CHARACTER OR REPUTATION

REVELATION 3:1-5 The words of the risen Christ to seven churches in Asia are recorded in the book of Revelation. He made it clear to the church at Sardis that He was aware of their deeds, that they had a name (a reputation) that they were alive, but that they were actually dead (Revelation 3:1). The … [Read more…]

THE LION OF JUDAH

ISAIAH 31:1-5; REVELATION 5:5 The lions at a certain game reserve were once referred to as “looking harmless.” In the sun, they curled up on their backs. They silently drank from a stream. As though they had all the time in the world, they moved slowly across the dry ground. He could only see their teeth … [Read more…]

THE ISSUE WITH PRIDE

PROVERBS 16:18-19 “Legends in their own time” are individuals who achieve greatness and achieve fame during their lifetimes. A friend once claimed that he encountered numerous athletes who were merely “legends in their own minds.” We tend to exaggerate how we see ourselves out of pride, believing that we are the best thing ever. But humility … [Read more…]

HYPERSEEING

1 CORINTHIANS 2:9; ROMANS 8:28-30 When a sculptor can look at a rough piece of stone and envision it in its finished, ideal shape, they are said to have a special talent. The term “hyperseeing” is used to describe it. This also means seeing from multiple viewpoints in a very general sense. Our all-seeing God can equally … [Read more…]

SIMON’S WORDS

LUKE 5:1-11 For more than ten years, a missionary has worked with youths. He frequently hangs out with them late into the night, listening to them, offering them advice, and instructing them. While he enjoys talking with them, he finds it quite difficult when some of them decide they no longer want to hear about Jesus. … [Read more…]

WHY CAUSE HURT?

HEBREWS 13:17 Pastors are a common target for criticism. They are on display every week, painstakingly explaining God’s Word and urging us to live in accordance with the example of Christ. However, occasionally we search for something to criticise. It is simple to ignore all the good a pastor accomplishes in favour of our own preferences. … [Read more…]

MUSIC’S POWER

PSALM 59:6-16 Music has the power to uplift and comfort us, to inspire us, and to calm us down. It has the ability to take us back in time, to ease our anxious minds, or to uplift our spirits. Truly, there is a song to suit any mood. Even science has acknowledged the advantages of music. … [Read more…]

LISTENING

ECCLESIASTES 5:2; EXODUS 16:1-8 It is said that “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.” One of the most important skills in life is the capacity to be able to listen. We should pay attention to one another, counsellors advise. Our spiritual leaders advise us to pay attention to God. But very … [Read more…]

KEEP THE UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-6 I read the story of a man who was trapped on an island and subsequently found. He was questioned by his rescuers regarding the three huts they had seen. “This one is my home, and that one is my church,” he said, pointing to each building. “The third hut,” he continued, “Was my former church.” … [Read more…]

NEEDED: HELPERS

ROMANS 16:1-16 Some individuals believe that the word “helper” has inferior connotation. A trained teacher’s class is supported by a classroom helper. On the work, helpers provide assistance to skilled bricklayers, plumbers, and electricians. They might be thought to be of less value since they lack the same level of professional expertise. To complete the work, … [Read more…]