Everyday Truth with Kurt Skelly

Only you can prevent forest fires.

If you recognize that title, you're old! I remember Smokey the Bear repeating these words during the commercial breaks of my favorite cartoons. Truth is, many of us are guilty of sparking huge conflagrations through the use of our words alone. (And social media has added gasoline!) I am never more like the devil than when I intentionally misuse words.

Recognizing faith

If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? What does real faith look like? Is it ever valid to use works-criteria to assess the authenticity of one's own faith?

Faith that works

We are not saved by faith *and* works, but we are saved by a faith *that* works. Bonafide faith bear fruit. Period. There is a world of difference between the articulation of Christianity and the practice of it.

Playing by the rules

Too often our Christianity becomes just that: playing by the rules. But God really doesn't want us to be either "playing" or "rules-oriented." What does it mean to live by the law of liberty? And here's a thought provoking question: "Can I love God the same way He loves me?" You might be surprised by the answer.

The best seat in the house

I suppose most of us have had the privilege from time to time of enjoying a great seat at an event or in an airplane. What a difference it makes! And yet the Bible warns local churches to be careful not to treat people differently, especially based upon their economic status. How easily we can fall into the trap of treating people well in hopes of their treating us well in return.

Mirrors don't lie.

Sometimes we wish they would though! In fact, the very fact that we use mirrors implies our inability to see ourselves accurately without them. Such is the Word of God. But it is not seeing alone that effects a change... 

You're fooling yourself!

Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. I suppose we have all been "swindled" at some time or another. It's actually a lot of fun when you're being entertained by a magic trick, and it can be downright depressing when you pay way too much for a relatively cheap item. But the saddest swindle of all is when we live in self-delusion! How do we do it? Listen!

You can't listen while you're talking.

Go ahead and try. It's impossible. And some people have managed to avoid thinking while they're talking! The Word of God does its best work in the life of a person who strains to hear it. Tune out and volume down the competing voices; let God speak!

Good and perfect gifts!

God knows exactly what His children need, and he lovingly gives them exactly those things. And the Word of God plays the central part in all of it. God birthed you for a reason, and He's not about to give up on you now!

Do the math!

If you can understand sixth grade biology or even second grade math, then you can understand how temptation works in your life. In fact, when you discern the process by which people are tempted to sin, you will find yourself better equipped to face that temptation effectively and victoriously. Have a listen!