I was recently asked what it means to "fear the Lord." I admit, it seems like strange language! Elsewhere in the Bible, we're told that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), so why are we repeatedly encouraged to 'fear the Lord'? I'm glad you asked! In modern vocabulary, when we talk about "fear," we often mean "phobias."[...]
“Beware of False Prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inward are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits…" Matthew 7:15-16(ESV). It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny spring afternoon as I sat on my deck, taking note of the fragrance in the air. My eyes drifted to our fruit trees. I smiled at the[...]
When the mob sentenced the accused man to death by crucifixion, Pontius Pilate washed his hands of the whole Jesus Christ trial. As a centurion, it was my responsibility to oversee the entire affair. My soldiers were ruthless, as they were prone to be in treason/blasphemy cases. After they flogged Him with a lead-tip whip, they[...]
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13-14a (ESV). “I AM WHO I AM”. A statement full of power and authority yet ful[...]
“So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship.” Hebrews 12:12 (The Passion Translation). I know you’re tired, child. I see that you’re weary. You look down at your weathered hands, but they cannot compare to the worn-out heart I see in you—a heart that is afraid to take[...]
"Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them." Jeremiah 5:14 (KJV). This past Christmas, I received a book by Billy Graham titled *Hear My Heart: What Would I Say to You*. I don't often quote from the King[...]
"You are my friends if you do what I command you." John 15:14(ESV). "And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22(ESV). Growing up, I believed the story of[...]
35 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was[...]
Enlarge the place of your tent and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. Isaiah 54:2(ESV). Isaiah 54 is named the eternal covenant of peace. The study notes for this chapter indicate that God commands His people to prepare joyfully for their futu[...]
In our modern-day, productive, fast-paced culture, we value and celebrate doing and achieving. But a story in the New Testament tends to challenge our status quo. This story questions our priorities and what we value. Once upon a time, long ago, Jesus was a guest in someone's home. Hosting anyone – let alone the Lord – is a[...]