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Christian Living
Studies and articles about daily discipleship, holiness, service, and walking in the light.


Dealing with Burdens: Finding Strength in Christ
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41 Every person carries burdens. Some are obvious—illness, financial struggles, or family trials. Others are hidden deep in the heart—guilt, anxiety, or temptation. Scripture teaches us that while some burdens are ours alone to bear, others can and should be shared, and still others must be handed over to God. Knowing the difference is essential for living a
Al Felder
Sep 6, 20252 min read


Be Blameless: Living Above Reproach in a Crooked World
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” — Philippians 2:14–15 Called to Shine in Darkness Paul’s words to the Philippian church remind us that Christians are called to live differently from the world around them. We live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, yet our lives should shine as lig
Al Felder
Aug 23, 20253 min read


An Unfaithful Heart: Learning from King Amaziah
“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” — 2 Chronicles 25:2 When we read about King Amaziah, his story begins with promise. He was a man who outwardly did what was right, but Scripture tells us his heart was not wholly devoted to God. His life serves as a warning for all of us: partial obedience and divided loyalty lead to spiritual downfall. A Tragic Family Legacy Amaziah inherited a complex family history marked by betrayal
Al Felder
Aug 23, 20253 min read


A Spiritual Check-Up: Diagnosing and Healing the Heart
Just as our bodies need regular check-ups, our souls also need honest evaluation. James 4:1–12 gives us a powerful “spiritual exam,” helping us identify the symptoms of worldliness, the underlying diagnosis, and God’s prescription for healing. The Symptoms: Quarrels and Division James begins by pointing out the visible signs of spiritual sickness—conflict, selfishness, and division. These “wars and fightings” come from unchecked desires within our hearts. When ambition, pride
Al Felder
Aug 23, 20252 min read


Wrestling with God
The story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32 is one of the most fascinating and mysterious accounts in the Bible. Hosea later recalls it this way: “He had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him” (Hosea 12:4). What does it mean to “wrestle with God,” and what can we learn from Jacob’s struggle? Jacob’s Lifelong Struggle From birth, Jacob’s life was marked by conflict. He clung to his brother’s heel at birth, deceived Esau into selli
Al Felder
Aug 17, 20252 min read


Knowing God’s Will
Every Christian wants to live in a way that pleases God. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 5:15–17: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” But how do we know God’s will? Many people struggle with this question, often turning to feelings, dreams, or “signs.” Yet Scripture gives us clear guidance. Misconceptions About God’s Will God co
Al Felder
Aug 17, 20252 min read


When Our Plans Aren’t God’s Plans
We all make plans. We work hard, save, and dream about what life could look like if things go the way we envision. But what happens when our plans don’t line up with God’s? Jesus answers this question in the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16–21. The Rich Fool and the “American Dream” The man in Jesus’ parable appeared to be a success. He was a farmer who worked hard, produced an abundant harvest, and built bigger barns to store it all. With plenty laid up for years, he d
Al Felder
Aug 17, 20252 min read


What Grace Produces: Relationships
Grace doesn’t just change our standing before God—it transforms the way we treat people. In 1 Peter 3, the apostle Peter shows how God’s grace shapes relationships in the home, in the church, and even with those who oppose us. Grace in the Home (1 Peter 3:1–7) The family is the most intimate human relationship, and grace brings God’s order to it. For wives, submission isn’t about inferiority—it’s about influence. Peter speaks especially to Christian women married to unbelieve
Al Felder
Aug 9, 20252 min read


What Grace Produces: Growth
The grace of God does more than rescue us from sin—it shapes us, matures us, and equips us for the life He has called us to live. In 1 Peter 2, the apostle Peter shows that grace doesn’t just save us; it grows us into who we are meant to be in Christ. Grace Creates the Right Environment for Growth Peter tells believers to “desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (v. 2). Just as a newborn needs nourishment to develop, we need God’s Word to grow spiritual
Al Felder
Aug 9, 20252 min read


What Grace Produces: Sobriety
Grace is more than just a comforting word—it’s the active, powerful favor of God that changes everything about the way we live. The apostle Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:3–25 that grace doesn’t simply save us; it transforms us, producing a life of clarity, purpose, and holiness. Peter paints a vivid picture: salvation isn’t something flimsy or temporary—it’s a secure inheritance, “incorruptible, undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven” (v. 4). This security in
Al Felder
Aug 9, 20252 min read


