The God of Grace and Judgment – Lesson 4

Her story takes up only four verses in each of the two Gospels it is found in. Though neither her name nor her age is given, she is aptly described as a “poor widow”. There are two strikes against her; the loss of her husband and the lack of earthly goods. She seems destitute of the ability to make a difference in life.

In the temple others of greater means and stature come to the treasury and present grand gifts to the cause of God. Compelled to give due to love and devotion, the widow deposits her seemingly meager gift, an amount some would say was too insignificant. “And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites“.  Luke 21:2. Though outwardly inconsequential, Jesus noticed… Click to continue…

Jan 25, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

God as Redeemer – Lesson 3

What kind of love is this? It is beyond explaining. It is beyond our grasping. Who are we that God would love us so much to risk so much to redeem us? “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” Psalms 8:4

We see small samples of that love when we watch a mother peer into the eyes of her newborn child. We see it when a man and woman, without reservations, love each other unconditionally. The simple glance, a light touch, or a gentle kiss all convey the heart’s desire and reaction to love. We see the depth of the roots of love as children, bowed over with inconsolable grief, stand before the casket of a parent who can never be replaced. We marvel at love, are moved by love, compelled by love and consumed by love. Yet, it must pale in comparison to the love God has for us. Click to continue…

Jan 18, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

In the Beginning – Lesson 2

Paralyzed and lowered down through a hole in the roof, he is now face to face with the Desire of Ages. “Friend, your sins are forgiven” are the words of freedom that fall upon his ears. Those observing who thought they knew best how God operated questioned this pronouncement. Addressing them, Jesus asks the question that contained the answer. “Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?”  Luke 5:23 NIV

As we review the creation of our small world, but a speck in the vastness of space, we ask the doubters and those who think they know best how God operates the same question: Which is easier, to create a world in six days or to create a world out of nothing? Which is easier, to speak life into existence where there was none or to hang universes and galaxies in the fabric of space as far as man can see? Click to continue…

Jan 11, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

The Triune God – Lesson 1

It was not looking good for the residents of Jerusalem. Judah was being invaded by the Assyrians who would soon be on the doorsteps of the city. For Jerusalem complete destruction appeared to be imminent. The math was clear; one enormous marauding army against one isolated city equals defeat.

Hezekiah, as a leader, had done all in his power to prepare the city for the eventual onslaught. Regardless of the math against them, all that could humanly be done had been done. It was here that we find Hezekiah giving a rally cry to his people. “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 32:7, 8 Click to continue…

Jan 05, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

5 Resolutions that Don’t Include Dieting

I know that from now until the end of this year we will hear the subject of New Years resolutions discussed everywhere we turn. Heading the most popular resolutions will be losing weight and improving your health. Although those are great goals, they are not on my list of five.

Another frequently cited resolution is becoming debt free. I am all for that and it’s certainly the best way to live. “Owe no man anything” was written for a good reason. But that’s not in my five.

Dec 26, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post

I Go a Fishing

Sitting in a swaying boat on a moon-lit night, seven men of destiny talked the hours away. The events of the last few years had been nothing less than stupendous. They were first-hand witnesses to the most incredible events in the history of man. They had experienced the highest of highs as everyday was an adventure. They were living in the middle of a best-seller.

Sep 19, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

What do you do?

What do you do?It must have been bitterly disappointing for these two men. To have actually experienced firsthand the incredible fortunes that lay just before them. The possibilities of success were never greater. The rewards of advancement were never clearer. The timing was right to move ahead in boldness and confidence. This was their moment of opportunity.

Joshua and Caleb were sure that the indisputable evidences they produced were all that was needed. The concept of thinking big was literally being fulfilled before their eyes. It should only take a simple and honest report to move the people forward into their God-given destiny. But evidence was not enough.

Sep 12, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post

You Must Be Crazy!

 

You Must Be Crazy!Yes, I said it. You must absolutely be out of your mind. Someone needed to say it and I guess today that someone is me. I know I run the risk of damaging our relationship but honesty really is the best policy. And honestly, you must be crazy!

Aug 15, 2011 | 1 comment | View Post

Swatting Mosquitoes

mosquitoes1You hear them buzzing about or you see them circling for attack and you know it’s time for swatting mosquitoes. They are annoying, distracting and potentially dangerous. You can try to avoid them but they are determined to do what they do…stick you and draw blood.

Mosquitoes are like the obstacles you encounter in your pursuit of change and excellence. Seemingly out of nowhere you encounter situations and unfortunately people that can become a major distraction to keep you from reaching your destination. You have got to swat these mosquitoes and keep moving.

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. You cannot make your camp where the waters are not flowing. You have got to move out to where waters are moving. People and situations that are not going anywhere is the last place you want to spend your time.

Jun 10, 2011 | 9 comments | View Post

Waiting on the Butler

Joseph, one of my favorite Bible characters, was in a dilemma. He had been unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. To add insult to injury, Joseph’s imprisonment was not the result of a mistaken identity, which in itself is tragic. No racial profiling. No being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in prison because he refused to do the wrong thing.

May 10, 2011 | 1 comment | View Post
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