In times of flourishing conspiracy theories many people are misled and accuse each other of the same foolishness. Jesus began His prophecy about the end times with a warning, “See to it that no one misleads you.” (Matt. 24:4; Mark 13:5; Luke 21:8) So, it’s important to consider why we choose the leaders that we […]
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (parakletos) will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7 KJV) I shed secret tears when I say goodbye to close friends. It’s hard. We mourn […]
It’s hard to hide a big party in a small town with an outdoor lifestyle and no sound-proofing. The Pharisees and scribes noticed Matthew’s and frowned. Then they asked a question that, of all the questions in the Gospels, might be the best cue for explaining Jesus’ mission. “Why do you eat and drink with […]
What do you look for in a loaf of bread? When I’m in a new store, I go straight for the whole-wheat selection. After I find a suitably priced loaf, I check the list of ingredients to make sure there is no barley included, because I’m allergic to barley. Perhaps you are more concerned to […]
If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, “From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37–38) Cisterns can be impressive. The cistern at King Herod’s winter palace of Masada held a million gallons. Theoretically, that is enough water for […]
Occasionally I bite off more than I can chew when it comes to hiking. The sun sets before I get back to camp. I finish the hike, in the dark, with just a tiny flashlight to show the way. But it always amazes me how effective that light is. It reminds me of another of […]
Now and then, just for fun, I choose to write with my left hand. It’s a mess! I’m far from ambidextrous. My right arm is the strongest and the best coordinated. When David said that God answered him with the saving strength of His right hand, it was a statement of faith in God’s goodness […]
What place do miracles have in your relationship with God? Do you cautiously skirt the subject, accepting of miracles in Scripture but unsure of their relevance for today? Or do you drop everything when you hear that a popular miracle worker is coming to town? I am convinced that spiritual maturity is about balance, and […]
Waiting for vindication is an act of faith. In high speed cultures people are used to lightning responses in most areas of life, from the table service in the restaurant to the processing of a tax return. When someone wrongs us, we can call 9-1-1 or a lawyer and expect quick justice. But there are […]
The traditional courtroom oath is spoken with a Bible in one hand: “I promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me God.” The Bible is recognized as the highest standard of truth and justice; taking the oath while holding the Bible invokes God as a witness to […]