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These are three directives our Lord consistently challenges us with that are routinely ignored or picked over and done at our convenience; occasionally applying one or the other to our lives, we often relegate the rest to a later date when we have more time, money, interest or ability. Scripturally, they are grouped together as a series of progressive commands and expectations, one flowing into the other till they reach completion as a whole.

The first is an invitation reiterated throughout scripture to, “Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever struggled with faith issues, finding it difficult to believe in something you don’t really understand? You’re not alone, most of us struggle to develop a rock-solid belief system and unshakable faith; some never will. That kind of faith and faithfulness is usually acquired one small step at a time as we prove God’s faithfulness and develop a dependence on him that vindicates and verifies our trust. Often we can do nothing more than exclaim, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:24; before we fully realize, “Everything…  ( Click for more )

Messianic expectation was running high at the time of Christ’s birth, scripture recording the enthusiasm John the Baptist’s ministry inspired in anticipation of the Anointed One’s unveiling. (Luke 3:15) It is remarkable then that so few people in Israel actually recognized their Messiah when he finally did appear, their eyes blinded by their own expectations of who he would be and how he should behave.

They were looking for an eloquent politician and mighty military leader, not a carpenter from a peasant family. They anticipated fanfare and pageantry,…  ( Click for more )

Does the fact that somebody could even ask that question upset you? Good – it should. Yet that doesn’t change the findings of a research group consisting of five leading psychologists who gathered evidence for a comprehensive study on the attitudes of younger Americans that indicates today’s youth tend to be more narcissistic (or self-indulgent) than ever.2 Noting the usual progression of this tendency from small children, who tend to be self-centered by nature, to youths and adults, they suggest it might be time to stop endlessly re-enforcing children…  ( Click for more )

Rahab is introduced as a harlot in Joshua 2:1, a graphic representation of the pagan society she lived in; someone we might be tempted to write off as hopelessly lost. Her culture was on the brink of destruction, their descent into the abyss of moral and spiritual corruption virtually irreversible as God prepared to judge their entire culture because of its extreme wickedness. (Deuteronomy 20:17) So what made the difference for Rahab? What happened to earn her a place in the Hall of Faith recorded in Hebrews 11:31 and her incorporation into Hebrew society so thoroughly…  ( Click for more )

A main past-time at school – or for that matter home, work and even church – could be defined as nothing more than idle talk, telling tales and spreading rumors; the juicier the better! How bad can that be if so many people eagerly engage in it? (Even many “news” magazines and television shows being based on the premise of “dishing the dirt.”)

Have you ever had a tall tale told on you? How much did it annoy or hurt you that somebody was messing in your business; how unfair were they in their portrayal of you and your ideas;…  ( Click for more )

The story of Ruth is essentially a love story with all the necessary emotion to make it compelling; tragedy and grief as well as soaring happiness. Widowed and living in a foreign land, she was reduced to absolute poverty from which she had no way of rescuing herself. From this place of utter desolation, she had only one place to look, which is true of us all so much of the time – and that was to God and his people.

During a time of political anarchy and faithlessness to God, Israel was afflicted with a famine. Elimelech and Naomi, along with their sons…  ( Click for more )

The biblical story of Samson can seem somewhat confusing and even contradictory. How could a man so flawed in character be used by God? Is it wise for the church or any other organization to appoint men with similar character flaws to positions of leadership today? Can we realistically benefit from their positive abilities while merely glossing over their shortcomings? These are pertinent questions, especially in light of the insistence by some that what a person does in private has no bearing on their public service and commitments; as if what motivates us in private…  ( Click for more )

Over the years, various articles, interviews, books and documentaries have questioned not the person of Jesus, who is too widely accepted as a leading historical figure in one form or another; but questioning His divinity and from there attacking His purpose on the cross1. The reality of his godhood, the value of his sacrifice and the function of the cross considered grotesque and insulting to today’s sensitivities. After all, doesn’t God warn us against violence? (Ezekiel 45:9 – Romans 12:19,20) How can a loving God then condemn anyone, let alone his…  ( Click for more )

It is fitting that Hannah’s name means grace as she personified that Godly attribute in her portrayal of motherhood; even as her younger years closely paralleled Sarah’s in that she was childless and distraught because of it. As a result of her amazing faith and perseverance however, she too was blessed with a son who became a towering figure in Israel’s history as both priest and judge.

Hannah and her husband Elkanah lived rather nondescript lives in an obscure village; their one claim to fame being the priestly tribe they were descended from.…  ( Click for more )

For some, Leviticus 19:28 speaks with finality to the issue of tattoo’s. Others point out that the Levitical injunction against tattoos is part of the Law which we in this present age are no longer bound to. While in reality, the scripture that speaks against tattooing is coupled with a prohibition against cutting one’s body in remembrance of the dead; a pagan practice of remorse and worship of gods other than Jehovah. (See 1 Kings 18:28) Throughout time, large numbers of people groups have used tattooing as a sign of religious dedication and tribal adornment…  ( Click for more )

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most universally admired women, believed by Christians to have been blessed by God as the instrument through which He would bring the Messiah into the world. But as is so often the case, there were many trials and much suffering associated with this blessing; as from those who have received much, much is expected. (Luke 12:48) And yet a word of caution is needed in that some look upon Mary’s blessedness to the extent of deifying her; whereas scripturally, Mary is never portrayed as a source of grace or blessing but as a recipient of them…  ( Click for more )

Last week, we attempted to discover our place in the world by studying the lyrics found in Petra’s recording of “Not of This World,” and Andrew Peterson’s newer release of “The Far Country”; which echo several references made by Peter (and others) to Christians about matching their expectations for success in the world with God’s expectations of righteousness and separation from the world.

