A Tender Hope (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Amanda Cabot's latest book, A Tender Hope, is filled with page after page of faith, hope and love; which according to Paul, "the greatest of these is love." How well we all would be if that was always the case. One of the things I love about this book is how well rounded her characters are. The reason I love this book so much is because of the complexity of the storyline as well as how well the individual stories of certain characters weave into the larger picture of Thea Michener's story.

Treasures in Clay Pots

By Benjamin H. Liles

          But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, New American Standard

Christ, the Hope of Glory

By Benjamin H. Liles

          To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. ~ Colossians 1:27-28, NKJV

Gospel of Jesus Christ Explained: Psalm 139

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Lord, you have searched me, and you know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum!

A Show of Compassion

By Benjamin H. Liles

          In my area where I live there is a program that is called the Hunger Alliance. It is an organization that seeks to help individuals and families get the food they desperately need where there is no adequate help for them. Food stamps are being cut on a large amount of our elderly and children who are low-income due to people not having jobs. There's actually a job shortage for a lot of people.

A Testimony of Faith

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I admit I don't share my faith in the power of Christ's shed blood every day. To be honest, that is on me. What's not on me is the fact I do my personal best when I don't feel afraid (I know, perfect love casts out fear, His perfect love, that is), but the biggest hindrance is that not a great deal of truly, and life-changing Christians truly know how to confess their faith in the power of the resurrected Lord. 

Salvation of God

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Acts 7:2b-3 - "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran." The point is that God is interested in everyone, from dark skin, to light skin, and even olive colored skin; those in finance, computer tech, and even in the auto making industries.

Jesus - God's Radiance Forgives and Heals

By Benjamin H. Liles

           This has been on my heart lately as well as how God gets dirty with us in our messes, which I posted last night. I've often wondered how it is we're to clean ourselves up. I mean think on it a moment. Yes, God forgives us when we come to Him in faith, asking Him to send us His love through His Son Jesus Christ. But this has been a question of mine for some time now. And I'm fairly certain others like myself even question: How can I remain clean when I'm still sinful?

Relationomics (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          The first thing I should say about Relationomics by Randy Ross is that it's not simple wisdom you find from a self-help book. Being a Christian in this day and age means having the practical ability to make your faith work in applicable ways to show others the reality of who Jesus Christ is. In other words, our actions should demonstrate the truth that God's Holy Spirit is still active and speaks to us.

The God Who Gets Dirty

By Benjamin H. Liles

          I forget where I heard this, but it bears repeating: "God doesn't stay far off when we're in trouble. No, God comes along side you and gets down and dirty with you right where you are." Think about that and think on these verses as well when you do. Think about how God comes to where you are and helps you in your distress.

Matters of the Heart: Faith in the Righteousness of God

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Originally I wanted to title this "Heart Issues," but it dawned on me how that would come across to those of you who read and follow this site. Follow me on that thought a moment; considering some of the health issues I faced this past year, having "Heart Issues" as a title would make everyone think, "Oh, he's having problems with his heart." Rather, I want my heart to reflect God's heart. On that note and side of things one matter stands out most: His righteousness. What does that mean? How are we to do this?