Come and see the works of God; His acts toward mankind are awe-inspiring. He turned the sea into dry land, and they crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced in Him. He rules forever by His might; He keeps His eye on the nations. The rebellious should not exalt themselves. Selah Praise our God, you peoples; let the sound of His praise be heard. He keeps us alive and […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
What is Manna?
When Israel was wandering through the desert, Yahweh fed them flaky stuff that they called “manna.” Manna isn’t really a name for it, though. They never figured out what it was, and “manna” is a question that testified to that lack of information. It means “what?” Do you really believe that Yahweh whipped up enough of this dew each day to dry into flakes that tasted like honey wafers to […]
Eyes Wide Open
Elisha was the son of a farmer until Elijah invited him to follow him in the work of being a prophet (1 Kings 19:15-21). Elisha became his servant then. When Elijah was taken to heaven, Gehazi became Elisha’s servant. He was not called to prophesy. He seems to have simply been an employee, based on some of his actions when financial benefits were available (2 Kings 5:20-27). When Elisha’s prophetic […]
A Gossipless Life
I have talked with many people who think that gossiping is lying about people. That activity is better described as lying, though. Gossip’s meaning may be understood through a couple of several proverbs that mention it. A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but the trustworthy keeps a confidence. (Proverbs 11:13 Holman Christian Standard Bible®©) A contrary man spreads conflict, and a gossip separates friends. (Proverbs 16:28 Holman Christian Standard […]
Created Again
Being “born again” has been talked about quite a bit in the last few decades. Being “created again” – maybe that’s worth talking about a bit… Rest is built into the design Yahweh revealed to Israel when He gave them laws to make them a nation. Over 14% of their lives should be spent resting, according to Him: one day every week, and extra days beyond that at times. Some […]
Testing Your Faith
Paul brought up the idea of testing ourselves to be sure we are “in the faith.” John was very clear in his statement in what we call his first epistle: “We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14,15 Holman Christian Standard Bible®©) It is easier to tell if children get saved […]
The Mirror of Freedom
My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and […]
Identify Yourself
When you enter any facility where secrets or other valuables are stored, you are required to identify yourself in a manner that convinces any guards on hand that you should be allowed. It may be a badge, or having the proper fingerprint or retina blood vessel pattern, or a password. Similar identification can be used to prevent unauthorized entry even into computerized environments. A lower level of identification is required […]
Staying Busy
Business means both an enterprise that intends to create income and simply “being busy.” In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus told the people who were going with Him to Zacchaeus’ home a parable about His Kingdom. In the story, a man went away to be crowned as a King. Before he left, he gave ten of his servants ten minas each. That amounted to a little less than three years’ wages to […]
Selfless Ambition
James had this advice about selfish ambition: Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and lie in defiance of the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and […]