“They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes” (Proverbs 1:30-31)

January 6, 2012

Much of human suffering is not due to God’s action, but to man’s own foolish choices. Here is a truth worth knowing: Sin = suffering.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor” (Matthew 5:13)

January 5, 2012

Jesus reminded the Jews of God’s purpose for them– to be salty in a tasteless world. Only a little salt adds flavor, heals wounds, and preserves. Jesus now calls us to be salt and light in a wounded, decaying, and dark world, showing forth His glory.

“Then Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, and backed into the tent to cover their father” (Genesis 9:23)

January 4, 2012

When someone sins, should we play “Gotcha” and expose them? Or should we graciously offer a covering? This story is a foreshadowing of what the Son of God and of Shem has done for us. Jesus comes not to accuse, but to cover our sin with His own blood.

“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God'” (Matthew 4:4)

January 3, 2012

Jesus quotes Deut. 8:3 to overcome the devil’s 1st temptation. We can learn from Him. Fill your mind with God’s Word and be able to resist the evil one.

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (Genesis 4:7)

January 2, 2012

Good advice for a new year. Sin is crouching like a lion ready to pounce. Be ready to fight temptation. We are in a battle, put on the full armor of God!

“God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness ‘night.’ And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day” (Genesis 1:5)

January 1, 2012

And since that first day, the sun always comes up and a new day begins. A new page to write on and a New Year to bring glory to our Creator begins today. What will you do with 2012? Will the busyness of life overtake or will you focus on the important?

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (Revelation 22:12)

December 31, 2011

What the Lord Jesus declares to John can reframe our thinking as we approach a new year. Ask yourself: Am I ready for Jesus to come in 2012? Where am I seeking reward- here or with Him? What will I do for Jesus in 2012 that will require great risk?

“Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15)

December 30, 2011

Marriage is sacred. God sets it apart as an expression of His Trinitarian Oneness and as the means for raising godly children. Individuals and society experiment with marriage at their own risk. God is passionate about His purpose for marriage.

“I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life” (Revelation 20:12)

December 29, 2011

The Great White Throne judgment is here described. As we approach the end of 2011, we should consider God’s approaching judgment. Only those whose name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life will enter into everlasting life.

“…care for the lost, or seek the young, or heal the injured, or feed the healthy” (Zechariah 11:16)

December 27, 2011

What a worthless shepherd won’t do, the Good Shepherd will. The prophet foresaw a day when God would send a true and wise shepherd unlike the ones Israel had. Today, the church is the body of this Good Shepherd. How are we doing with the lost, young, injured and healthy?