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 when he shared his dreams with his brothers. Joseph’s dream finally became a full-blown nightmare when his brother’s jealousy and rage intensified to the point …
“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?” but “Where’s Jesus?” Sometimes Jesus is just another face in the crowd, hidden by the clutter of life. The Ephesian believers lost Jesus in the …
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 danger. When he reached the falls, he tried to fly but couldn’t because the river’s mist had frozen his wings & he plunged over the …
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 taught in the early church. Some doubted He would return and false teachers said Christ’s return was a hoax. Peter’s response, “But do not forget …
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 them but graciously calls them to repentance. “…Rend your heart & not your garments. Return to the Lord your God…” (Joel 2:13) Israel’s outward display …
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 darkness of finances, employment, relationships & health. What is the answer to the darkness of life? Turn on the LIGHT…turn to God’s Word! “Your word …
“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 God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17) It is foolish to place our hope in riches that are valued …
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 shame which prevents one from doing, saying or being. Paul sensed his young disciple was showing signs of apprehension and shame because of the affliction, …
“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 God to forgive those who were crucifying Him. After hours of struggle, He victoriously proclaimed, “It is Finished!” The sun hid, the earth quaked, nature …
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 only, but by a spiritual DNA infusion. (Col 3) Our lives have been completely transformed by the power of God’s Spirit. Our minds have been …
