When you forget the appetizer of God's graciousness, you become someone who eats junk food, such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, which will choke out nourishment and take away your appetite for vertical truth. To grow spiritually, you need to crave and desire the pure milk of God's Word, which is essential for life and growth. [... more]

Just like a newborn baby desires milk for food, we should crave spiritual milk, spiritual truth, and proper nutrition is required for both physical and spiritual growth. The Bible teaches us to be mindful of what we've tasted, careful to avoid junk food, and faithful to feed on the truth to enhance our spiritual appetite. [... more]

Sin is an inside job, starting with a flawed appetite and fatal attraction, leading to a courtship, consent, conception, and consummation, ultimately resulting in death. The Bible teaches that every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed, and that sin comes from within. A new heart, given by Jesus, is necessary for change and salvation. [... more]

Solomon explores how to ruin one's life, country, and everything else by adopting a me-first attitude, becoming inattentive and indifferent, being selfish and shallow, and becoming obstinate and opinionated. He contrasts this with the path to spiritual growth, which demands a rejection of self-centeredness and a commitment to living with dignity, discipline, and integrity. [... more]

The Bible teaches that our deepest desires and appetites drive us to pursue good or evil, and that an appetite for good things leads to satisfaction, while an appetite for evil leads to hunger. The Proverbs emphasize the importance of being teachable and receptive to God's instruction, and of pursuing godly satisfaction through effort and determination. The Gospel offers the miracle of regeneration, which gives us a new heart and a capacity to understand and desire what is right. We are also given a mandate to fight sin and walk in the Spirit, and to use God's means, such as knowing and believing the truth, starving our evil desires, thinking about hell, and obeying God and not self. [... more]

The Bible tells the tragic story of Esau, who sacrificed his future for a bowl of soup, illustrating the danger of acting too quickly and disregarding the true values in life. We often sacrifice our future plans, dreams, and hopes for the pleasure of the moment, ruled by our appetites rather than the Holy Spirit. By not considering the consequences of our actions, we can end up losing everything that truly matters. [... more]

Understanding that life is like camping, we must know our end and engage reality with the end in view, informed by wisdom and the development of a good character, to avoid becoming bitter and abusive, and instead, pass on wisdom to others and consider God's work in redemption and newness. [... more]

Solomon's teachings in Ecclesiastes emphasize the importance of developing character, particularly integrity and a patient spirit, to navigate life's challenges and make sense of the journey. He highlights the dangers of indulging one's senses and masking corruption, instead encouraging listeners to face realities and engage with the world with an eternal perspective in mind. [... more]

In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon teaches us to discern the value and truth behind the various voices in our lives, including those that promise satisfaction and pleasure but ultimately lead to emptiness and a make-believe reality. He encourages us to evaluate the content of our choices, such as music, and to prioritize what is truly good and meaningful. [... more]

Desiring the right things, recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly satisfaction, and delaying our desires for promised things are key to finding true fulfillment in life, according to Rich Powell's message on Ecclesiastes. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will and living a life of contentment, rather than being driven by insatiable desires and wandering appetites. [... more]

We often seek satisfaction in the wrong places, but true rest and contentment come from desiring what God wants and recognizing our insatiable desires can be informed and corralled to find purpose and peace. [... more]

The pursuit of wealth and happiness often leaves us unsatisfied, as our insatiable desires can never be fully met. We crave novelty and permanence, but these are elusive, and our focus on material possessions and knowledge can lead to dissatisfaction and a sense of emptiness. Recognizing our place in the created order and the sovereignty of God is essential to finding true satisfaction and meaning in life. [... more]

The Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau serves as a cautionary tale about sacrificing one's future for the pleasure of the present moment. When we prioritize immediate gratification and our appetites over the values in life, we risk making decisions that have long-lasting consequences. It is essential to listen to the Spirit of God and wait for His timing, rather than giving in to temptation and making decisions that may ultimately lead to regret and heartache. [... more]

Jesus overcame temptation in the desert by using the authority of God's Word, submitting his will to the Word of God, and resisting the devil. He showed us that we can also overcome temptation by submitting to the will of God, renewing our commitment to God's purpose, and worshiping God alone. [... more]

Pastor Paul cautions against giving in to emotions and appetites, warning that momentary satisfaction can lead to years of loss and heartache. He shares biblical examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of watching one's desires and seeking a life of integrity. [... more]

Jesus teaches his followers that true happiness comes from depending on him alone, having an appetite for spiritual nourishment, and being willing to face trials and persecution. He explains that being a citizen of the kingdom of God means being blessed, but also facing hardships and being hated by the world. Jesus encourages his followers to look beyond the temporary difficulties and focus on the eternal rewards that await them in heaven. [... more]

When faced with decisions, it's crucial to consider the long-term ramifications and prioritize values over immediate gratification. Ruling by appetites and ignoring the Spirit of God can lead to costly decisions, while waiting for God's timing and best can bring true happiness and peace. [... more]

The possibility of alien life and UFO sightings has long been a topic of fascination, with recent government involvement and scientific research sparking renewed interest. Meanwhile, the US Secret Service faces criticism for its handling of high-profile events and allegations of misconduct, and civil rights attorney Ben Crump continues to advocate for justice and equality in the face of systemic racism and police brutality. [... more]

God's Word keeps us strong and faithful, but we must crave it like a baby craves milk to grow spiritually. We must clear away junk food, such as malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speaking, and feed on the pure milk of the word to desire and yearn for God's truth. [... more]

Blessing is God's secret strategy to empower you to be all he made you to be. It's a positive vision for another's well-being, a positive future that you envision and speak it out. But it's quite another thing to begin to think about blessing those that curse you, which is a huge secret that most people never really understand or grasp. [... more]