NCarolinian

In the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , Indiana is faced with selecting a cup from among many chalices that could be The Cup of Christ used at The Last Supper. An ancient knight had made an earlier, incorrect selection and it cost him, his life, therefore the guardian of these cups said, “He chose poorly.” Then Mr. Jones thinks the choice through and makes his selection and the guardian says, “You have chosen wisely.” Good or bad, necessary or unnecessary, voluntary or involuntary – the majority of our lives is a decision stacked upon another decision. The challenge in life is making the right decisions consistently. While reading in the Book of Judges, Scripture reveals God’s relationship with Israel by raising up leaders, rulers and/or champions to help Israel out of their cycle of sin. Within the story of three of these rulers or champions I desire to challenge all of us to make smarter choices.  The first story was of Gideon. This man’s response to God’s calling and ...

Every new year, I do not make resolutions, I make requisitions of and to God. This year one of several things I am asking the Lord for is His help in making better decisions. I have observed, the heart drives many, if not most decisions. Heart here means an emotional response to whatever situation is presented. The problem that arises is a disproportionate discernment. The emotional side within me or us is so biased that it seems to be the first to react and strongest to make it to our mouth or actions. The mind or rational side of us does not receive a fair opportunity at attacking the decision at-hand. In Paul's letter to the believer's in Philippi, he wrote, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7) However, the believer must read the verse before to observe the action that warrants such a blessing from God - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, b...

In my previous post entitled "The Above Things" I taught why Christians should be mindful of their every thought and what kinds of thoughts the Scripture instructs believers to focus upon. Then in the next installment called "Of His Mind", I rallied around the idea of the captive mind of Christ with the analogies of the Roman soldier holding a captive at spear-tip and the remodeling of our homes as visual aides. Today's word will be shifting to the other part of the anatomy that needs alignment with Christ - the heart. Whereas the brain is the organ that houses the mind, the heart is mentioned as a center piece or core-holding-term for where all of our emotions and spiritual experiences occur, are interpreted and flow. Ever heard the phrase - "My heart is bursting with joy!"? The physical heart might be feeling that way due to an emotional overload, but chances are it will not burst. Acts 2:26 sites the same kind of experience. Ever heard the phras...

The older we get, the more things we have to occupy our minds. These things can be good, bad or time wasters but they are there and sometimes even make it into our subconscious or dream-state. Humanity has reached a record level of sources vying for our attention and consideration of their products or services.  With all we have to think about as adults in this world to simply live, it is a wonder our brains don't explode from input overload.  However, I think and believe Christians can derive wonderful counsel from God's Word in Mark 12:17 . Jesus says in this verse - "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." In context, Christ was referring to proper monetary appropriation as He answered the Pharisees, but I believe this proper appropriation can be applied to life or the world and God or your journey with The Lord. In Matthew 22:37 , Jesus answered the Pharisees question about the greatest commandment by stating to love God with "...