The first line from, “Not Of This World,” claims that we are “pilgrims in a strange land” - that we are foreigners who don’t…  ( Click for more )

Last week, we attempted to discover our place in the world by studying the lyrics found in Petra’s recording of “Not of This World,” and Andrew Peterson’s newer release of “The Far Country”; which echo several references made by Peter (and others) to Christians about matching their expectations for success in the world with God’s expectations of righteousness and separation from the world.

The first line from, “Not Of This World,” claims that we are “pilgrims in a strange land” - that we are foreigners…  ( Click for more )

A popular song titled, “Not of this World”, was recorded by the Christian rock group Petra several years ago. Part of the chorus states that ‘we are strangers, we are aliens, we are not of this world.’ This concept is often misunderstood or misrepresented, yet is quite important if we are to live a life patterned after that of Christ’s. (Andrew Peterson’s new CD “The Far Country,” likewise emphasizes this same theme, reminding us that we are indeed residing in a country far from home – to which we should be looking to return.) …  ( Click for more )

Eve and Sarah are seldom mentioned without their counter - parts – Adam and Abraham. But the lives of these exceptional women are worth examining individually as their faith and personal character was not developed necessarily as a result of their partnership with their mates but in relationship with their God and as a result of the circumstances He brought them through.

Eve’s name probably means “Living,” called such as she was the mother of all living beings. (Genesis 3:20) She represents the pure and pristine ideal of womanhood, undoubtedly a creature of…  ( Click for more )

Contrary to what modern critics would have us believe, women have often assumed prominent roles in Israel’s history and the development of the Christian church. There certainly were and still are segments of Israel’s culture as well as past and present church practice that are less than what God would desire, but overall the Law of Israel and the doctrines of the church have served to elevate the rights and role of women in the home and society. For the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the God of Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel; and some of Jesus’ more prominent…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between wisdom and knowledge? Since you are at a point in your life where much time, effort and money are being spent attempting to gain both, maybe it would be to your benefit to find out. I believe there is a difference. It may not always be readily apparent but can at times be instrumental, especially when it comes to recognizing and accepting advice and instruction from others. Knowledge is defined as a state of knowing the facts concerning a topic; wisdom is shown by good judgment, making sound decisions based…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between wisdom and knowledge? Since you are at a point in your life where much time, effort and money are being spent attempting to gain both, maybe it would be to your benefit to find out. I believe there is a difference. It may not always be readily apparent but can at times be instrumental, especially when it comes to recognizing and accepting advice and instruction from others. Knowledge is defined as a state of knowing the facts concerning a topic; wisdom is shown by good judgment, making sound decisions based on what is already…  ( Click for more )

Don’t you just love this time of year? The family get-togethers, exchanging gifts, playing in the snow and caroling. Even the charitable contributions we make to the food and gift drives for the less fortunate warm our hearts as we express genuine concern for others. (The Christmas season opening our eyes to the opportunities for being a blessing to the needy around us like no other.) Yet in making new memories and remembering old times together, let’s not forget what is really important. Think back with me for a moment and...remember.

A cool starry…  ( Click for more )

How well we understand the truths of the gospel will ultimately determine how well we live our lives. The sometimes antagonistic approach some people take regarding grace and works is a good case in point. As Paul, the great expositor or grace said, there is an “…obedience that comes from faith.” Romans 1:5; further encouraging us to, “Aim for perfection,… in living out our calling to follow Jesus. (2 Corinthians 13:11 & 2 Peter 1:10,11) Jesus then challenges us to, “Be perfect,…” Matthew 5:48; something…  ( Click for more )

People tend to gravitate to the extremes in life, even Christian people. Many wholeheartedly embrace the Bible’s teaching on mercy, grace and a faith that saves regardless of personal accomplishment and “works” (Ephesians 2:8,9) while glossing over its clarion call to holiness. Others use the call to deeds of righteousness (Ephesians 2:10) as a means of validating their lifestyles and to coerce others into following their example while offering little in the way of mercy, grace or graciousness. Yet the Bible offers clear evidence of God’s boundless…  ( Click for more )

At a critical point in Israel’s early history, during a period of immense change, uncertainty and challenge, they were encouraged to be strong and courageous. In fact, as Joshua – their newly-appointed commander-in-chief – received instructions on how to go about claiming the Promised Land, he was specifically admonished to be strong and very courageous. (See also Deuteronomy 31:6-8 & 23)

How could anyone expect Joshua to exhibit strength and courage in the face of such obstacles? In the midst of a change of leadership, the people were unsure…  ( Click for more )

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on it’s stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men,...” Matthew 5:14-16

This time of year, we are especially drawn to light; as it gets dark earlier, house and street lights are more noticeable; with a chill in the air, fireplaces radiate welcoming warmth. We decorate our homes in festive colors; trees trimmed with lights while candles shimmer…  ( Click for more )