LUKE 14:7-14 Between 150 B.C. and AD 68, the Qumran was an ascetic Jewish community that resided in the Judean Desert near the Wadi Qumran, on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. To prepare for the Messiah’s coming, they separated themselves from outside influences. They were very conscientious about their religious lives, ceremonial washings, and … [Read more…]
2 CORINTHIANS 3:1-3 When my mother told us stories as a child, I was enthralled. I would sit and pay attention to every word. I pondered every word she spoke as I waited to hear what she had to say next. Have you ever considered the possibility that our lives tell stories? People all around us are … [Read more…]
MARK 10:35-45 When two of Jesus’ disciples requested for positions of prominence in His awaited kingdom, the Lord gathered His twelve closest followers and informed them that anyone who wants to be great among them must serve them. And anyone who aspires to be first will be the slave of all. He furthermore reminded them that … [Read more…]
PSALM 24:3-6 These days, it seems that everywhere you go, there seem to be signs asking people to wash their hands. With the constant threat of germs and viruses spreading disease among the general public, healthcare providers warn us that the single most important factor for germ transmission is unwashed hands. As a result, in addition … [Read more…]
JOHN 4:27-39 When Jesus glanced at the woman at the well in John 4, what did He see? He saw someone who was thirsty for acceptance and needed to know she was loved. Most importantly, He saw someone in need of something that only He could provide: a new heart. It was no coincidence that all of … [Read more…]
JOSHUA 7:1-13 Around this time last year, a high school football coach made a tremendous blunder. He dispatched several of his players to scout a future opponent. They returned with the positive news that they could easily win their opponents. They played and lost to the team despite their overconfidence. Does the story sound familiar? It reminds … [Read more…]
1 PETER 2:11-17 Sometimes, when we try to build a fire, the wind blows it out. At other times, when we try to maintain a fire, the same wind keeps it going. As a result, in the first instance, we classify the wind as “bad” because it thwarts our intentions, whereas in the second, we classify … [Read more…]
PSALM 1 I am yet to meet someone whose life was completely ruined because he or she followed God’s commands. Yet, in an age when personal freedom is celebrated as an inalienable right, discussion of conforming our lifestyle to God’s ways is frequently regarded as an infringement. And anyone who speaks out in support of … [Read more…]
EPHESIANS 2:1-5 Each generation has its own set of thoughts, ideas, and values that shape the cultural spirit of the time. It is this kind of consensus view that puts us in a moral coma, gradually causing us to accept society’s most latest values. This corrupting atmosphere was described by the apostle Paul as the course of … [Read more…]
PSALM 139:1-10; LUKE 12:6-7 “Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home? When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is he; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” The above song was composed by Civilla Durfee Martin (1866-1948) in the year 1905. It is … [Read more…]
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