“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children” (Matthew 11:19). Sinners flocked around Jesus and loved to be his companions, while the religious found Him to be repulsive and were made to feel uncomfortable. Prostitutes and publicans…
“He grants the barren woman a home, like a joyful mother of children” (Psalm 113:9). The exercise of affection in guiding the household and caring for children produces a joy in the heart of mothers. She was made to love her children and to maintain the household in which she has the pleasure to occupy. But what if there was no…
“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…
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1Peter 3:15). A sanctified heart is directed towards God alone. There is no other direction to which it may be turned that can satisfy the believer…
“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…
“Blow the trumpet…. Sound the alarm!” (Joel 2:1) The whole world is currently hearing a singular sound. When the unexpected happens and shakes the entire planet earth, fera, doubts and questions grip peoples’ hearts. The insecurities were not created by the crisis, but more people became aware of them when the unexpected happens. What about the future, if there is…
Thomas Paine, one of the Founding Fathers, made a statement during the American Revolution. “These are the times that try men’s souls.” This was a challenging time for a nation in its birth pains; today, as the leader of the free world, we are facing a global crisis affecting every avenue of culture. In these difficult and trying times, we…
“Therefore, I say to you, ‘Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them’ ” (Mark 11:24). The condition of the heart qualifies one for answered prayers according to the will of God. He brings us into compliance with His will in order for us to see with Him what He sees,…
“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward” (Hebrews 10:35). Once confidence has been attained, there is nothing standing between God’s promise and the fulfillment of the promise. To trust in the Lord with all of our hearts comes as a gift to believers. This is a level of trust that does not demand further evidence, but…
“Not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life” (Hebrews 7:16). The High Priest, Melchizedek was a High Priest by the sheer force of resurrection life rather than mere genealogy. This was a different class of priesthood signifying an important future event. God’s promise to us is an endless life. Jesus,…