Listen to this conversation between God and a young man who later became one of His prophets. God: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah: “Ah, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to […]
Three episodes in the life of Israel illustrate how God often waits until things look impossible (the “Eleventh Hour”) to deliver us. “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their […]
I have no desire to teach Revelation. Even after all these years, the symbolism is confusing to me. Thankfully, the early part that deals with the churches seems clear. And the end is also clear: Jesus wins! But today, as I was reading chapter 16, it was as though I heard a shout from Heaven, […]
Ours is a society that deeply loves pets. All sorts of critters are used as emotional support animals. People will spend hundreds or thousands of dollars when it comes to the veterinary treatment of their pets. And our courts take the abuse or neglect of any animal very seriously. Peter calls the false teachers who […]
You can almost visualize Tevye pumping his arms as he sings “Tradition” in the opening scenes of Fiddler on the Roof. He is claiming that traditions are what hold his community together. Many of our family traditions have developed because they are fun, bring back fond memories, and allow closeness between generations. In the movie, […]
What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a cowboy. I wore my two six-shooters most of the time. One of my dad’s friends always called me “Tex”, even as I got older. As a boy, I assumed there were still places where the streets were dirt and people […]
We romanticize Americans as being rugged individuals who pick-themselves-up-by-their-bootstraps. It may be romantic, until you can’t get yourself back up after a fall. You’ve seen the commercials for the necklace with a button to push to notify emergency services when you’ve fallen and can’t get up. My mom had one. It gave us kids a […]
This blog was inspired by a sermon I recently heard by Josh Martin at Resonate Church. In this political climate, it’s important for us to look into the Bible to be reminded of God’s perspective. If we ignore the Bible, we are prone to listen to another voice that shouts for our allegiance, and the […]
“Get ready for bed.” “I don’t want to.” “Eat your vegetables.” “I don’t want to.” “Brush your teeth.” “I don’t want to.” “Come in from play and wash your hands.” “I don’t want to.” “Put that candy back.” “I don’t want to.” “Get dressed for church.” “I don’t want to.” Every parent has been frustrated […]
Kevin Kinard had been making his annual visit to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park for over twenty years, when he discovered a 9.07 carat diamond. This past Labor Day, Kevin picked up a crystal, thinking it might be glass. To his amazement, it turned out to be the site’s second-largest diamond found in its […]