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A Crown of Thorns, A Crown of Gold
Flora of Israel describes the many species of the acacia. The horn of Africa might boast a host of acacia types. In all, the genus Acacia entails about 160 species of trees and shrubs in the pea family (Fabaceae). Israel’s types range in size with almost all featuring stipular thorns protruding from the thin and flexible branches. These types of trees/bushes do not need much care as they can survive in dry and arid places. While most of these thorny trees have been pulled or covered up by concrete and the mass of seasonal tourists, Jerusalem once had them in…
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The Donkey …
In the end, Jesus will return riding a horse. It is the symbol of battle, which the Revelator described in the Bible’s last book. However, when Jesus first came He was riding a donkey. He declared Himself the Savior of the world. Jesus could have ridden a stalwart stallion, rippled with muscle and decor. However, He came to bring reclamation: He came as the King of Redemption. Contrary to opinions, the donkey is an intelligent creature. Sure-footed and having superb eyesight, the donkey can scale the rockiest cliffs while carrying a heavy burden. The Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem is…
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(re)build the wall
Nehemiah may not be as familiar to the Christian community as Moses or Paul, but his story is just as pivotal. In brief, Nehemiah will leave a comfortable and wealthy position in Persia to rebuild the gates and walls around the city of Jerusalem. Compelled by the news of constant invasions and a lack of protection for the Temple, Nehemiah was permitted by the Persian king to organize a rebuilding project. While Nehemiah accomplished his task in a mere 52 days, there are enduring lessons to learn. First, Nehemiah had opposition from people who should have been assisting him. Sanballat,…
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“It Is He!”
1 Kings 18:24 “And call ye on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the LORD: and the God that answereth by fire, let him be God.” I cannot say that my prayers are powerful, but I do know that my God is powerful. He is the God Who answers by Fire. He is The All in All. He is The Great I Am! So while I am commissioned to pray, it is Jesus Who does the Work. Paul said, Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but…
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Preventive Living
The American Medical journals have declared a tipping point that should arrest our attention. Sadly, many of us are blinded by the statistics, which reveal the growing need for rehabilitation and post-surgery meds/therapy. Diets combined with inactivity coupled with mounting stress and anxiety has caused a spiral of illnesses that can hardly be calculated. While preventive measures have been promoted, the vast majority of Americans have ignored the matter. The “low level” of living is actually more pleasurable than adhering to the disciplines of healthy eating, exercise, sleep, and rest. We are mostly rushing on to the next thing with…
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Repeat
Consider the “Words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” Simply put, everything is repeated. Regardless of the advancements in technology, medicine, and literature, what has been will be again. All the pressures of this life have been lived before us. All the challenges of family, marriage, church, finances, etc. have been seen and felt long before we arrived. Whatever “road” you travel has…
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Follow By Faith
Consider God’s declaration in the Bible’s first book. Genesis 18:18 Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. The blessing of the Jewish people came via the obedience of one man. Israel’s wealth, land, and future began the day that Abraham took God at His word and followed by faith. It makes me know that one person can make all the difference. The Bible says that sin came by way of Adam and righteousness by way of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:19 “For as by one man’s disobedience many were…
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Faith by Hearing
Consider the moment when a Syrian king made private plans to overthrow Israel. Each time he issued a command, the armies of Israel countered with an alternate plan. It must have been frustrating for the Syrian generals to move an entire army only to return home without having fought. There were no wins or losses to point to their trouble. The scripture tells us that Elisha knew the plans of the enemy even though the king made those plans in secret. The king of Syria began to think that one of his own men was a traitor so he asked,…
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The Home…
Acts 5:42 “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Two critical moments occurred in the history of the early church. The first came at the end of Pentecost when 3000 people were baptized in Jesus’ name and were filled with the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues. The second occurred as Luke writes, Acts 2:42 “…they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:46 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house…
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Political
Politics have become one of the most divisive things in our world today. There is little debate over the raging differences that exist in our nation’s capital. From local governmental bodies to the halls of Congress we are seeing a polarization of immense proportions. While many are keenly aware of these divisions, history speaks to such factions. Europe has been overran numerous times. Africa has seen bloodshed. America was divided in the 1800’s as fathers took up arms against sons; brother against brothers in the Civil War. I am not submitting that our day is the only time of conflict.…