Early in the morning, there are times when my young daughter crawls into my lap and asks, “What are you reading, Mama?” I imagine a similar curiosity from young children in Bible times as they listened to their parents teach about God and various aspects of living His Word, including observing divinely instituted practices, such… Continue Reading
Understanding Eastern manners and customs helps us to visualize what we read and study in God’s Word. When we can picture what we are reading about, we not only gain greater understanding, but we are better able to remember it. An example of this is being able to picture the cubit, a unit of length… Continue Reading
The way we communicate is a reflection of our character. How we communicate is not separate from who we are. As believers, we want our godly character to shine, not only at home or at fellowship but also at work. We live the Word in our workplaces just as we do in every area of… Continue Reading
The Book of Proverbs is filled with concise and powerful statements of truth, words which are to rule and govern life. These proverbs handle many practical, ethical, and moral topics. In Proverbs 11 we see one example. Proverbs 11:1: A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight. Because… Continue Reading
When I was a young boy, anytime my siblings and I received gifts, either on our birthdays or at the holidays, my mother made sure that we recorded each gift and from whom we received it. Then within a short time period, we were responsible to send a note of appreciation and thanks to the… Continue Reading
At major-league baseball games, it is not unusual to hear the cry of a vendor selling his wares as he moves through the stands. Among the choices are salty peanuts, popcorn, and cold bottled water. The vendor makes the water available to anyone who is thirsty, but of course, a price is involved. To receive… Continue Reading
When a person is born again by confessing Jesus as lord and believing God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9 and 10), he receives the gift of holy spirit. But can this gift be taken back by God? Can holy spirit be lost? John 3:16 tells us that we have everlasting life when we… Continue Reading
The Book of Esther has all the intrigue of a modern-day thriller: a magnificent location, an evil enemy, a courageous hero and heroine, and life-and-death situations. But most significant to us, it shows God’s powerful hand of deliverance in a seemingly “impossible” situation. Because the Bible really is the revealed Word of God, the Book… Continue Reading
As the man approached the house, he double-checked the address. Yes, he was in the right place. The porch light was on, and he could hear laughter and conversation coming from the house. He paused on the sidewalk, not yet certain that he’d go inside. The week before, an unpleasant experience had left him feeling… Continue Reading
In my hometown where I grew up, everyone knew each other and spent time together. We would enjoy neighborhood cookouts, picnics, and ice cream socials each year. Our home was a place where neighbors, friends, and relatives could come to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. My parents were loving and kind. They always looked… Continue Reading