The Reward of Greatness: What God Gives to His Faithful Servants
In a world that rewards ambition and accolades, God honors something very different—faithful service. The life of Nehemiah shows us that greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t about rising to fame but about rising to the challenge of faith. Through prayer, perseverance, and purpose, Nehemiah not only rebuilt a wall but also revived a nation. And God rewarded him—not with riches, but with greater opportunities to glorify His name. Greatness Starts with Obedience Jesus said, "Whosoev
Al Felder
Aug 2, 20253 min read


The Character of Greatness: Lessons from Nehemiah
In our world, greatness is often defined by fame, fortune, and accomplishment. But when we open the pages of Scripture, we see a very different standard. The kingdom of God honors not the rich and powerful, but the obedient, the humble, and the faithful. One such example is the Old Testament figure Nehemiah—a man who was neither a king, prophet, nor warrior, but a humble cupbearer whose greatness was forged through quiet faith and unwavering prayer. Greatness in God’s Kingdom
Al Felder
Aug 2, 20253 min read


Kingdom Greatness: Redefining What It Means to Be Great
In a world where greatness is often measured by fame, wealth, athletic prowess, and outward success, Jesus offers a radically different vision—one rooted in humility, obedience, and service. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1), they were expecting a name, a rank, a position. Instead, Jesus called a little child to stand among them and said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter int
Al Felder
Aug 2, 20252 min read


A Prophet Seeking Profit: Balaam’s Warning for Today
“Woe unto them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward…” – Jude 11 The story of Balaam stands as one of the most sobering accounts in the Bible. It’s not merely a tale of a prophet who lost his way—it’s a warning to every believer who may be tempted to exchange conviction for personal gain. Balaam began his journey as a prophet of God. Though not an Israelite, he spoke with the authority of the Lord. When Balak, king of Mo
Al Felder
Jul 26, 20252 min read


7 Habits of Highly Effective Christians
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16 In a world where distractions abound and spiritual focus is easily lost, the need for effectiveness in the Christian life has never been greater. Just as success in the world often results from developed habits and discipline, spiritual success in Christ also follows the cultivation of intentional, godly behaviors. Here are seven habits that hig
Al Felder
Jul 26, 20253 min read


Convenience or Conviction: A Modern-Day Dilemma
In a world filled with time-saving tools and technological shortcuts, the temptation to exchange conviction for convenience is stronger than ever. But as Christians, we must ask ourselves—are we shaping our faith around what is easy, or what is true? Consider King Jeroboam, who feared losing his kingdom if the people of Israel returned to worship in Jerusalem. Rather than trust God’s promise, he created a false religion of convenience—golden calves, unauthorized priests, and
Al Felder
Jul 26, 20252 min read


Idols of the Heart — When Worship Turns Inward
In Ezekiel 14, the Lord reveals a chilling truth: “These men have set up idols in their heart” (Ezek. 14:3). Though the elders of Israel outwardly sought God, He knew their hearts were far from Him. Their devotion was hollow—masked by ritual, but driven by hidden idols. The tragedy? They likely didn’t even see it. Today, idolatry isn’t limited to statues or shrines. It’s what happens when anything in our lives—possessions, success, even comfort—competes for the place that bel
Al Felder
Jul 22, 20252 min read


Walking in the Spirit: The Pursuit of Christlike Love
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 The Christian life is not merely a matter of believing or belonging—it is about becoming. The apostle Paul calls every believer to “walk in the Spirit,” not fulfilling the desires of the flesh but producing the fruit that only the Spirit can yield. At the center of this walk is love—the kind that reflects the very character of God. The Battle Within Paul paints a vivid contrast in Galatians 5:13–25:
Al Felder
Jul 22, 20253 min read


Preparing to Walk in the Spirit
“If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25 As believers, we are called to a life that reflects the character and will of God—not merely in belief, but in action. The apostle Paul, writing to the Galatians, reminds the church that freedom in Christ is not a license to serve the flesh, but a call to love, service, and spiritual transformation. The Christian life is not about adhering to man-made rituals or regulations—it’s about walking in the
Al Felder
Jul 18, 20253 min read


The Fruit of the Spirit: Becoming the More Perfect You
In his letter to the Galatians, Paul draws a powerful contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:13–25). He was not merely offering a list of good behaviors—he was guiding Christians to understand the difference between living by the flesh and living by the Spirit. In a world prone to religious confusion, Paul reminds us that our spiritual maturity stems not from self-imposed rituals or human traditions, but from full submission to God th
Al Felder
Jul 13, 20252 min read
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