“Who is this King of glory?” Psalm 24:8 King of Glory – The Hebrew word for “glory” is kavod. It’s worth reflecting on the umbrella of meanings that fall under this word. Each one helps us understand what kind of King we serve. In its basic form, kavod means “what is weighty, heavy,” and, by…
“Who is this King of glory?” Psalm 24:8 King of Glory – The contemporary endorsement of democratic republics has an unsettling corollary. It alters our appreciation of the hierarchy of authority and our perspective on dependence as an essential element of living. As a result, we are hard pressed to see the world through the…
“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.” Ecclesiastes 7:29 Devices – Pink Floyd gave us the right lyrics for this verse. “Welcome – to the machine.” The implications of this verse, hidden away in a lament about the futility of life, should hit us…
“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.” Ecclesiastes 7:29 Sought Out – Solomon, the wise, discovers something absolutely hideous. God made men upright (yashar – straight, right). God designed men to have a perfect relationship with Him. He created men in His image, completely…
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.” Psalm 27:8 Seek – You will never find God by accident. Jacob learned that lesson when he spent the night in the wasteland. God found him! “Accidental” encounters with God are only human descriptions of our insensitivity…
Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled. John 6:26 Seek – Have you ever misplaced your keys? You know they’re around somewhere, so you go hunting. Pretty soon, you find them just where you left them, inside the…
Now I Paul myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:1 Gentleness – Don’t be fooled! Epieikos (Greek for “gentleness”) is a far cry from quiet calm and tranquility. It’s not about soft tones and balmy breezes. This word is about power; the power to do what is right even…
Now I Paul myself urge you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ 2 Corinthians 10:1 Meekness – Sometimes the children’s songs we teach in Sunday School are nearly blasphemous. “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,” certainly paints the wrong picture of the Man of sorrows. Just look at Mark 3:5. Jesus is angry. Does that…
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit Philippians 2:3 Empty Conceit – What images come to mind with “empty conceit?” Did you picture an arrogant, boasting person, full of opinions without substance?” Or did you think about someone who is never wrong – and therefore, never humble?” I remember a greeting card years ago that…
that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality 2 Corinthians 8:2 Joy – Talk-show host Michael Savage once commented, “There are no rules for happiness.” He’s right, but not for the reasons he suggested. Happiness has no rules because happiness is…
