Where are your Dreams?
Joseph lived with the dream of being loved by his father and the nightmare of being hated by his brothers. (Gen. 37:3,4) This favored son quickly became even more despised …
Are You Looking?
“Where’s Waldo” is a series of children’s books where readers are challenged to find the cleverly hidden Waldo in the picture. A greater question for us is not “Where’s Waldo?” …
Complacent or Alert?
One winter a bird was on a piece of wood, floating down the river towards the Niagara Falls. He enjoyed the waters current & thought he could fly out of …
What Time it It?
Peter writes to Christians in Asia minor to remind them of God’s faithful promises, especially the second coming of Jesus Christ. The message of Christ’s return was well known and …
Heart Broken
The Hebrew culture displayed repentance, regret, anger, grief & sorrow by rending or tearing their garments. Israel walked away from The Lord & God was about to unleash judgment on …
Don’t Walk in the DARK!
Darkness…it is amazing how a bedroom light will calm a child’s fear. We discover fear doesn’t dissipate when we become “mature” adults but oftentimes it intensifies as we face the …
Who’s Rich?
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in …
Don’t be Ashamed.
Paul writes to young Timothy, “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner.” (2 Tim. 1:8) “Ashamed” is being afraid or feeling …
Who’s Got the Power?
“And having disarmed the powers & authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Col 2:15) Jesus disarmed hatred & injustice as He asked …
Transformers
As unbelievers, we walked in the ways & were given over to a lifestyle that mirrored the world. As believers, we have a new identity that is not by label …
Who’s heart do you have?
The heart was made in purity but was darkened by sin. The result…“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? (Jer. 17:9) The word …
Freedom!
More American lives were lost (625,000) during The Civil War than any other war that our nation has fought. The Civil War set people free & emancipated them from the …
Where is your Fruit
Paul describes The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives as “fruit”. He writes, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” …
True Riches
Being “rich” is a relative term. They say that one third of the world’s population lives on less than $2.00 a day. In some countries, if you have a television, …
What’s In a Handshake?
Paul speaks about a handshake of fellowship that was extended to him by the leadership of the early church. (Gal 2:9) Paul had tortured, persecuted & imprisoned many in the …
You’ve got the Power!
Isaiah speaks of God’s intervening strength within man when they reach the point of hopelessness and defeat. “But those who hope in the lord will renew their strength, they will …
One True God
Israel struggled with unfaithfulness almost 750 years after their exodus from Egypt and Isaiah reminded them that the One True God was their Lord and deliverer, “This is what the …
Who’s Perfect?
“Nobody’s perfect!” People use this phrase to explain their faults, justify their actions or excuse themselves from any blame. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “…our prayer is for your perfection.” …
Hide and Seek?
The Israelites believed God was oblivious to their rebellious ways and did not see, hear or know the details of their personal lives. Isaiah writes, “Woe to those who go …
How are you Training your Children?
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Prov. 22:6) Children do not forget the spiritual influence & …
Generosity
Paul praises the Corinthians for their generous attitude. The Corinthian church had a giving heart and spirit; quickly helping others in need. Paul said their generosity inspired others to action. …
Really, I have to Trust?
Israel witnessed God’s mighty hand upon their lives first hand yet when they found themselves in the wilderness without water, they tested Him saying, “Is the Lord among us or …
We’ve Got the Power!
Weapons of Mass Destruction are weapons designed to kill and bring great harm to a large number of people. Despite their formidable power, there is a weapon that is greater. …
Consequences!
When I went to school, our elementary school principal had a big paddle in his office. I don’t know how often he used it & I didn’t want to personally …
Driving in the Fog?
Reflective center lane road markers may not seem significant but they are so important…especially when you are driving in the fog! God’s markings and directives in life are also significant …
True Colors
Judah was color blind…they did not know the foundational colors of black and white! “Woe to those who call evil good & good evil, who put darkness for light and …
What are you Parading?
Everybody loves a parade! The prophet Isaiah addressed the degradation & defiance of Judah as they rebelled against God & turned to heinous sins. “…they parade their sin like Sodom; …
Eternity
The afterlife…some people question that concept while many others firmly believe there is more beyond this life. Paul tells us that God has an eternal plan for us & our …
What does your Face Show?
When Moses encountered God, his face shone with God’ glory! The Israelites were afraid of the glory & asked him to put on a veil. Our world today wants the …
What are you made of?
A clay jar was a vessel used by servants, not kings, and Paul uses the term “jars of clay” to describe a believer’s life. A clay jar may appear common …