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”

The Forty-Day Challenge

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2 NLT) “What’s the significance of the number forty in the Bible?” someone once asked me, as they began to recount its various occurrences inContinueContinue reading “The Forty-Day Challenge”

Pray with Simplicity

“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?” (Matthew 6:5 MSG) I’ve listened to people pray over the years. There have been prayers that have movedContinueContinue reading “Pray with Simplicity”

Praise God for What He Has Done and What He’ll Do

David went into the tent he had set up for the sacred chest. Then he sat there and prayed: LORD All-Powerful, my family and I don’t deserve what you have already done for us, and yet you have promised to do even more. Is this the way you usually treat people? (2 Samuel 7:18-19 CEV)ContinueContinue reading “Praise God for What He Has Done and What He’ll Do”

Finding Strength in God

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6 NIV) While reading First Samuel chapter 30, I found myself drawn to the last sentence in verse six, “ButContinueContinue reading “Finding Strength in God”

Confronting Our Bullies

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45 NIV) No one seems to have an answer to bullying these days. Helpless kidsContinueContinue reading “Confronting Our Bullies”

In Who Do You Place Your Trust?

“Let there be a treaty between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.” (1 Kings 15:19 NIV) Israel’s ancient kings often madeContinueContinue reading “In Who Do You Place Your Trust?”