REAL DISCIPLES

1 JOHN 2:3-11 The church was delighted with their new bells in the belfry above their sanctuary. They did not have the money to buy the bells when it was built, but on their 25th anniversary, they were able to raise money to hang three bells in the empty space. Though impressive, there was one problem: … [Read more…]

MIND WHO YOU TRUST

JOSHUA 9:1-16 Lie detection experts believe that our natural tendency is to trust people. However, not all of them are trustworthy. Signs that someone is lying are restlessness, lack of eye contact, and noticeable pauses in speaking. Even with these tips, experts warn that it is still quite difficult to tell liars from honest people. Joshua was … [Read more…]

A CARICATURE OF GOD

EXODUS 34:1-9 A caricature is a painting or drawing of a person or thing whose features and shape have been distorted and exaggerated to mock or satirize the topic. Making caricature of God is not funny. People make caricature when they wish to focus on just one or some of His attributes. Exaggerating any of His attributes … [Read more…]

PREPARATION

ROMANS 5:1-11 Like her friends, my cousin Franca was busy preparing for adulthood. At school, she prepared for university by taking the right subjects. Outside of the classroom, she learned the social skills to get along with people by spending time with friends and classmates. In her part-time job, she acquired the interpersonal skills necessary for a … [Read more…]

WE ALL NEED FRIENDS

ECCLESIASTES 4:9-12 Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, lawyer, philosopher and skeptical scholar who attempted to defend the best principles during the political crises that led to the founding of the Roman Empire. He was one of the greatest thinkers of the Roman Empire.  Cicero believed that friendship improves happiness and alleviates misery, doubles our … [Read more…]

THE LOOK THAT LINGERS

JOB 31:1-4 My friend is a computer technician. One night when I was at his house, I noticed that the screen saver on his monitor had these words: “I have made a covenant with my eyes” (Job 31:1). He apparently understood the potential danger of spending hours alone in front of a computer with easy access … [Read more…]

HELP IN TIME OF NEED

HEBREWS 4:9-16 During the second World War, the British Isles provided the last line of resistance to Nazi oppression in Europe. However, under the relentless attack and threat of collapse, Britain did not have the resources to win the battle. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill appeared on BBC radio and urged the world to help them … [Read more…]

PALM TREES AND CEDARS

PSALM 92 As they age, trees no longer bear good fruit. However, the Psalmist says that those who are planted in the house of the Lord will still bear fruit in old age because He is their rock. The righteous can be like the palm and the cedar trees. Palm trees represent imposing beauty and cedars represent … [Read more…]