Politicians and governments ask us to pledge allegiance to them. Today’s passage reminds us of the danger of serving earthly rulers. Scripture: 1 Kings, chapters 13-14; 2 Chronicles, chapter 12; Philippians, chapter 3 2 Chronicles 12:7-12 (NLT): When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: “Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger... Read more
What Should I Wear to Church? When I was growing up, it was common to hear people talk about their “Sunday best,” referring to their “best” clothes that they wore to church. While people still understand that phrase, the idea of wearing our “best” clothes to church is no longer common. But is that a bad thing? Where did we get the idea that we should wear “special” clothes for church? It is still common for people whom I meet... Read more
So many times, we allow ourselves to become frustrated and overwhelmed by life’ “requirments.” As the Teacher of Ecclesiastes reminds us, enjoying life is a gift from God! Scripture: Ecclesiastes, chapters. 4-6; Psalm 18; Ephesians, chapter 3 Ecclesiastes 5:10-20 (NLT): Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth – except perhaps to watch... Read more
Yesterday, we looked at the story of Cain and Abel, and how God was working even in that horrible situation (“The Story of Cain and Abel: What You Should Know“). Today, we look at Cain’s punishment, and what it tells us about our relationship with God. Genesis 4:8-17 (NASB) Cain talked to his brother Abel; and it happened that when they were in the field Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to... Read more
We all know the core of the story of Cain and Abel: Abel’s offering to the Lord was accepted, Cain’s was not, and Cain responded by killing Abel. But if that’s all that the story says to us, it doesn’t say much, does it? So what else is there in this story that might instruct us? Cain and Abel Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I... Read more
The word “masterpiece” often causes us to think of great works of art. But Ephesians 2 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece! Scripture: Ecclesiastes, chapters 1-3; Psalm 45; Ephesians, chapter 2 Ephesians 2:1-10 (NLT): Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil – the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in... Read more
“Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down?” (Proverbs 30:4). No one – which demonstrates God’s power! Scripture: Proverbs, chapters 30-31; Psalm 33; Ephesians, chapter 1 Proverbs 30:4 (NLT): Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name – and his son’s name? Tell me if you know! Ephesians... Read more
I graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1984. As an alumnus, I am very interested in the Fighting Irish sports teams. Lou Holtz, who coached at Notre Dame from 1986-1996, once said: “Now I know you’re going to say God doesn’t care who wins. I say that’s true, but I believe His Mother does. I firmly believe that this school has been blessed. When men ask why this school is great, they’ll need only to look at the Lady... Read more
We can easily find information of all types online. That ease may deceive us into thinking that we “know it all” – a belief that can lead to pride. Instead, Scripture calls us to really love each other – and “don’t think that we know it all!” Scripture: Proverbs, chapters 16-18; Romans, chapter 12 Romans 12:9-18 (NLT): Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with... Read more
“How Does the Holy Spirit Help the Apostles?” In my first article on the subject of Pentecost, I considered the question, “What Happens at Pentecost?” In this article, I’ll look at a different question: “How does the Holy Spirit help the apostles?” Answering that question will help us to better understand how the Holy Spirit helps believers today. “You Will Receive Power” In Acts 1:8, just before he ascended back into heaven, Jesus told the disciples: “You will receive power... Read more
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