Keep The Faith

After revisiting an older post I wrote years ago about the heart, I realized that God has been showing me even more about this subject. What began as a simple reflection has grown into a deeper understanding of why the Bible speaks of the heart so often and so directly. Instead of rewriting the old post, I felt led to create a new one—one that gathers both the original thoughts and the new insights Father God has been revealing. This Unity Series post continues that journey. It builds on what I once understood and adds the clarity, wonder, and awe that have come as I’ve looked again at Scripture, science, and the way God designed us. Sometimes revisiting something familiar opens a door to something brand new. The Mystery of the Heart — Unity Series Genesis 8:21 (NIV) “The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart…” Deuteronomy 4:29 (NASB) “…you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:39 (NASB) “…ta...

Water Baptism and Communion: Are They “Magical,” or Misunderstood? Introduction This morning I’ve been thinking about two familiar practices in the church — water baptism and communion. They’ve been part of my life since childhood, yet I find myself wondering again what they truly mean and whether they play any role in becoming One with the Father. Today I want to look at Scripture and reflect on their purpose. Scripture “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5 “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11 “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19 Reflection I’ve been thinking about water baptism and the Eucharist — how they started, and whether there is anything “magical” in them. Many churches treat them as requirements, almost like spiritual checkpoints. But when I look at Scri...

Foundations of Unity — Why Satan Cannot Influence Those Who Abide in the Spirit Understanding the difference between human thoughts and Spirit-led thoughts—and why abiding in Yeshua protects us from the enemy’s influence. Seeing the Difference Between Human Thoughts and Spirit-Guided Thoughts There is a moment in Scripture that often troubles people: when Yeshua turns to Peter and says, “Get behind Me, Satan.” Peter loved Yeshua, meant well, and wanted to protect Him. Yet Yeshua rebuked him sharply. Why? Because Peter was speaking from human thoughts , not God’s thoughts . And before the Holy Spirit was given, human thoughts were vulnerable to the enemy’s influence. This distinction matters deeply for unity with Father God. It reveals why believers today—those who abide in Yeshua and walk in the Spirit—are protected in a way the disciples were not before Pentecost. Before the Spirit Was Given: Human Minds Were Unprotected When Peter rebuked Yeshua, the c...

Not every prayer spoken aloud is a prayer God honors. Scripture teaches that the heart, motives, and posture behind our prayers matter deeply. This reflection explores what the Bible says about the kinds of prayers God receives—and the kinds He does not. Prayers God Does Not Honor 1. Prayers from a proud or self-exalting heart Luke 18:11–14 — The Pharisee prayed publicly with pride, yet Jesus said his prayer was not accepted. Only the humble man was heard. 2. Prayers asking God to bless sin, violence, or injustice Isaiah 1:15 — “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes… your hands are full of blood.” God does not bless what contradicts His righteousness. 3. Prayers with selfish or fleshly motives James 4:3 — “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” Motives matter. 4. Prayers from a heart refusing obedience Proverbs 28:9 — “If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, eve...

Returning to Our First Love Remembering our first love in Christ and learning to see others as God sees them. There are moments in life when the world’s noise grows so loud that it drowns out the quiet voice of our first love. When opinions, movements, and personalities rise to the center of our attention, it becomes easy to forget the One who called us, redeemed us, and taught us how to walk in love. I have heard many Christians speak with certainty about earthly leaders—as though God Himself had chosen them, endorsed them, or placed His seal upon them. But I often wonder: How do we know when something is truly from God? And how do we discern when something is simply from “the god of this world,” who is always eager to imitate, distract, and divide? Scripture gives us a simple test: If you love Him, obey His commandments. Love God. Love your neighbor. Do to others what you wish they would do to you. An...