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It is remarkable that we so often overlook the importance of those who are standing in the shadows. Yet their impact on the lives of all those around them can shape the future far more than those who stand in the limelight and the center of the stage. Take a moment to focus on one of the most unheralded heroes of the Bible. That person is the mother of David, the most widely known individual in the history of the…

I am not sure the first time I heard the saying, “God is good all the time and all the time God is good.” Recently, I have been thinking about these words, and they have become even more meaningful to me. May I share with you some of the ways I have been using this phrase and how it has helped me? God Is Faithful, All the Time—All the Time, God Is Faithful Throughout the Bible, there is the assurance…

Is anything too hard for God? Throughout the Bible we see story after story of the miracles of God. One of the most memorable is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace. In chapter 3 of Daniel, the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, erected a massive image of gold and commanded all of his subjects to worship it. Anyone who failed would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Soon, word reached Nebuchadnezzar that three Jews were refusing to…

As Jesus entered His last week before the cross, He entered the city of Jerusalem. Inside the temple complex, He “began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves” (Mark 11:15). He had done this at the beginning of His ministry (John 2:13- 17), and now His “Father’s house” was being abused again. Jesus did not just show His disapproval for…

The grandeur of Israel with their renowned leader, Moses, does not end when Moses ascends to the peaks of Mt. Nebo to view the Promised Land. It does not end when God takes the body of Moses and buries it in an unmarked tomb. The reality is that far greater days lay ahead for Israel under a new leader, Joshua the son of Nun. Joshua, A Chosen Vessel The reality is that we know so very little about this great…

I remember a game I played as a child, but I am not sure what it was called. I think it was called “Follow the Leader,” where one child became the leader and whatever he did had to be exactly duplicated in all those other children who were following the leader. If he jumped, they jumped. If he turned in a circle, they turned in a circle. If he walked backwards, they walked backwards. If he did all three in…

The topic of hate generates all sorts of thoughts and emotions. Unfortunately, we are living in a culture right now that is engulfed in bitter, bitter hatred. And, as much as some might try to rationalize their hatred for certain individuals, there is nothing rational about people hating people. How is a Christian to live in this kind of environment? Too often we “get sucked in” and begin to imitate the behavior (and the hatred) that we see around us.…

What was it? Was it a health scare or diagnosis or uncertainty that grabbed you and wouldn’t turn your mind loose? Was it the sudden death of someone dear to you? Was it the dissolving of your marriage? Was it the unexpected revelation from a family member or friend that stunned your senses? You’ve been there. What was it that got you staggering a bit emotionally, mentally and even spiritually? How did you handle it? How did you get through…

Zacharias did not believe the words of Gabriel about the fact that he and Elizabeth were to be the parents of the forerunner of the Messiah. Instead of accepting the message from heaven, he thought what God had said just could not happen. How could two old people become parents? The answer from Gabriel gives us insight into the nature of prophecy. The angel said, “Behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things…

Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough? Despite all of your studying, you only managed to get a “C” on your test. Your presentation didn’t make the splash at the office that you thought it would. Or maybe you’re frustrated with your abilities as a parent. You just feel inadequate. Inadequacy is a feeling we may experience at a variety of times in our lives. We want to do a good job at what we do, and when…

For the last few years, America has had a struggling economy. One look at gas prices or a trip to the supermarket will show that there is a lot of uncertainty these days. To deal with this, many of us are giving much more attention to how we spend our time and money. We are weighing our priorities and are cutting out the things we see as less important. Where are we placing our priorities? In 1 Kings 17:8-16, God…

Only two men in the Bible are described as good men, Joseph of Arimathea and Barnabas. However, there is that account of the ruler who came to Jesus and asked Him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life” (Matt. 19:16)? The response of Jesus has troubled many Bible students, for Jesus seemingly rebuked him by saying there is only one who is good and that is God. Before discussing Jesus’ response, take notice…