“Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the LORD. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.” Hosea 6:3

To “know the Lord” is indeed an audacious aim for a finite soul. Yet, I find that my soul is satisfied with nothing less. Night and day I beat at the walls of my prison. I struggle with the mystery that surrounds my being. I long for the only Light that can make sense of the darkness. I would surely be content just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment as He passes by. However, to “know Him,” to really “know Him” is no doubt the greatest gift of life everlasting. Continue Reading…

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

The writer of Hebrews tells us of Abraham’s divine call to go forward and found a new nation. In doing so, he teaches us that is a great mistake for us to think that faith is only necessary for heavenly, or spiritual, things. In fact, I find that I can’t take a single step without faith in God’s plan for my daily life. Continue Reading…

There are few things that are more powerful in relationships than words of affirmation and affection. This is especially true in our relationship with our family.  I can remember as I was growing up looking and listening for those types of expressions from my parents. While my parents weren’t perfect (what parents are?) they still made sure to let me know that they loved me and were proud of me. Continue Reading…

“But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23

I would have expected the Lord to have given a stronger denunciation, to have issued a more horrible threat to those who would dare disobey His divine commands. Wouldn’t it have been more in keeping with our common view of God for Him to say, “If you do not do so, then take note, you’ve sinned against the LORD; and I’m going to strike you with lightening bolts from heaven?” Doesn’t it seem a bit soft, and not a little silly, to tell men that if they break His law that the result of their sin will soon overtake them, and that the seed they sow will one day bloom into bitterness?” Is this kind of language what we would have expected from the omnipotent, majestic, holy God of Heaven? No, because we have never before thought worthily of His might and majesty. We have considered Him to be One who would simply destroy us if we failed to obey Him. However, the scripture tells us that it is not He who will destroy us, but rather it is we who will destroy ourselves. That’s why He wants to save us from, well, us. Continue Reading…

“While I was musing, the fire burned…” Psalm 39:3

Have you ever stopped to consider the fact that if you would spend more time musing, or meditating, the fire of your soul would burn brighter and hotter? You see, it is because we spend so little time in meditation and reflection that we often have so little exhilaration and enthusiasm in our walk with the Lord. Why then, don’t you withdraw from the world to spend time with the Lord more often? If you were to do so you would soon discover that you would be better equipped to face the world because you would, in fact, be less worldly. Continue Reading…

“So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.” John 11:6

It may be a hard lesson to learn, but the Bible teaches that there are times when the silence of God is itself an answer. In our text, John doesn’t just say that there was no audible response to the cry from Bethany. In fact, John clearly states that the absence of an audible reply was actually the answer to Bethany’s cry. It was when Jesus heard that Lazarus lay sick in Bethany that He stayed for ”two more days in the place where He was.” Continue Reading…

“Then the Spirit of God came upon Saul when he heard this news, and his anger was greatly aroused.” 1st Samuel 11:6

This seems to be a rather strange response of the Spirit. In fact, I would have expected any other effect than this. I have always understood that the presence of the Spirit means love. Yet here I am told that its purpose was to create anger in King Saul. Does that mean that there is a love that is compatible with anger? I believe that the answer is “yes.”

In the book of Revelation I read about “the wrath of the Lamb.” Isn’t that an odd statement? Does that mean that the Lamb lost the presence of the Spirit and suddenly burst into anger? Absolutely not. In fact, I believe that it is the Spirit’s presence that gives Him His wrath. Continue Reading…

It’s one of the most valuable lessons you can teach your children – how to properly handle money. You see, we live in a world where more lives – and even nations – are falling apart at the seams because of financial irresponsibility. It seems that almost every day I hear where some nation is in chaos over an oncoming collapse in their economy or some family is facing foreclosure (or even divorce) because they never learned the first rule of finances – you can’t spend more than you take in.

One of the first lessons I have determined to teach my children is how to properly view and use the money that the Lord gives to them. I want them to see themselves as stewards of God’s money, not spenders of their money. I want them to see money for what it is – a way to be blessed and a means to be a blessing. I don’t want them to fall into the financial traps that so many people fall into today. I don’t want their self-worth to be tied to their net-worth. I don’t want them to hold onto to their money, yet lose their family. I don’t want them to get into so much debt that they can’t obey and follow the Lord. In short, I want them to have a Biblical view of money. Continue Reading…