Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. The realization and acceptance of our own mortality works to keep us wise and humble. Dwelling on the limited nature of our existence on this earth grows wisdom in our hearts. Whatever we know or accomplish here in this … Continue reading Numbered Days – Psalms 90:12
Saved – Psalms 89:48
What man can live and never see death? Who can save himself from the power of Sheol? What man can live and never see death the psalmist asks? Jesus the Christ! And by His blood all who trust in Him shall also live and never see death! Death has been defeated. The grave is overcome. … Continue reading Saved – Psalms 89:48
Work To Share – Ephesians 4:28
He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. At the heart of why we work to earn money is the calling to use what we have earned for the good … Continue reading Work To Share – Ephesians 4:28
Turning Fruit – Ezekiel 33:14-16
But when I say to the wicked, ‘You will surely die,’ and he turns from his sin and practices justice and righteousness, if a wicked man restores a pledge, pays back what he has taken by robbery, walks by the statutes which ensure life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die. … Continue reading Turning Fruit – Ezekiel 33:14-16
Divided Allegiance – 1 Kings 3:3
Solomon loved the Lord by walking in the statutes of his father David, but he also sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. This verse always troubles me about Solomon; however, it just hit me today - is this what I do? I love the Lord and seek His pleasure and protection by following … Continue reading Divided Allegiance – 1 Kings 3:3
Rejoice Not in Others’ Demise – Ezekiel 25
"For thus says the Lord God: “Because you clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your disdain for the land of Israel, indeed, therefore, I will stretch out My hand against you, and give you as plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from the peoples, and I … Continue reading Rejoice Not in Others’ Demise – Ezekiel 25
Don’t Submit – 2 Samuel 11:2
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing — a very beautiful woman. 2 Samuel 11:27 When the time of mourning ended, David had her brought to his house. She became his wife and bore him a son. … Continue reading Don’t Submit – 2 Samuel 11:2
Wise Seekers – Psalms 53:2
God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. God watches His creation faithfully looking for those who are obedient and submissive. He looks to find goodness. He watches for faithfulness among His people. He is constantly looking for the wise one … Continue reading Wise Seekers – Psalms 53:2
Procrastination – Ezekiel 12:28
“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “None of My words will be delayed any longer. Whatever word I speak will be performed,”’” declares the Lord God. Trust me when I tell you that I have the gift of procrastination. Waiting and making excuses is one of my strong points. Sometimes I procrastinate … Continue reading Procrastination – Ezekiel 12:28
Grieving and Groaning – Ezekiel 8:17-18
Then he said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it too light a thing for the house of Judah to commit the abominations that they commit here, that they should fill the land with violence and provoke me still further to anger? Behold, they put the branch to their nose. … Continue reading Grieving and Groaning – Ezekiel 8:17-18
Worthless Men – 1 Samuel 25:17
“Now therefore, know and consider what you should do, for evil is plotted against our master and against all his household; and he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him.” Authors note: Trust me when I say that I am not a man basher like so many in our culture … Continue reading Worthless Men – 1 Samuel 25:17
Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. There is a fundamental, foundational motivation that must undergird all that a follower of Christ is and does. “All for the glory of God.” Every single thing we do must be guided by this perspective. Our thoughts, words … Continue reading Soli Deo Gloria – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Losing Focus – Ezekiel 7:20
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
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