FROM THE KEYBOARD

"Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian" (D.L. Moody). Thus, let your example be to the glory of God because you may be the only Bible somebody reads! "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

The earth is clearly experiencing contractions as Jesus outlined in Matthew 24. And these will only intensify as we get closer to the birth of our Lord's return. Thus, let us continue to live faith forward in a world that's backwards and let us keep our eyes heavenward in the midst of a culture that is hell-bound. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

The Spirit of Christ within us is greater than the spirit of antichrist around us. This means we take our cue from Scripture not culture, from truth not trends! "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4).

The favor of God is for the glory of God. You see, God gives us favor that we may give Him glory. Therefore, let it be asked--how are you using your favor--to highlight Jesus Christ or to spotlight your own life? "If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ..." (I Peter 4:11).

Whatever God creates, Satan counterfeits. Can you recognize the difference? You see, we can know a fraud when we see it because we know the authentic. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).

Spiritual maturity doesn’t develop over time, it develops over trials. And wisdom doesn't come with chronological progression of age, it comes with biblical devotion to applying knowledge. You see, what makes one mature and wise is how they respond to life under the inspiration of Christ. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).