I is for Identity Theft by Judi Tillett

Young children belong to God. At their conception in the womb they belong to Him. They are to be taught that truth and to grow up as His “offspring” into all the covenant passion and purpose of God. So the demonic thief’s first point of attack is to steal their identification. He who was Lucifer is first and foremost an identity thief. He was ejected from heaven as he thought to steal the identity of the One True and Only God. He pressed Jesus for His identity, and he presses against and pursues the identity of God’s people and especially His children today … read more

If Superheroes Could Preach by Jim Herring

Summer is here and it is the time for blockbuster movies. Every summer there are always a few superhero movies: Superman, Batman, Superman vs. Batman, Captain America, Iron man, Captain America vs. Iron man, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, and the X-men. Most of the time these movies do very well at the box office. Why? Because we are intrigued with superheroes. Why are we attracted to and fascinated by these heroes? … read more

Thoughts on Addiction and Recovery by Virgil Stokes

Funny how thoughts come back to you. I remember sitting at a bar back in 1975. I was having a boozy conversation with another inebriate. For some reason, I remember proudly declaring, “I’m an alcoholic!” then laughing uproariously while ordering another drink. I was a drunk and I knew it, but it was four more years before I did anything useful about the problem. In the meantime, I lost my job, ruined any number of relationships, and deteriorated physically … read more

It’s All Yours by Lisa Cooke

I could tell there was something the Holy Spirit wanted to say through me to a brother who is actively believing for healing from a particular disease, but I didn’t know what it was until I stood directly in front of him. The next thing I knew, these words were coming out of my mouth: “It’s all yours.” That’s all I said to him but he understood exactly what I meant. To “get what he is so ready to give” reminds us of the attitude that the Godhead has toward us. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are of the same frame of mind with an eternal willingness to give mercy and help. … read more

God’s Claim and Call on Our Lives

Mankind seems hell-bent on rebelling against God and His authority. Psalm 2:2-3 (NLT) paints a vivid picture of man’s insurgent and seditious attitude toward God’s rule: “The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. ‘Let us break their chains,’ they cry, ‘and free ourselves from slavery to God.’” … read more 

Standards for Those Who Serve

It seems harder and harder to find “qualified” people (according to the standards in 1 Timothy and Titus) to serve in leadership and helps positions in the church. Do pastors ever modify their standards in order to get people involved serving, even in entry-level types of positions? What kinds of character and lifestyle standards do other pastors and churches communicate for those who are going to be involved in serving?