FROM THE KEYBOARD

The Bible does not apologize for dropping a plumb line of morality on our lives and in the world. Without the standard of the law, no one would know they are part and parcel to the fall. We are all guilty as charged, filthy sinners in desperate need of a beautiful Savior. "Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24).

We are called to be wise as a serpent so that we don't fall for the wiles of the Serpent; that slippery snake called Satan. You see, wisdom from the Word of God not only gives us discernment to know the difference between good and evil, but it also grants us the strength "to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10). "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).

The goal of biblical teaching is love aligned with God’s truth. Because "love” that is not aligned with God’s truth is not love at all. In fact, "love” that is not aligned with God’s Word actually maligns God’s Word. You see, when man defines his own way forward, he essentially deforms what God has defined. "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5).

To feel God's love, that is great. But to know that God loves you even when you don't feel it, that is faith. Translation: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. So let us stop doubting this love and begin living our lives bound to this love. "For I am persuaded...

The purpose of the signs of the times is not to scare us but to prepare us. Like contractions that prepare a woman's body for delivery, so are the signs of the times preparing the Body of Christ for eternity. So keep looking for Christ, which is the perspective that keeps us living for Christ. "All these are the beginning of sorrows"(Matthew 24:8).

Where do you spend most of your time? Because we make time for what we truly value. And since time is the currency of earth, and everyone has the same 24 hours in their day, the question remains--how are you spending your time? You see, he who uses his time wisely is he who uses his time for eternity! "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12).