“Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him’ ” (John 9:3). It was customary for sicknesses and diseases to be directly associated with an act of sin. A blind man who was born that way was in question as to whether it was his sin or his parent’s…
The attachment of mother and child is the closest natural relationship on earth. There are so many lessons illustrated through the dynamic union created by God for the procreation of the human race. In her womb, she carries and nurtures it as it develops into a matured life that is ready to pass through the birth canal. Her body goes through…
“Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ ” (John 19:27). Jesus made an oral testament to John, the beloved disciple, to provide as He would for her after His death. It was a binding agreement in the company of others, if accepted, to care for her needs as the second oldest son. Even though there were other children,…
“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success” (Ecclesiastes 10:10). The energy and strength exerted by the man who tries to figure things out on his own is constantly exerted. Yet the results are minimal because it is only mind challenging matter. The mind cannot achieve…
“When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom” (John 2:9). Only the servants knew the source of the wine that was changed from water. Those who served had knowledge…
“God, my strength, my stronghold, my safe retreat when trouble descends:” (Jeremiah 16:19 MSG). Trouble descends as a storm from above. Rain can be gentle and refreshing or it can come down as a deluge leading to a flood. The former is refreshing, producing growth and clearing the pollen. The latter overflows the river banks and destroys everything in its path.…
“For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe” (1Timothy 4:10). Those who trust in the living God labor with a goal in view that is different from the activities of others. There are luxuries not afforded the faithful for…
“So, when you pray in your private prayer language, don’t hoard the experience for yourself. Pray for the insight and ability to bring others into that intimacy” (1Corinthians 14:13 MSG). True love is never selfish. It takes pleasure in giving more than receiving. God has called us into deeper levels as our hearts are in sync with His own. Our…
“We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:6). The language of the Spirit of God rings differently in the ears of unbelievers than it does in the ears of believers. Those who…
“As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near” (Matthew 24:32). One major sign of the return of Christ will be the renewed courage and strength among those who carry the testimony of the Lord. As it was in the days of the prophets and later the apostles, so shall it…
“Do not be a terror to me; You are my hope in the day of doom” (Jeremiah 17:17). Our confidence is secured only when we place it entirely in the Hands of the Lord. Life is too uncertain and sudden terror may appear at times when preparation for it is impossible. Many will wonder why we would place such confidence…
“This month shall be your beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Exodus 12:2). The Passover changed Israel’s calendar by orders from God. What God does affects the measure of everything. Our calendar reflects the birth of Jesus Christ. B.C. means before the birth of Christ and A.D. (Anno Domini), the year of…