”Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (I Timothy 5:17, ESV) For many years October has been designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. Although it is not celebrated worldwide, perhaps it should be. But just as importantly, each…
“. . . Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9, NKJV) Some may consider the story of Noah and the ark little more than a nice children’s story. It tells about a big boat and lots of animals, and children do enjoy…
“He left Judea and departed again to Galilee . . .But He needed to go through Samaria.” (John 4:3-4, NKJV) Have you ever taken a shortcut that ended up taking more time than the long way? It doesn’t always work well, as I can tell you this from experience. Many…
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2, KJV) I suppose I’m curious by nature. I always want to know more than a story tells — the background, the little details that fill in the basic story. This is especially true of some we…
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” (Philippians 2:14, ESV) A group of friends went out for a meal together. It wasn’t a special occasion but just a time to relax and talk after a busy week. That was all good. But then I listened a little more closely. Mixed…
“So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:6, NKJV) The report of twelve men affected the course for an entire nation. Ten held one opinion; two held another. This isn’t a story of current events. It’s…
“You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways . . . You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:3, 5-6, ESV)…
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Timothy 2:4). “That person is so sinful that they will never come to God!” Although we would be reluctant to admit it, we sometimes categorize people as “savable” or “unsavable,” We base…
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (I Peter 4:10, ESV) Have you ever known someone with a true servant’s heart? They seem to always be busy helping others and delight in doing it. None of it is…