ApplyGodsWord.com

Knowing When to Die

March 24, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.-John 12:24-26

32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.-John 19:32-33

Beware of refusing to go to the funeral of your own independence. – Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, December 9th

Looking Up While Letting People Down

March 14, 2016March 13, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Life is full of disappointing people. A swirl of emotions can overcome us when we hear the unspoken words written all over our spouse’s face, our boss’s tone, or the long pause on the phone with a friend. Our feelings of rejection, anger, annoyance, or despair in response to letting people down can completely take over our life. Letting someone down is something we all just want to avoid.

What Does the Bible Say About Busyness?

March 14, 2016March 8, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:10

The Bible says that busyness leads to doubt and a spiritual disconnection from God. In Psalm 46:10 there is a direct link between being still and knowing that God truly is God. If we are too busy for God, our stillness before the Lord will vanish, along with our peace.

The sinful nature, the world, and Satan thrive when we are too busy for God. The Bible says, therefore, that if you want to know God, then you must avoid busyness.

How to Overcome Temptation (Mark 14:26-42)

August 9, 2017March 3, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

How to Receive a Spiritual Healing from Jesus

August 9, 2017March 3, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Why Did Jesus Stay Silent?

March 4, 2016March 3, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Why did Jesus stay silent before Herod? Why did he answer some questions but then at other times he gave no answer? At times silence may be perceived as weakness, but in Jesus’ case, he stayed silent for the exact opposite reason. The reason Jesus stayed silent was because Jesus was expressing his strength, power, and authority.

How to Know If God Is Calling You to Singleness

July 7, 2018February 26, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Perhaps one of the most prevalent questions amongst single Christians is, “How will I know if God wants me to get married or remain single?” Marriage is a big deal to God. Marriage is central to reflecting the gospel (Ephesians 5:22-33), it is the way God has ordained the human race to be populated (Genesis 1:28), and thus most Christians are called to be married. There are many Christians, however, who are called to singleness. So how will you know if God is calling you to singleness?

(Watch this short video to help you know if God is calling you to singleness.)

You May Be Called By God to Singleness If You Know Your Whole Focus Should Be on Ministry

Often times the problem is that the church you attend values marriage or singleness more than the other. The Bible makes clear, however, that both marriage and singleness are equally important callings from God. 1 Corinthians 7:38 states, “So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better.”

The Gift of Sanity

February 23, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. -Daniel 4:34

Does God Force Us to Love Him?

February 20, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

When we read the Bible and witness the absolute and supreme power of God, often times it can makes us wonder, “Does God force us to love him?”

God Does Not Force Us to Love Him Because God Is a Person

God is sovereign in all that does. Whatever he wants to happen will happen (Psalm 115:3). With that said, God is a person, not a robot. A person has feelings, emotions, and desires. A person can be full of joy and hurt. God is very different than us in his personhood because he is not a human person (although Jesus is fully God and fully man), but he is a person nonetheless.

The Danger of Christian Complacency

February 19, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

One of the greatest dangers in the Christian life is complacency. Contentment in Christ is to be sought after and celebrated. Complacency in Christ, however, is very different.

Christian contentment means that no matter what happens, you are fully satisfied in Jesus. Christian complacency means that no matter what happens, you are fully self-satisfied with your current personal effort in pursuing Christ.