NCarolinian

The King James Version of The Bible reads Ephesians 4:27 as - "Neither give place to the devil."  "That word 'place' in Ephesians 4:27 is from the Greek word topos . It describes a specific, marked-off location. But rather than a physical location that we use a map to identify, this 'place' may refer to a rough spot in our relationships, our finances, our thoughts, our personal habits, or to lingering areas of disobedience. Whatever it is, it’s an identifiable location that the devil seeks to find and use as an open door into our lives." ( https://renner.org/how-to-keep-the-devil-out-of-your-life/)  Another word for "place" , according to the New International Version is  foothold . " We need to be serious about our lives because the devil is always looking for a door, a window, or a crack [a foothold] — any entry point — through which he can access us. We must circumspectly look at our lives to see if there’s any area we...

What makes The Chief Cornerstone different from the remaining three corners of the foundation of one's structure? The answer is  the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation , which is analogous to our spiritual foundation, is important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. Cornerstones are important in the building of a physical structure, but even moreso our lives. The cornerstones set the boundaries, give direction and support the load of the structure. All of the cornerstones matter in our lives, but one matters most - The Chief Cornerstone. In Scripture, Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus and portrayed them and all future believers as living stones set as part of God's Holy Temple with Christ as The Chief Cornerstone. "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on ...

Slavery to me is forced servant-hood. It is a stronger will imposing itself over another for the benefit of the imposer. Anytime I hear the word slave or slavery - I have no good images associated with it. But then I read Scripture and I hear those words used as a passionate way to communicate Servant-hood, especially being a bonded servant to Christ. Even though the words used by Paul in his letter to the believers in Rome were interpreted "servants", the meaning of servants was bond-servant by voluntary or involuntary means. The original Greek word he used was Doulos . But Paul comes to the word and term of slavery and flips the negativity of it for me. Listen as he describes this new look in Romans 6:16-18 - "Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used t...

I long to be that somebody who can control a room simply by entering it. I desire the pervasive, penetrating presence without a conceited or pompous "air" about me. My hope, prayer and now practice is that the way I carry myself would exude a stronger example of Christ's Presence in my life, but even more-so on my personage.  2 Corinthians 2:16 says, that believers in Christ Jesus should have a "Heavenly Scent" about them that is so pleasing that it draws all people to them.  "To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"  I also believe, as Matthew 5:15 says, that believers should be a light to the world and especially within their own household.    "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house ."  However, I desire to radiate more of God's Presence in my life ...

"As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’' 'Teacher,' he declared, 'all these I have kept since I was a boy.' Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.'   At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!'" - Mark 10:17-23 ____________________________ Noti...

Even as distinct individuals, we all tend to imitate someone in our lives, whether conscientiously or not. However, when we Emulate someone else, we put forth effort in taking on and sharing some or all of their characteristics. Who is it you imitate? Who is it you Emulate?

For entry into relationship with God and entry into God's Heaven, Christ has been pictured in a few ways - The Gate and The Narrow Door.  However, did you know Jesus is also The Curtain?  In John's recording of The Gospel, Christ referred to Himself as The Gate.   " Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep . All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.  I am the gate ; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. " ( John 10:7-8 )  As The Gate, Jesus either allows or denies entry to the dwelling of the sheep pen and thus His care as The Shepherd. Anybody that chooses any other way besides The Gate for entry is a thief ( John 10:1 ). In this same imagery, Luke 13:23-25 depicts Christ Jesus as The Narrow Door.  "Someone asked him, 'Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?' He said to them, 'Make every effor...