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 early church 10 years prior to this handshake. Instead of grasping their hand to chain them, Paul reached out his hand to agree with them. …
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 soar on wings like eagles…” (Is 40:30) God supernaturally empowers men with a renewed strength that allows them to overcome life’s heaviest attacks. He energizes …
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 Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty; I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no …
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.” (2 Cor 13:9) We define perfection as something or someone who is flawless so the thought of our degenerated nature reaching a state of 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 to great depths to hide their plans from the Lord, who do their work in darkness and think, who sees us? Who will know?” (Is. …
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 & instruction they receive. The Word of God impacts their minds and hearts because…God’s Word does not return void. Jesus welcomes and invites children to learn …
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. (2 Cor. 9:2) He understood churches and believers faced attacks from without and within. Even for us today, there are the dangers of greed, selfishness …
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 not!” (Ex 17:7) Instead of remembering God’s power and intervention in the past; they forgot, minimized and dismissed God’s faithfulness. They challenged God to perform …
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. It has the ability to break the hold of the strongest forces, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On …
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 find out! Times have since changed & discipline has as well but God’s Word hasn’t, “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child …
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 as they illuminate our paths. David encourages us to live with great focus on God and calls us to deliberately “sing”, “make known”, “tell”, “seek”, …
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 light for darkness…” (Isaiah 5:20) Israel exchanged darkness for light, evil for goodness and false for truth. They replaced the truth of God with a …
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; they do not hide it.” (Is 3:9) Sodom was a place of open & acceptable sexual deviancy. Unlike Adam & Eve who hid from God …
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 physical bodies will one day be made in the likeness of the divine & eternal. (2 Cor. 5:1) Our earnest hope is that we will …
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 message & glory of salvation to be covered up by a veil but the glory can’t be hidden! God designed the gospel to be unveiled …
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 on the “outside” but the value is the treasure on the “inside”. (2 Cor. 4:7) The presence & the power of an all-sufficient God dwells …