deeperthanyesterday

     After buying some items last night my brother mentioned our cousin in our country who intends to participate in selling vapes. My mother remarked that I'd only just start talking with them when something happens. She was implying that I should reach out to him. As soon as she uttered those words it dawned on me that I haven't been communicating with that cousin for months. I will attempt to call them tomorrow morning.      "There's hope for any unbelieving relatives... God used pagan people (the wise men) to be his instrument in his work". 1 This Christmas take the opportunity to connect with the relatives again you haven't kept in touch with for years letting them know about Christ and his saving work on the cross. They will listen to you because what you say is the truth. Remember that "[his] word that goes out from [his] mouth: It will not return to [him] empty, but will accomplish what [he] desire[s] and achieve the purpose for which [he] sent i...

     Temper is part of life. The reason why there are people who can control their temper more effectively than others is the result of years of practice and training in taming and calmness. More importantly, is through depending on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit which produces gentleness and self-control. Temper itself is not always a sin. Jesus became angry when people turned the temple into a marketplace.       In society, people get angry at those who significantly commit grave violence or indecency in a public act. But no matter how justifiable our anger is, we ought to control our tongues. "When we are angry is he still the Lord of our lips?" 1 Paul says in Ephesians 4:26, "In your anger do not sin..." 2 Prior to this verse it refers to speaking truthfully. Sometimes people have a tendency to say white lies to put someone down, especially if they are angry with that person.      Regardless of which context we ought to...

   The story of the wise men is associated with the star. The star that led and guided them toward the birth of the Saviour and Deliverer of the Jewish people, little knowing that it is for the whole world as well. The Birth of the Messiah proves the fulfillment of the prophecies in the Hebrew scriptures.   The purpose of wise men is to follow the star. They wanted to witness the birth of the Messiah. They were not Israelites, they were from a far nation who had significantly different faith and belief system in life. It is fascinating that even though they were not Jews, they were attracted to the star, and they also found their purpose on that journey. They knew where to go.   How about you? "Where your life is going? Are you thinking of your purpose?" 1 This line, which I heard from a brief yet powerful sermon can be applied not only during the Christmas season but anytime and anywhere. Every person ought to think of this life's purpose. But without the absolute ...

   We hear phrases in Christendom, "Let go, and let God", "If God is willing", and "In God's will". Those can be associated with the purpose and plan of God for each individual, scenario, plan, or situation. It is related to this verse. "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails." 1 - Proverbs 19:21. If taken into extreme it may result in giving everything to God without any action in our part such as what James emphasized about acting upon our faith. Personal application varies from person to person and no one can truly assess the external activities of an individual in the public eye. Another side of the spectrum is that we take matters into our own hands without giving any credit to God at all.    God is sovereign. Whatever he has in mind it will happen into pass without any need for human intervention because he is God. He alone is sufficient to achieve what he wants to see and come into reality. ...

 A Christian Philosopher and a Psychologist state, "The ability to act contrary to both our biological nature and all social constraints can be predicted to lead (often enough) to disaster". 1 But what if our human nature is darkened and the ethos is fallen?    The former part of the above quotation implies taking care of our physical body and avoiding any type of threat and harm. The latter part might be accurate in a Theocratic 2 type of society. But both may be incongruent with the revealed word in the Holy Scriptures on the nature of man and the system of the world. Looking at the context is necessary to have a proper approach to interpretation and thus to avoid the possible dangers of application.  3 Context   It is in the last chapter, "Neurobiological Reductionism and Free Will" of the book "Did My Neurons Make Me Do it"? Prior chapters touched on the nature of biological creatures and the interactions within their living environment. Living creat...