Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 Under the Sun: The Danger of Living Like the World

Last updated on: March 8, 2017 at 1:01 pm By Jim Erwin

Ecclesiastes 4:1-16 Under the Sun: The Danger of Living Like the World Solomon describes problematic human behaviors that contribute significantly to the heavy burden of life under the sun (see for example Ecclesiastes 1:13–14), and these examples make it clear that human dysfunction plays a significant role in the struggles that characterize life.1 Here, the Preacher reveals the danger of living like the world. He observes five characteristics of the world’s system that people depend upon for worldly success. FIVE... Read more

The Sin of Jealousy for God’s Love

Last updated on: March 9, 2017 at 9:31 pm By Jim Erwin

The Sin of Jealousy for God’s Love March 7, 2017 Year A Genesis 4:1-16 Here we have the story of two brothers – Cain and Abel. Cain is the older brother of Abel (Genesis 4:1-2). Abel became a shepherd and Cain became a farmer. At some time, they came to present their offerings to God from what they had produced. God had “regard” for Abel and his offering. But He did not have “regard” for Cain and his offering (Genesis... Read more

Matthew 4:1-11 My Devotion

Last updated on: March 5, 2017 at 11:27 pm By Jim Erwin

Matthew 4:1-11 My Devotion The magazine Discipleship Journal asked its readers to rank the areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them. The results came back in this order: 1. Materialism 2. Pride 3. Self-centeredness 4. Laziness 5. (Tie) Anger/Bitterness and Sexual lust 6. Envy 7. Gluttony 8. Lying The respondents also noted that temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God (81 percent) and when they were physically tired (57 percent). Resisting temptation was accomplished by... Read more

Raindrops of Love For a Thirsty World by Eileen Workman

Last updated on: March 3, 2017 at 5:29 pm By Jim Erwin

Raindrops of Love For a Thirsty World by Eileen Workman In four parts, Raindrops of Love For a Thirsty World encourages readers to undertake self-examination in a way that encourages them to fall back in love with themselves and learn to practice healthy self-discipline, self-awareness, and self-love. Part I – Soft Love: The Wonder of Self-Realization Part II – Tough Love: The Challenge of Self-Discipline Part III – Self-Love: The Responsibility of Self-Actualization Part IV – Life Love: The Freedom... Read more

Matthew 17:1-13 Putting Jesus Down to My Level

Last updated on: March 3, 2017 at 5:11 pm By Jim Erwin

Matthew 17:1-13 Putting Jesus Down to My Level In The Lord of the Rings, by J. R. R. Tolkien, the theme of hidden glory is one of the themes running through Tolkien’s masterpiece. Consider the various characters. Strider, the Ranger, is, in fact, the King of Gondor. The elves, usually cloaked in human form, occasionally show their true radiance. And Gandalf the Grey, whom the Hobbits mostly appreciate for his fireworks displays, is much more than they can imagine in... Read more

40 Simple Thoughts for 40 Days of Lent

Last updated on: April 15, 2017 at 9:53 pm By Jim Erwin

40 Simple Thoughts for 40 Days of Lent Below are links to 40 simple thoughts for 40 days of Lent. These links connect to simple thoughts that I have written. I hope these simple thoughts for Lent will help you in your spiritual journey with Jesus this year. Jesus __________ Jesus Was Jesus Came Jesus Grew Jesus Talks Jesus Listens Jesus Sickened Jesus Sleeps Jesus Teaches Jesus Tears Jesus Saves Jesus Prays Jesus Thinks Jesus Drives Jesus Jokes Jesus Strengthens... Read more

7 Proofs of God’s Promises When I Trust Him

Last updated on: February 24, 2017 at 2:44 pm By Jim Erwin

7 Proofs of God’s Promises When I Trust Him February 21, 2017 Year A Psalm 119:57-64 Many people try to make promises, but they often fail. So it is natural for us to come to God and wonder if He can be trusted. However, this psalm reminds me that God is a promise-keeping God. God makes very powerful promises to those who trust Him. Here are seven proofs of God’s promises when I trust Him. 1. God promises to be my... Read more

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 What Is the Point of Life?

Last updated on: February 21, 2017 at 10:18 pm By Jim Erwin

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 What Is the Point of Life? We come to a section of Ecclesiastes that is often quoted. As a matter of fact, the first eight verses were the lyrics to a top charting song by The Byrds in the 1970s. I have the song here to play for you. Just listen to the song – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 set to music. Some say the reason that the word “turn” is so often used in the song is because of... Read more

Jack Graham Should Stop Hurting the SBC

Last updated on: February 19, 2017 at 10:49 pm By Jim Erwin

Jack Graham Should Stop Hurting the SBC Recently, Prestonwood Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist church in Texas decided to hold one million dollars of offerings directed to the Cooperative Program in escrow. The church is under the leadership of Dr. Jack Graham, a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Instead of forwarding this money (like every other SBC church) to support missions work around the world, the church decided to hold their contribution. The reason given was alleged “disrespectfulness”... Read more

Blessed Are the Weird: A Manifesto for Creatives by Jacob Nordby

Last updated on: February 18, 2017 at 3:11 pm By Jim Erwin

Blessed Are the Weird: A Manifesto for Creatives by Jacob Nordby In 2012, Jacob Nordby spun out a poem that began: Blessed are the Weird People– poets, misfits, writers, mystics, heretics, painters & troubadours– for they teach us to see through different eyes… This book expands on the famous poem. He helps the reader to understand how important being weird is to creativity. Nordby encourages the reader to engage their creative side. He shares the characteristics of “weird” people. They... Read more

Before feeding 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, what did Jesus do first?