Apostle Starkes's Voice Blog

Living by 'the faith rule' "'These all died in faith...'" Hebrews 11:13 NKJV The Bible says, 'These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them...' (Hebrews 11:13 NKJV) People of faith anticipate what God has promised, whether they ever experience its fulfillment or not. 'How can I...

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Turn aside and listen to God "'...I must turn aside and look...'" Exodus 3:3 NRS Moses was working his regular job as a shepherd when he saw a bush, just like the ones he'd seen a hundred times before. Only this time the bush was on fire with God's presence. Moses said, 'I must turn aside and look.' In that moment everything depended on his...

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You can't save yourself! "'...Not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.'" Ephesians 2:8 NKJV When a lifeguard is trying to save you, it's a mistake to try and assist him. At first this might not seem like a problem; after all, we usually encourage people to help themselves. But when you're flailing around in deep water you tire easily and s...

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Thinking of quitting? Don't! "'...Be steadfast...'" 1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV George Frederic Handel was a musical prodigy. At twenty-one he was a keyboard virtuoso. When he turned to composing he gained immediate fame and soon was appointed Kapellmeister to the Elector of Hanover (later King George I of England). When Handel moved to Englan...

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Too perfect for their own good "'Train up a child in the way he should go.'" Proverbs 22:6 NKJV The words 'the way he should go' mean: 'the way best suited to your child's unique make-up, abilities, and God-given personality'. Perfectionism violates these characteristics, encouraging your children to be something they weren't intended to be...

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Keep preparing yourself "'...I have seen a son of Jesse...who is skillful...'" 1 Samuel 16:18 NKJV David didn't suddenly become an expert marksman with a slingshot when Goliath showed up, or a master harpist when King Saul invited him to the palace. He took the long, slow, disciplined route. David had no idea what his future held, he simply...

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Six principles to live by "'...Get understanding.'" Proverbs 4:7 NKJV Incorporate these six principles into your life: (1) Don't worry, when you're doing your best. God accepts no less, but He demands no more. 'Trust in the Lord, and do good...and He shall give you the desires of your heart!' (Psalm 37:3-4 NKJV) (2) Don't hurry, when succes...

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Get to know God better "'Can you discover the depths of God?...'" Job 11:7 NAS You're on the adventure of a lifetime when you pursue a greater knowledge of God. What you've learned about God so far should give you a hunger to know Him even more. You must never be satisfied with what you know about Him already. Here are four practical benefi...

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Hints about heaven "'...I go to prepare a place for you.'" John 14:2 NKJV When it comes to heaven, the Bible gives us just enough information to whet our appetite but not satisfy our curiosity. Here are three hints about heaven: (1) '...there shall be no more curse...' (Revelation 22:3 NKJV) Unlike in Eden, Satan won't be there to tempt us...

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Eleventh hour grace "'...I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.'" Matthew 20:14 NKJV Jesus told the story of a farmer who hired day laborers: some at 6 am, some at 9 am, some at 12 noon, some at 3 pm and some at 5 pm, one hour before quitting time. Amazingly, he paid them all the same wage. When the complaints started flying, t...

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