Ever wondered what is the most difficult commandment (of NT times) to obey on a scale of 1-10? For many the commandment to LOVE OUR ENEMIES (Matt 5:43-48) would score a perfect 10! So how about a series on this vital subject? Christian victims of communal persecution...
In last week's lesson on faith, looking at Hebrews 11:7, we learned from Noah that faith in God is so rooted in a friendship with God that when He speaks, no matter what He says, you will both recognize His voice and obey without questioning. Let's go to Heb. 11:8-10...
After the return of the spies from Jericho, the Israeli camp moved to the Jordan River. Their destination? The Land of Canaan! Only one problem: It was harvest time. We know this, because Rahab, who protected the spies at Jericho and helped them to escape, hid them...
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." (Genesis 9:13) We were on our way to a business meeting. The morning was dismally gray and rush hour traffic was still bumper-to-bumper on the interstate. My...
"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." (Ps 20:7 NIV) My body groaned as I spit the powdery stuff out of my mouth. What on earth was I doing with snow in my mouth? Why was I lying on such a cold floor? Why was I lying...
"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31) We often played the game, “Red Rover” when I was a child. Do you remember it? First, the captains would choose people to be on their sides, and then the game began....
There are a few moments in our lives we wish we could put in a bottle, cork it and store it away in a secure place; a secret place known only to ourselves. So we could take it out now and then and enjoy it’s fragrance; it’s thrill; the joy all over again. I believe...
"If you make the Most High your dwelling — even the Lord, who is my refuge — then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so...
Going by the ocean has always been one of my favorite pastimes. The waves and white foam can draw me into their rhythm and I can fasten my eyes attentively on them for several minutes at a time. I see them as music played out for all creation by our Creator God and...
"Jesus answered and said unto them, 'Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree; but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all...