Faithful hearts seek wise investments in time that will only come to full fruition in eternity. Shortly after Abram entered Canaan, we read, “he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east” (Gen 12:8). Bethel means “the house of God.” Ai means “a heap of rubble.” It’s a hard fact that every penny, every moment, every […]
“I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies” (Ps 119:125). Verses 129-130 add: “Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” The word “testimonies” is one of eight words used in this psalm to describe the […]
There is today a pale, pathetic, and unflinching interpretation of the blessed gospel, which guarantees salvation as “a financially and socially upgrading experience”; then it finalizes the offer by “a superlative bonus in eternity and comfort world without end.” How different was Paul’s concept of a disciple of Christ! Look at his vivid interpretation: “I […]
“For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall” (Isa 25:4). What is the world’s greatest wall? Some years ago, I stood on […]
Is the Bible to be taken literally? Yes. And no. Like any great piece of literature, there are some literal, some figurative and metaphorical sections. If something is metaphorical, it does not mean it isn’t true; it is true but is being described in a different way. For example, we read about “chains of darkness” […]
Jesus used stories, current events, stimulating questions, and object lessons to drive home the gospel message. What do you use? Here’s a good example of being winsome so you can win some. […]
“Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’ And he said, ‘Here I am’” (Gen 46:2). He knows you well, believer. But on only seven occasions do we have it recorded that the Lord called one of His people twice in a row: “Abraham, Abraham!” (Gen 22:11). “Jacob, […]
“Neither were thankful” (Rom 1:21). Leonard Lindsted tells of an incident at a bus stop during the days of WWII. Rationing involved the use of “mills,” red plastic coins worth a fraction of a cent. A man dropped one, and it rolled through the crowd to Leonard’s feet. He picked it up and handed it […]
Moriah combines râ’â + yâh, meaning “seen, approved, considered, or enjoyed by Jehovah.” In 1 Chronicles 21, we read, “David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces” (v 16) and pled for God’s mercy, a mercy already provided. But there is no such thing as bloodless mercy with the Lord. “Therefore, the angel of the Lord commanded Gad […]
Read More… from September 20, 2024 — Falling Down & Going Up