But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? If only all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” ~Numbers 11:29 NASB Have you heard about the church that was praying for revival? Many in the church had gotten words from the Lord that revival was coming, and they were excited. But then God brought revival in a church down the street. To make matters worse, it was a church they … Continue reading →
Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. ~Galatians 6:1 NASB Many years ago, I had a schoolteacher friend who fell into sin with a student. He was exposed and went to prison. Our supervisor told us not to communicate with him because he had disgraced our school … Continue reading →
Through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. ~2 Corinthians 6: 8-10 ESV Once, while home from missionary work, I met a neighbor on the street. He said, “Kenny, I thought you were a good boy?” … Continue reading →
After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. ~1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT When my two daughters were young, I attended all the group presentations in which they participated. I took note of the other parents. When their child was next to do a solo or recitation, the parents’ anticipation rose. Shortly, … Continue reading →
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ~Matthew 28: 19-20 NKJV As a young person, David Livingstone, the famous Scottish missionary to Africa, prayed about serving the Lord. A portion of Matthew 28 came to his … Continue reading →
Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” ~John 18:38 ESV Jesus was and is the King, ruling in people’s minds through the power of truth. Yet the world has always opposed absolutes or wondered what is truth. What the World Says Is True There once was a clockmaker in Europe. In his storefront, he had a large clock. A man came by every day and checked his pocket watch with the one in the store. One day, the clockmaker stopped … Continue reading →
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB Sammy could not understand why God would give him something and then take it away. But he would later learn a lesson in thanksgiving. When I lived in Hawaii, there was a little blond-haired boy named Sammy from the Big Island whose family taught me the value of giving thanks to God in all things. Sammy lived with his single mother and … Continue reading →
And he answered him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ~Luke 13:8-9 ESV Our prayers for people will bring the grace of a reprieve of their sentence, but never a guaranteed pardon. Salvation never happens without repentance. Only God can grant spiritual reprieves and pardons. Jesus uses the parable of the … Continue reading →
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. ~Matthew 26:41 ESV Recognizing our clay feet is the first step in having victory in the battle between the flesh and spirit. Once, on my way to church, the battle between the flesh and the spirit played out. I changed lanes on the expressway ahead of an oncoming vehicle. I had plenty of room to move over, but I guess I was going too slow for him because he started … Continue reading →
Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near; the Lord has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests. ~Zephaniah 1:7 ESV Stanley Jones, a Methodist missionary statesman to India, faced two bouts with what he called nervous breakdowns. In his later life, he predicted that his 70s would be a time of his most significant accomplishment. Yet, his 80s would be a time of most significant influence. Both came to pass. He credited these accomplishments … Continue reading →
