [culture](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/culture/)
- [wrath](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/wrath/)
- [repentance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/repentance/)
- [Praise](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/praise/)
- [Victory](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/victory/)
- [Depression](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/depression/)
- [colossians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/colossians/)
- [fasting](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fasting/)
- [giving](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/giving/)
- [Rewards](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/rewards/)
- [Daniel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/daniel/)
- [Obedience](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/obedience/)
- [Luke](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/luke/)
- [Matthew](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/matthew/)
- [2 Corinthians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/2-corinthians/)
- [Holiness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/holiness/)
- [Mark](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/mark/)
- [Servant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/servant/)
- [1 Timothy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/1-timothy/)
- [Grieve](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/grieve/)
- [Deuteronomy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/deuteronomy/)
- [Strength](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/strength/)
- [Unity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/unity/)
- [Evangelism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/evangelism/)
- [Spiritual Gifts](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/spiritual-gifts/)
- [Motivational Gifts](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/motivational-gifts/)
- [Prophecy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/prophecy/)
- [James](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/james/)
- [1 Peter](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/1-peter/)
- [1 Corinthians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/1-corinthians/)
- [Evil](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/evil/)
- [Persecution](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/persecution/)
- [Forgiveness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/forgiveness/)
- [Trials](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/trials/)
- [Doctrine](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/doctrine/)
- [Wineskin](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/wineskin/)
- [Fruit of the Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fruit-of-the-spirit/)
- [Obey Jesus](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/obey-jesus/)
- [Worship](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/worship/)
- [submission](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/submission/)
- [Steadfastness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/steadfastness/)
- [Faith](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/faith/)
- [Poor](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/poor/)
- [Rich](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/rich/)
- [deception](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/deception/)
- [speech](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/speech/)
- [tongue](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/tongue/)
- [partiality](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/partiality/)
- [discrimination](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/discrimination/)
- [Teacher](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/teacher/)
- [Pride](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/pride/)
- [Profit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/profit/)
- [Social Justice](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/social-justice/)
- [Patience](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/patience/)
- [Judgment](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/judgment/)
- [Disciple](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/disciple/)
- [watch](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/watch/)
- [wait](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/wait/)
- [Genesis](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/genesis/)
- [Jacob](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/jacob/)
- [Mary](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/mary/)
- [1 Thessalonians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/1-thessalonians/)
- [DMM](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/dmm/)
- [Intercession](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/intercession/)
- [Relationships](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/relationships/)
- [2 Thessalonians](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/2-thessalonians/)
- [Justice](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/justice/)
- [Conversation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/conversation/)
- [Sex](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sex/)
- [Vengeance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/vengeance/)
- [passion](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/passion/)
- [BLM](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/blm/)
- [LGBTQ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/lgbtq/)
- [Resurrection](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/resurrection/)
- [Racial Injustice](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/racial-injustice/)
- [Discernment](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/discernment/)
- [Critical Race Theory](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/critical-race-theory/)
- [Zechariah](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/zechariah/)
- [anxiety](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/anxiety/)
- [Humility](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/humility/)
- [Greatness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/greatness/)
- [Leadership](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/leadership/)
- [Restoration](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/restoration/)
- [Different Gospel](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/different-gospel/)
- [Civil Law](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/civil-law/)
- [Politics](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/politics/)
- [Peace](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/peace/)
- [Boldness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/boldness/)
- [Political](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/political/)
- [Resistance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/resistance/)
- [demons](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/demons/)
- [One Another](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/one-another/)
- [cynicism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/cynicism/)
- [steadfast love and faithfulness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/steadfast-love-and-faithfulness/)
- [Image of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/image-of-god/)
- [Suicide](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/suicide/)
- [Race](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/race/)
- [2 Timothy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/2-timothy/)
- [Multiplication](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/multiplication/)
- [saints](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/saints/)
- [Identity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/identity/)
- [self-image](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/self-image/)
- [Ambassador](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/ambassador/)
- [Saint](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/saint/)
- [weakness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/weakness/)
- [Overcome](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/overcome/)
- [Satan](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/satan/)
- [Evangelist](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/evangelist/)
- [Discovery Bible Study](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/discovery-bible-study/)
- [Gifts of the Spirit](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/gifts-of-the-spirit/)
- [Tongues](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/tongues/)
- [Hearing God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hearing-god/)
- [Guidance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/guidance/)
- [Strong man](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/strong-man/)
- [substitute](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/substitute/)
- [despair](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/despair/)
- [distraught](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/distraught/)
- [Perspective](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/perspective/)
- [controversy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/controversy/)
- [speculations](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/speculations/)
- [Titius](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/titius/)
- [Lies](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/lies/)
- [Walk with God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/walk-with-god/)
- [hospitality](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hospitality/)
- [Perseverance](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/perseverance/)
- [2 Peter](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/2-peter/)
- [false prophet](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/false-prophet/)
- [false teacher](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/false-teacher/)
- [sensuality](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sensuality/)
- [greed](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/greed/)
- [sickness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sickness/)
- [pandemic](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/pandemic/)
- [speak](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/speak/)
- [Legalism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/legalism/)
- [endurane](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/endurane/)
- [Authority of the believer](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/authority-of-the-believer/)
- [Fruit bearing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fruit-bearing/)
- [Mercy](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/mercy/)
- [aspiration](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/aspiration/)
- [Knowledge of God](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/knowledge-of-god/)
- [Heaven](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/heaven/)
- [New Covenant](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/new-covenant/)
- [Jeremiah](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/jeremiah/)
- [Flesh](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/flesh/)
- [Prophet](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/prophet/)
- [Moses](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/moses/)
- [Priest](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/priest/)
- [lust](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/lust/)
- [same-sex attraction](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/same-sex-attraction/)
- [sanity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/sanity/)
- [Gladness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/gladness/)
- [Mammon](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/mammon/)
- [Freedom in Christ](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/freedom-in-christ/)
- [Zephaniah](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/zephaniah/)
- [weak](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/weak/)
- [Serpent](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/serpent/)
- [Courage](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/courage/)
- [Gay Christianity](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/gay-christianity/)
- [affliction](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/affliction/)
- [warning](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/warning/)
- [Second Coming](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/second-coming/)
- [Rapture](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/rapture/)
- [Day of the Lord](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/day-of-the-lord/)
- [Revelation](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/revelation/)
- [Coward](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/coward/)
- [Comfort](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/comfort/)
- [wicked](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/wicked/)
- [Christian Nationalism](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/christian-nationalism/)
- [Global Warming](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/global-warming/)
- [New Heaven New Earth](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/new-heaven-new-earth/)
- [Fiery destruction](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fiery-destruction/)
- [1 John](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/1-john/)
- [Intimacy with Jesus](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/intimacy-with-jesus/)
- [Darkness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/darkness/)
- [Light](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/light/)
- [Hate](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/hate/)
- [fathers](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/fathers/)
- [young men](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/young-men/)
- [Last hour](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/last-hour/)
- [antichrist](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/antichrist/)
- [anointing](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/anointing/)
- [Abide](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/abide/)
- [purified](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/purified/)
- [Glorification](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/glorification/)
- [Overcoming sin](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/overcoming-sin/)
- [lawlessness](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/lawlessness/)
- [Love one another](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/love-one-another/)
- [Discerning of spirits](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/discerning-of-spirits/)
- [Murder](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/murder/)
- [spirits](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/spirits/)
- [false teaching](https://www.charleslstanley.com/tag/false-teaching/)

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