Nothing But The Facts

And you are witnesses of these things.   Luke 24:48 Witnesses – We have an English word that is the direct descendent of the Greek word translated “witness.”  Once you recognize the Greek, you will be enlightened about the implications of being a witness.  The Greek word is martus from which we derive the English “martyr.” …

The First Fruits of Thought

Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,   Luke 24:45 Opened – Oh, how I wish I had been there.  These two men, walking from one village to another, encounter the greatest teacher of all time.  As they follow the dusty road, he begins to explain the Scriptures to them.  He opens their minds. …

The Air We Breathe

All Scripture is inspired by God   2 Timothy 3:16 Inspired – Shakespeare’s Hamlet is inspired.  So are Mozart’s concertos and Beethoven’s symphonies.  The Taj Mahal is inspired architecture.  Is that what we mean when we say that Scripture is inspired?  Do we really mean that it is exceptional, uplifting, energizing and invigorating?  Is Scripture inspired…

Opportunity Knocks

Pray without ceasing.   1 Thessalonians 5:17 Without Ceasing – As a child, I spent time at summer Bible camp.  One of the big prizes given at the end of the camp was a reward for memorizing the most verses of the Bible.  John 11:35 and this verse were on everyone’s list.  Had we understood the…

The Double Conditional

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.   John 15:7 Abide – “If you abide in Me.”  Yesterday gave us an exquisite opportunity to do a fearless faith inventory.  Do we really have an intimate bond with Jesus that allows no…

The Answer to Answered Prayer

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.   John 15:7 Abide – Have you ever prayed for something but it didn’t happen?  Have you begged God for an answer but heard nothing?  Have you ever asked, “Why?” but never understood?  Jesus…

Divine Exclusivity

Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm.  For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.  Song of Solomon 8:6 Jealousy – Are you the jealous type?  Before you deny this denigrated…

Love’s Identity Card

Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm.  For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.  Song of Solomon 8:6 Seal – If Ezekiel shows us what the corruption of sex looks…

Sexual Idolatry

She lusted after their paramours, whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys and whose issue is like the issue of horses   Ezekiel 23:20 Flesh – This world is drowning in sex.  Four million Internet porn sites.  One million people each year trafficked in forced sexual slavery.  Continued abuse of children and women in dozens…

Delivery Options

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need   Hebrews 4:16 Mercy and Grace – How does God answer your prayers?  Does He provide exactly what you asked?  Or does He give precisely what you really need? …