In Perspective

Psalm 128 is called a song of ascents. They say it's because they are traveling up, making their way up to Jerusalem when this Psalm was composed. A mediation and devotional on Psalm 128 lets us in on the feelings of God's people. There's a lifting of the spirit, a spiritual ascent likewise as you ponder on some truths they've shared in this chapter. Scripture Text Psalm 128 A song of ascents. How blessed is every one of the Lord’s loyal followers , each one wh o keeps his commands. 2 You will eat what you worked so hard to grow. You will be blessed and secure . 3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in the inner rooms of your house; your children will be like olive branches, as they sit all around your table. 4 Yes indeed, the man w ho fears the Lord will be blessed in this way . 5 May the Lord bless you from Zion that you might see Jerusalem prosper all the days of your life 6 and that you might see your grandchildren. May Israel experience peace. The Blessing o...

  There is a tendency to become like the people you surround yourself with. As a Christian—a child of God who desires to live and think the way He wants—being around modern-day Pharisees is unhealthy for your spiritual growth. So, what is a Pharisee in today’s context? Let’s break this down so you can identify one and stay away from them. Even better, my hope for this article is that it will help us recognize any Pharisaical attitudes in our own lives and encourage us to stop living and thinking that way. In modern Christianity, “Pharisees” is a metaphor for people or groups who, while appearing devout or religious, often miss the heart of the Gospel. The original Pharisees in the Bible were a Jewish sect known for strict adherence to the law and traditions, but Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy, pride, and lack of mercy (Matthew 23). Here’s how this concept translates today: Legalism and Lack of Grace Modern-day Pharisees often focus on rigid rules, rituals, or appearances. ...

You never know when you’ll get another chance to speak with someone about Christ, so prayerfully make sure you share the Gospel message rightly, truthfully, and simply. Here are the essentials you need to cover. God’s Love for Everyone The Bible says that God loves the world—He loves everyone. His love is for each one of His creation, and He longs to be in fellowship with us. (John 3:16) Our Sin Problem But we all have a sin problem. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Sin separates us from God’s love and access to Him. Because God is perfect and holy, He cannot fellowship where there is sin. Where there is sin, there will be a life without God and an eternity apart from Him. Since heaven is where God dwells, the Bible calls that eternal separation hell—and it is real. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) We Need Jesus We are helpless, born with a sin nature, and we cannot save o...

For more than four centuries, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has been cherished for its majestic language and deep influence on Christian worship and English literature. Many believers still find comfort in its familiar wording and poetic style. However, the world has changed significantly since 1611.  Advances in archaeology, biblical scholarship, and language studies have given us access to far earlier manuscripts and more precise translations. While the KJV remains a valuable part of the Christian tradition, it is not always the most practical or accurate choice if used alone. Understanding both its strengths and limitations helps readers make the best use of Scripture today. Why the KJV May Not Be the Best Sole Version Today 1. Not Based on the Best Manuscripts The KJV’s New Testament relies on the Textus Receptus, compiled in the 1500s from relatively late manuscripts. Since then, thousands of older and more reliable manuscripts—such as Codex Sinaiticus and Codex V...

Psalm 112 reflects on the blessings that come over a life that finds joy in being obedient to the Father. His children who observes, learns, and follow after their parent's example are enabled to thrive in this world. When we choose to obey, it isn’t about blind compliance—it’s about trust and love. This joy comes from knowing that God’s ways are perfect and that His commands are for our good. Over time, obedience becomes less about duty and more about relationship, transforming our daily walk with Him. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The more you love God, the more easy it is to obey Him.” Blessings of Obedience: Provision without Idolatry How ever and whatever way wealth and riches may present in one's life, there will be material provision. And this is a natural result of a hard worker's efforts and generosity. This comes from valuing hard work yet not overvaluing the rewards or the payback. True provision is more than money—it’s the peace of knowing God meets your needs...

Imagine this: You’re in a video game, and you stumble upon a glowing treasure chest. But there’s a twist—you have no idea if it’s filled with gold or if it's a trap set by the game’s developers. That’s pretty much what investing in Bitcoin feels like right now. Some people believe this cryptocurrency is the best opportunity ever, while others warn that it’s a dangerous gamble. So, is Bitcoin a jackpot or a ticking time bomb? Let’s break it down. Why Bitcoin Might Be a Good Buy 1. The Halving Event: Bitcoin’s Own "Black Friday Sale" Bitcoin has a special feature built into its code called "halving." About every four years, the reward for mining Bitcoin is cut in half. This means fewer new Bitcoins enter the market, making the existing ones more scarce. Think of it like a Black Friday sale where there are only 100 limited-edition sneakers. When supply is low, demand usually goes up. In the past, Bitcoin’s price has surged after each halving. The next one is expec...

Gratitude  is how you deal with worry and anxiety.  A grateful heart  helps you get over yourself. As Christians, we are called to practice gratitude every moment, not just when life is going smoothly but especially in the hard moments. Gratitude anchors our hearts to God’s faithfulness and reminds us that we are never alone. Gratitude Helps Us See Beyond Ourselves Somewhere in the world, in this very moment, someone is dying without Jesus. Someone is living it tough. They’re without hope, unaware that God is nearby, ready to save. As followers of Christ, cultivating a heart of gratitude keeps us sensitive to these realities, pushing us to pray, share the Gospel, and love others intentionally. It also moves us to keep appreciating our salvation and security in Christ, now and whatever happens in the future. People are out there, wrestling with the purpose of life. They have never known the presence and loving touch of the One True God. They have yet to experience a r...