The God of the Christian faith is really, really different. In fact, no other religion pictures its deity like this. No other faith can claim a God who zealously pursues His children. All other deities are distant and elusive, demanding that their disciples come to them, usually on a long and arduous path, often withContinue reading “It’s Friday…It’s Just His Nature”
Author Archives: Vic Alvarado
It’s Friday…But What Is Even More Stunning
In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son, but perhaps even more the story of a compassionate father. “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So the father divided the property between them.” (Luke 15:11-12) We are toldContinue reading “It’s Friday…But What Is Even More Stunning”
It’s Friday…And No One Listens
“Do not judge, or you, too, will be judged” is the mantra our secular world quotes for tolerance, using it as an excuse to avoid moral standards. And, to an extent, there is some truth in their interpretation. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, God has not called us to be judgmental orContinue reading “It’s Friday…And No One Listens”
It’s Friday…He Has Never Betrayed Our Trust
When we were children, most of us were comfortable with life. Some childhoods are difficult (increasingly so as our culture deteriorates) but most are free from worry. We didn’t obsess about family finances, our health, our security, or any other “adult” concern. As we grew older, reality set in. After all, we would one dayContinue reading “It’s Friday…He Has Never Betrayed Our Trust”
It’s Friday…We Have a Choice
“Do not worry.” It is one of Jesus’ most frequently repeated commands. It’s also one of the hardest to obey. Worry comes naturally. We say we just can’t help it. (We can). We say it’s just part of who we are. (It’s part of who we were naturally, before faith in Christ – not now).Continue reading “It’s Friday…We Have a Choice”
It’s Friday…Jump for Joy
In Matthew 5:12, Jesus gives instruction for those who are hated, insulted, and rejected because they follow His example. His instructions may be difficult to understand because they run so counter to our natural emotions when we face such attacks. But Jesus is actually serious. This what He said: “Rejoice and be glad, because greatContinue reading “It’s Friday…Jump for Joy”
It’s Friday…Be People God Can Bless
It’s Independence Day in America. A scholar from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences told a group of Westerners in 2002 that his group was “asked to look into . . . what accounted for the success, in fact, the pre-eminence of the West all over the world.” After dismissing views that our success wasContinue reading “It’s Friday…Be People God Can Bless”
It’s Friday…We Can’t Afford To Be
We’re seeing the heart of man on full display today. The lack of kindness is palpable in our local culture and global community. The Bible is clear in its assessment of the human heart; it is wicked. It seeks its own good above all else, it tries to hide its secrets from God, it harborsContinue reading “It’s Friday…We Can’t Afford To Be”
It’s Friday…Let It Consume You
We crave significance. In our seemingly never-ending search for it, we look to those who love us, the opinions of others, the satisfaction of our own accomplishments, our positions, our pleasures, and many other false measures. Billions of dollars are spent every year on counselors who will help us find this sense of importance. PeopleContinue reading “It’s Friday…Let It Consume You”
It’s Friday…We’re Already Captive
For many who pursue Jesus, the invitation to follow Him often overwhelms them. Perhaps that’s because they see His invitation as a demand. When Jesus calls for our complete obedience and undying allegiance, we frail creatures feel as though He is pointing out our obligations and telling us to do better. He is not. HeContinue reading “It’s Friday…We’re Already Captive”
Vic Alvarado 