“Boy, you’re gonna’ carry that weight”

Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.  Galatians 6:2  http://www.poemhunter.com/lyrics/songs/lyric.asp?artist=3336&song=37974 Bear – In 1988, the Beatles released Abbey Road.  One of its memorable lyrical tunes was Golden Slumbers, a song that provided the world with the Beatles view of life.  “Boy, you’re gonna’ carry that weight a long time.”  Life is…

Planning Ahead

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.  Romans 13:14 Provision – When is planning ahead a disaster?  When it is anticipation toward the occasion for sin.  James tells us that no one sins unless he is first tempted by his own anticipated desires…

Sins of the Parents

Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud  Matthew 1:14 The Father Of – Why does the Bible have all of those excruciating genealogies?  You can barely pronounce the names and they go on and on.  Sure, it’s nice to know Jesus’ lineage, but do we…

The 100% Failure

But his master answered and said to him, “You wicked, lazy slave,”  Matthew 25:26 Wicked, Lazy – Not many of us would expect words like this from the mouth of Jesus.  Far fewer, perhaps none, could imagine that Jesus would say this to the man who returned 100% of what he was given.  In order…

The Mark of the Owner

Rising up, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord   Acts 22:16 Calling On The Name – How do you establish ownership of your possessions?  In this age, we have titles, certificates and deeds.  We use legal documents to prove ownership.  In ancient times, other methods were used.  Brands,…

Insulting Our Lord

For God did not give a spirit of fearfulness to us, but of power and of love and of self-control.   2 Timothy 1:7 Fearfulness – What is the difference between cowardice and fear?  If we want to understand what Paul really has in mind in this statement to Timothy, we must be able to answer…

The Jesus I Didn’t Know

for I was afraid of you, because you are an exacting man   Luke 19:21 Exacting – Is your Jesus demanding?  Is He austere?  Or are you convinced that Jesus would never demand results or utter a punishing judgment?  Have you been seduced by the “meek and mild” crowd?  Or does your Jesus drive a hard…

Taking Care of Business

And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas, and said to them, “Do business with this until I come back.”   Luke 19:13 Do Business – Jesus spoke more about money than He did about heaven.  He knew where we are most confused.  Here Jesus provides us with a startling parable about…

Not Expected?

And seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.”  Luke 5:20 Are Forgiven – “Your sins are forgiven.”  But that’s not what we wanted, Lord!  You’re one of the friends.  You carry the stretcher, pushing your way through the crowds, sweating in the hot sun.  “If we can just get there, I…

Free To Be Me

All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.   1 Corinthians 6:12 Mastered – What’s possible in your life?  What are the “yet-to-be” conditions, dreams or hopes?  And what lies on the other side of the coin?  What might the dark side of your life look like?  Imagine it all,…