They transformed the beauty of His ornaments into pride, and they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things with it; therefore I will make it an abhorrent thing to them. There is more significance to this verse than initially meets the eye. God’s people have taken the things He has given and … Continue reading Losing Focus – Ezekiel 7:20
Author: Wen
Intentional Obstinate Sin – Ezekiel 4:17
So they will lack bread and water; everyone will be devastated and waste away because of their iniquity. It is a terrifying possibility - to be held accountable by the God who has saved us for irreverent, ongoing, high handed, rebellious disobedience. These have purposefully, intentionally and pridefully turned their back on Father God. He … Continue reading Intentional Obstinate Sin – Ezekiel 4:17
He is Hope – Psalms 39:7
“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.” Colossians 1:23, "...if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel..." There is a Hope that transcends time. One which rises above the short-lived promises of this existence. A … Continue reading He is Hope – Psalms 39:7
Truthtelling – 1 Samuel 21:2-3
David answered Ahimelech the priest, “The king gave me a mission, but he told me, ‘Don’t let anyone know anything about the mission I’m sending you on or what I have ordered you to do.’ I have stationed my young men at a certain place. Now what do you have on hand? Give me five … Continue reading Truthtelling – 1 Samuel 21:2-3
Among the People with God – 1 Samuel 18:13-16
Therefore, Saul reassigned David and made him commander over 1,000 men. David led the troops and continued to be successful in all his activities because the Lord was with him. When Saul observed that David was very successful, he dreaded him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was leading their troops. To … Continue reading Among the People with God – 1 Samuel 18:13-16
Giving to Jewish Brothers – Romans 15:27
Yes, they were pleased, and indeed are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual benefits, then they are obligated to minister to Jews in material needs. This is a strong statement and I cannot find any reason that it would not still be applicable today. It is a convicting thought … Continue reading Giving to Jewish Brothers – Romans 15:27
Old Testament Truth – Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. As usual, the written revelation of God, the Bible, finds itself under attack not only by the skeptics of the world but also by the church. These empty attacks … Continue reading Old Testament Truth – Romans 15:4
Opinion and Personal Choice – Romans 14:1
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. It is important to note and remember that Paul is referring to matters of opinion. The context relates to practices in a believer's life that are not driven by scriptural command. We are never to pass judgement on … Continue reading Opinion and Personal Choice – Romans 14:1
Self-serving Pride – 1 Samuel 15:35
Even to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted He had made Saul king over Israel. The end of many good, God-ordained leaders has come through self-serving pride. Power and pride are a dangerous combo. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Pride convinces … Continue reading Self-serving Pride – 1 Samuel 15:35
Ignorant Arrogance – Jeremiah 44:15-19, 28
Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, “As for the message that you have spoken … Continue reading Ignorant Arrogance – Jeremiah 44:15-19, 28
Ask, Listen, Obey -Jeremiah 42:1-6
Then all the commanders of the forces, Johanan the son of Kareah, Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people both small and great approached and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, that is for all this remnant; because … Continue reading Ask, Listen, Obey -Jeremiah 42:1-6
Delight – Psalms 18:19
He brought me forth also into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me.One WordSometimes one word can turn a phrase in a significant and impactful way. Love covers a multitude of sins. Grace initiates an amazing transformation. Hope realigns our vision. Delight confounds us.‘He rescued me, because He delighted in me.’Huh? … Continue reading Delight – Psalms 18:19
Speaking Truth – Jeremiah 37:17
King Zedekiah later sent for him and received him, and in his house privately asked him, “Is there a word from the Lord?” “There is,” Jeremiah responded, and he continued, “You will be handed over to the king of Babylon.” Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “How have I sinned against you or your servants … Continue reading Speaking Truth – Jeremiah 37:17
Self-defined Morality – Judges 21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Here we see the formula for disaster in any society: Remove authority and make each individual their own measure of morality. The results are always disastrous since people are inherently evil. I know, I know - that … Continue reading Self-defined Morality – Judges 21:25
Evil Trials – Acts 24:5-6
For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes! He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him... As with Lord Jesus, every last accusation against Paul is a concocted lie. When evil … Continue reading Evil Trials – Acts 24:5-6
Evil Nonsense – Judges 18:6
Then they said to him, “Please inquire of God so we will know if we will have a successful journey.” The priest told them, “Go in peace. The Lord is watching over the journey you are going on.” After reading the entire story one has to wonder what God actually told the priest, if anything. … Continue reading Evil Nonsense – Judges 18:6
Good Luck Charm ‘Faith’ – Judges 17:13
Then Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will prosper me, seeing I have a Levite as priest.” How clearly Micah's statement illustrates the old, ‘God is my good luck charm mentality.’ Put God in your box and He's right there to do whatever you want. Just take Him out when you need Him … Continue reading Good Luck Charm ‘Faith’ – Judges 17:13
Evil Relationships – Judges 16:19
She made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair. Then she began to afflict him, and his strength left him. This is the woman he loves? She has deceitfully irritated him with her words until he has confessed his deepest secret … Continue reading Evil Relationships – Judges 16:19
Deceitful Vexation – Judges 16:16
And when she pressed him hard with her words day after day, and urged him, his soul was vexed to death. The pestering words of a woman who is close can have a devastating effect upon a man. She holds within her mouth the ability to weaken and even destroy the weak man. Samson is … Continue reading Deceitful Vexation – Judges 16:16
Amend and Obey – Jeremiah 26:13
So now, correct your ways and deeds and obey the voice of the Lord your God so that He might relent concerning the disaster that He warned about. Repentance, physically turning from evil and toward good, protects us from God's wrath and ushers in His mercy. He doesn’t want to punish His children. He wants … Continue reading Amend and Obey – Jeremiah 26:13