. . Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. John 8:4 NASB
Where is the guy? If this woman was caught in the “very act” of adultery, why is the man not present? Why is he not answering for his culpability? This question plagued me for years. Honestly, the whole story seemed random . . . unrelated to the context. This morning, in a shaft of divine inspiration, God revealed to me the “why.” . . . .
Read MoreThere is a whole genre of art that takes what you and I would call “junk” and turns it into something beautiful. These artists salvage broken and discarded things and fashion them into a beautiful re-creation.
God is the first and ultimate salvage artist. . . .
Read MoreJesus’ restatement of the beatitudes in Luke reminded me of the revival lifestyle. We talk about the revival lifestyle as being “hungry” for more of the Lord. We hear it described as “hotly pursuing Him” rather than just warming a pew. And that is exactly what Jesus is teaching here in Luke. . . . .
Read MoreJoshua had already been anointed by Moses in front of the people of Israel, at God’s direction. But here God is giving Joshua His commissioning, His strategies, His marching orders.
Joshua fell on his face because he knew . . .
Read MoreI chuckle every time I read this verse. The Roman governor, Festus, was perplexed as to what to do with the apostle Paul, who had been left in prison. When Festus assumed command, he expected the Jewish leaders to accuse Paul of some vicious crimes. Instead, they argued about “their religion” and about some dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. I chuckle because this Roman governor unknowingly speaks the crux of the Gospel in one sentence. . . .
Read MoreMost young children struggle with fears. Mine certainly did. In this time of worldwide pandemic, in which the children’s world is dramatically upset, I imagine those fears are at a panic level. I empathize with the parents who are trying to calm and reassure their children.
Let me share with you . . .
Read MoreAgain, sharing a previous post about JOY!
Read MoreI am re-posting this devotion about Choosing Joy because I think we need it!
The Joy of the Lord is a life-giving force! Choosing to set our minds on the things of the Spirit is Life and Peace! What we choose to think on, really IS live or death.
I choose Joy!
My life radically changed the year that I learned not every thought that passed through my mind, was “my” thought. Movies, books, people - even the enemy! - can plant thoughts . . .
Read MoreI live in the Seattle area, the epicenter of the coronavirus in the US. The Care Center that everyone is talking about is only 15 minutes from my home. Public gatherings are prohibited; schools are closed. Each new day seems to bring more bad news. Yesterday all dine-in restaurants were ordered to close. Yet in the midst of it all, I have peace and JOY!!!!
How do I keep my JOY? I am diligent to guard my heart (Pr. 4:23).
Here is my recipe for having JOY in any and all circumstances:
Read MoreGod gave Adam and Eve dominion over the earth and everything in it (Genesis 1:28). Unfortunately, Adam yielded to the enemy and gave his authority over to Satan. You do not have dominion over the one that you yield to. That is way God tells us to resist the devil, and he will flee from us (James 4:7). In other words, exercise your authority over him, and he must flee.
It is still God’s plan for the people of His creation to rule and reign over the earth . . .
Read MoreThe pillar of cloud by day and fire by night is what captured my attention in Numbers chapter 9. I noticed that the text reiterated the same information 7 times! Seven is the number of completeness or perfection. Clearly, this was important to the Lord. So I paused to wonder why . . .
Read MoreAs priest of the Most High God (1Pet 2:9), I pay close attention whenever priests are mentioned in the Old Testament. Those references give valuable insight or instruction. In this reference from Numbers 4:16, God is telling Moses which parts of the tabernacle the various sons of Levi will carry as they march through the wilderness.
Eleazar, the priest, has the responsibility of carrying . . .
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