“‘Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South [Negev], give me also springs of water.’ And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (Jdg 1:15). Today we’d say Achsah was a chip off the old block, like her father Caleb, eager to possess her possession. The word […]
How important is consistent Christian testimony to effective gospel witness. In Chartist times (a Victorian era workplace reform movement), people often labored in little hovels for a mere pittance. W. Y. Fullerton tells of a Christian in the market town of Kettering, England, who worked his knitting machine in a little lean-to behind a grocer’s […]
They say in the antique business, “If it isn’t Baroque, don’t fix it.” But God’s furnishings are unbreakable! Furniture throughout history has been both utilitarian and decorative, but the furniture in the temple wasn’t only useful and beautiful; it was also highly symbolic. We noted the change in size for the bronze altar, now matching […]
“Make Your face shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes” (Ps 119:135). The shiny-faced God! There’s something unique about a glowing countenance. No cosmetic can accomplish this. Concerning Stephen we read, “And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). […]
At meetings being held in the north of England, Lionel Fletcher noticed a rough-looking man showing the ravages of sin on his face. He was the first to rise at the end and rush to the preacher. The story poured out in sobs. His son had trusted Christ shortly before. His father was the worse […]
“And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them…” (Jer 45:5). These are the Lord’s own words through Jeremiah to Baruch. It was a bad time to seek anything of permanent value in a land soon to be ravaged by the Babylonians. The same of our doomed world: everything around us is […]
“What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor 4:7). C.S. Lewis writes in Mere Christianity: “Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or your moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given […]
Let’s pray the psalmist’s request: “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction” (Ps 119:18, CSB). […]
“O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me!” (Isa 38:14). At its root, the word “undertake” means “to braid.” This is the only reference where the word is so translated. Usually it has the idea of pledge or surety—when someone with resources guarantees a loan for another. Such a person braids their hope and future […]