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He loved us …
Ephesians 2:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” American ingenuity and freedom have become interesting bedfellows. We are both creators while enjoying the benefits of self-expressions. Our constitutional platform is unlike anything in the world. W. Cleon Skousen wrote how Americans have leaped over thousands of years of struggle to come to this moment. However, with all of our self-will and open-door opinions, there seems to be a deficit in our thinking. Societal…
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I must decrease …
Before John the Baptist appeared on the scene, there was an obvious absence of Spiritual authority. The prophets had faded into the shadows of that older time even though the Temple work prevailed. John became an instant hit. His preaching was without a filter. His message was unique. Most of all, he did not mince words when it came to the deeds of his counterparts: the pharisees. However, the greatest statement of John’s ministry concerned himself and Jesus Christ. He said, “I must decrease and He (Jesus) must increase.” John’s statement is better seen as a weighing scale of importance.…
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… Stones …
The stones of Bolshoi Zayatsky Island are intriguing things. While most people are not overly concerned as to their intent, it is interesting to consider their labyrinths shapes, weaving and spiraling on the ground. The clusters have perplexed tourists for many years. I suppose that they once served some purpose, though no one knows what that might have been. Some surmise that the stones were used in spiritual rituals while others say they were templates for fishing nets. The stories, however, have all turned into fables. Whatever their purpose, it has long since past. Today they are now just tourist…
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Be the Shekel …
In a religious age where the church and the Bible’s doctrines are under-valued, I submit The Temple Shekel. Without the means to measure proper weight of monies in the market place, merchants would often shave the outer edges from their currency to retain more of the precious metal. In relatively short periods of times, the common shekel might weigh much less than its original form. The only way to measure the market’s money was to weigh it against the Temple shekel. Inside of the Temple was a chamber that kept and protected the original. All the other pieces were compared…
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Individualism
It’s nothing new. You know, the idea that everyone should be accepted for what they do. Individualism has always been prominent among people full of carnality. Cain was the clear winner when it came to self-justification. He thought that a grain sacrifice was just as good as a blood sacrifice. Even though God had clearly established the way, Cain was enamored with his own offering. And why not? Shouldn’t we all just be accepted? What difference does a sacrifice make? Isn’t it all just about intent? Truth is, offerings to God are useless unless He receives them. How is it…
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Heart of Worship
I’m writing in hopes of building a heart of worship. I’m working on my own heart. I’ve peered over the edge of time and found my days moving too fast to waste. Whether we see it or not, truth is, we all have a small window to live this life. The Bible’s oldest book is Job. However, his life’s work and accomplishments are not listed there. The pages are filled with unimaginable trials and afflictions. Perhaps the greatest moment in the book is Job’s words of praise and worship. In spite of his turmoil, Job refused to curse God. Rather,…
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… God’s Wonder …
Perhaps the greatest moment of Isaiah’s life came when he wrote; Isaiah 6:1 “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.” Five decades of prosperity attended to Uzziah’s reign over Judah. Uzziah offered the people a lifetime of decent living. Isaiah lived comfortably in the environment and shadow of Judah’s king. Yet, it was only when the king died that Isaiah finally saw the Lord. Whether intentional or not, the king clouded the vision of the people. He led from a platform…
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Simply Believe …
With an infinite number of commentaries about Christmas, I offer this remaining thought: Obedience must not be contingent on Understanding. Layered in the angel’s message to Mary is one of the Bible’s most prophetic words. Gabriel said of Jesus, Luke 1:32-33 “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” A “Throne” and a “House” are mentioned in the scripture describing the…
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Emmanuel, God with us
How long will Jesus be a baby? It seems that for many, Jesus remains in the manger. Being trapped in a thematic tone, it’s difficult for us to see the greater picture. The Christmas season is so consuming. With all of its dinners and parties, we have a tough time looking past the nativity scenes. A survey of modern preferences reveals that most Americans prefer the birth of Jesus over His death. When it comes to Easter, the greater majority seeks to bypass His death and talk exclusively about His resurrection. One surveyor wrote, “the gory details of the death…
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the “low road”
Consider the final Passover meal and those present in that rented room. Jesus is serving His disciples as they blindly enter yet another festival in Jerusalem. Mere hours separate them from the chaotic scene that will unfold in Gethsemane. They eat without regard; make statements without knowing the consequence; and lounge together without urgency. Peter is boastful as he proclaims that he would never deny the Lord. He is convinced of his loyalty, as I assume they all were. Nevertheless, hours later he will swear a solemn oath that he never knew the Lord and he will deny such knowledge…