From: January 4, 2015
Notice what Jesus didn’t say. He didn’t tell Peter and Andrew to work on applying their fishing skills to reaching men to see if they might qualify to be one of His disciples. He didn’t ask for their resumes or past accomplishments. He didn’t request proof of their bar mitzvah or rabbinic studies. He simply said, “Follow Me.” That’s it. If you can follow Me, “I will make you” what you need to be as my disciples. Many say they want to get their life in order first, clean things up and get organized, then follow Christ. But Peter and Andrew “immediately left their nets” and followed.
From: January 4, 2014
After Jesus overcame Satan and returned from His wilderness fast, He began His public ministry. News of Him soon reached other lands, including Syria. In the book of Acts we read that Christians were in Damascus in such number that the persecutor, Saul, headed there to bring them to trial. Of course, His mission was changed when the Lord struck him blind along the way. Instead of persecuting them, he ended up preaching the gospel there. A large Christian fellowship of believers has lived in Syria since the 1st century. Yet, today they are experiencing terrible persecution once again. Pray for the Christians in Syria. Before the civil war, they made up over 10% of the population. Untold numbers have been persecuted and killed. Pray that the Lord once again directs help to a street called “Straight” (Acts 9:11).
From: January 4, 2013
These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the people of the whole earth were dispersed” (Genesis 9:18-19).
Racism is without real basis. There is only one race, the human race. We are all related. It appears that Japheth’s tribe settled Europe, so there’s a strong possibility that the Combs clan (from Combe Manor, England) goes back to him. Regardless, we all go back to Noah, and Noah back to Adam and Adam… from God.
From: 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.