Read Luke 9:51-56 For centuries, the Jews and Samaritans lived at odds with each other. It all stemmed back to when the Jews were taken captive by the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 17:24-34). The king of Assyria moved in non-Jewish people from surrounding cities and had them settle in Samaria. These people brought in their own customs, culture, and forms[…]
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Open-Minded Christ Followers
Read Luke 24:13-49 Recently I’ve heard about two high-profile people in the Christian world who have recanted or are reevaluating their belief in Christ. One young man who had been an advocate for abstinence and moral virtue is now endorsing alternate lifestyles; the other faced serious difficulties and felt the Lord had disappointed him as he went through his trials.[…]
Read moreWhat is truth?
Read John 18:28-40 Recently I noticed a young woman sporting a T-shirt that read, “Speak your truth.” I wondered what her truth might be. Would her truth be different from my truth? And if everyone did speak their truth, how would we differentiate between truth and opinion? People today are extremely opinionated, and truth is harder and harder to discern.[…]
Read moreWhen We SHOULDN’T Consider Others First
Read John 21:15-25 All our lives, we’re taught to consider other people before ourselves to avoid being selfish and self-centered. But when it comes to personal responsibility or opportunity to change, we need to look at ourselves first. Jesus taught this lesson to Peter when He prophesied about his future (see John 21:18). Peter immediately pointed at John and asked,[…]
Read moreFacing Fire
Nebuchaddnezzar had an ego bigger than himself. After erecting a golden statue ninety feet high, he commanded that everyone–God-worshipping Jews included–bow and worship this structure. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish men who had been elevated to places of leadership in Babylon, refused to bow. (Read their story in Daniel 1 and 3). Imagine three guys boldly standing while hundreds[…]
Read moreKeeping Your Integrity
Poor Job faced dire circumstances that few people have. (Read the full story in Job 1 & 2). After losing everything he owned–his children, servants, land, cattle, and even his health–he was saddled with friends who thought their words would bring him comfort. While these friends sat with him throughout his ordeal, the most stunning response to Job’s situation was[…]
Read moreContagious Criticism
Read Numbers 12 Criticism is a contagious disease because it negatively affects other people. Moses found himself the target of his critical siblings who thought they deserved to be elevated to a higher leadership station like their younger brother. Their complaint . . . Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t He also spoken through us? Numbers 12:2 As[…]
Read moreDon’t Stop At Nothing
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7 When a widow came to the prophet Elisha begging for help to pay her creditors, he asked her: “What do you have in your house?” 2 Kings 4:2 Her initial response was, “Nothing there at all.” But wait – – – she did have “a little oil” (see verse 2). Elisha then sent her on a[…]
Read moreAnger Without Sin
Anger in itself is not a sin. It is a natural emotion that, at times, is felt and expressed–within parameters. The Apostle Paul admonished, “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” Eph. 4:26. Two of Jesus’ disciples, James and John, were nicknamed “sons of thunder.” Scripture isn’t clear how they[…]
Read moreWhat are you doing that makes people curious?
Matthew and Mark both record about the time Jesus returned to His home town and did some serious teaching in the synagogue (see Matthew 13:54-58 and Mark 6:1-6). The people were amazed. They asked: Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? Matt. 13:54 Where did this man get these things? What’s this wisdom that has been[…]
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