Question: “What is the Nazirite/Nazarite vow?” Answer: The Nazirite/Nazarite vow is taken by individuals who have voluntarily dedicated themselves to God. The vow is a decision, action, and desire on the part of people whose desire is to yield themselves to God completely. By definition, the Hebrew word nazir, simply means “to be separated or consecrated.” The Nazirite vow, which…
As an active duty member of the U.S. Coast Guard, I have participated in many rescues that involved a shipwreck. In some of the shipwrecks, there was a loss of some or all of the lives onboard. In all of the shipwrecks, there was a tremendous monetary loss in property. Take my word on this; a shipwreck is something that…
Perhaps you have heard the saying, “Into each life some rain must fall.” Well, what if what you’re experiencing a storm like Florence? I believe that tests often come in multiples. I’ve recently heard stories like: I have cancer. We don’t earn enough to make ends meet. I’m desperately overwhelmed. We have good things, but can’t enjoy them. My child…
Unity in the church will not happen if members have unforgiving hearts. The secret to unity starts with how we view ourselves within the body and how we see others. The key verse that addresses this is Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Selfishness and considering ourselves…
Problems in the church stem from two sources. The first is found on our own doorstep. James wrote, “What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Isn’t it because there is a whole army of evil desires within you?” James 4:1 TLB Pride and selfishness have a way of creating trouble where none exists. When something happens that leaves…
Our Savior can meet us right at the well. He has the ability to alter our lives with living water.
Fighting temptation describes a battle that is as much spiritual as it is emotional or physical. To be tempted is not a sin. Everyone is tempted and at different levels. Even Jesus was tempted! Temptation happens when the opportunity is presented to do what we know is wrong, whether against God, ourselves, or others. Being tempted is not wrong –…
If you go back to Genesis, you find God telling men to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…” (Genesis 1:28). God wants man to be fruitful. That can mean reproduction in terms of having children, but it also means spiritual reproduction. It means bearing fruit for the Lord, producing love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,…