Staying Close to Jesus

After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn’t find him,ContinueContinue reading “Staying Close to Jesus”

Nothing Will Do

So Abraham said, “If they won’t pay attention to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even to someone who comes back from the dead.” (Luke 16:31 CEV) I once thought that knowledgeable preachers were capable of convincing many people to follow Christ, but as they themselves testify, that isn’t always the case. In LukeContinueContinue reading “Nothing Will Do”

Responding to Calamities

When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God and said: “We bring nothing at birth; we take nothing with us at death. The LORD alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the LORD!” In spite of everything,ContinueContinue reading “Responding to Calamities”

Don’t Waste It

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” (Matthew 7:6 NLT) In today’s passage, Jesus compared the value of God’s Word to pearls, and sinful people who are unable to appreciate its value to pigs, the uncleanContinueContinue reading “Don’t Waste It”

Great Influence, Great Responsibility

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. (James 3:1 NIV) While in the faculty of education, I was taught that I’d take my profession with me wherever I went. In other words, even when I wasn’t teaching, I was stillContinueContinue reading “Great Influence, Great Responsibility”