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Authorship
Paul’s teaching to the Corinthian church uncovered a concern about the order of the saints. Spiritual activities were encouraged, but were in need of guidelines in operation. Paul wrote: 1 Cor 14:31-33 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. In the apostle’s teaching resides several profound points. Prophesy and preaching was to lead and provide comfort. The hearer needed to learn…
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The Field
The scripture seems to come alive as it describes the travels of Jesus. He walked from city to city and village to village teaching in their synagogues. Matthew writes that Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and then followed it up by “healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” Mt. 9:35. However, it is the next line that grips my heart. Jesus saw the multitude and was moved with compassion. He saw them as an aimless group; sheep without a shepherd and then turned to His most trusted men and prayed for laborers to work in the…
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The Trade
It has been noted that the right question at the right time often encourages forward progress. Some have inquired about life insurance or retirement, while others inquire about future careers or business endeavors, all of which promote action and planning. The “question” makes us think. It has the power to direct and define. When motives are never questioned, results are often unsavory. Jesus asked a few questions which shines light on the most important priority of all. He asked: Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or…
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Legacy Fathers
1 Chr 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death. Timelines are a crucial way of understanding history and biblical accounts. The ages of these historical figures also give light to their moments which pertain to the greater context. When David spoke in 1 Chronicles 22:5, the age of Solomon was not revealed. Many scholars put Solomon at about…
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Forgiveness
If truth be known, all of us have offended someone and all of us have been offended. The offense is a cut or wound caused by words or neglect. I wish it were not so, but offenses have divided marriages and families. It has ruined life-long friendships and severed relationships on every level. Strong businesses have crumbled, not for poor cash flow or competition, but for unresolved breaches between people. Solomon saw this as an abyss: Prov 18:19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.…
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Hidden Disciples
It has been said that the only thing worse than not living or believing what you “preach” is not preaching what you live. It means that saying one thing and doing another is hypocrisy. However, the greater infraction is withholding what you believe. This occurs when we live according to the Scripture, but we dare not speak about it. Peter addressed this issue in the early church; 1 Pet 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in…
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Carry The Burden
Who shall carry the burden of the Lord? Moses led Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground. God parted the waters via the rod in Moses’ hand. It was the pinnacle miracle in the history of Israel; even to this day. The second crossing did not garnish as much fame. Joshua led the people through the flooding waters of the Jordan River. By instruction of the Lord, men carried the Ark of the Covenant into the river and stood in the middle. The waters rolled back and the people passed through. The Bible states that they held the Ark…
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Set Your Face
Luke 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. It was the final turn in the limited earthly life of Jesus of Nazareth. The time had come to be sacrificed. Calvary lay ahead and He was the only one who knew it. Luke will write of the moment, but only in hindsight. None of them knew that Jesus was on His way to death. This is the moment when Jesus became the protagonist. Without dispute, Jesus was always the main character of…
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Motherhood
In a very strict sense, and to those of us born with rational brains, Motherhood is the state of being a mother. The birth of a child is the foremost prerequisite, however, adoption or marriage to a man who has children constitutes the state of Motherhood. Since its inception, Motherhood has always been intertwined with parenting. Direction, correction, care, and concern is part and parcel of the duty. In more recent times, standard definitions have been challenged making it critical that declarations are made. It wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that America saw the abandonment of motherly authority. “Friendship” became cache…
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Tender Mercies
I’ve often contemplated the mercy of God and it’s depth. David will seek for God’s forgiveness by invoking what he called God’s “tender mercies.” Psa 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. The psalmist wrote: Psa 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. It was a plea for love instead of justice. Guilt lay bare before His eyes to which there is no excuse. Only through His tender mercies can we be reconciled.…