In the book of Luke, there is an interesting passage of Scripture telling us about a master who went away and what he expected of his servants in his absence.
He [Jesus] said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (Luke 19:12-13).
"Occupy" is a word we use a little differently today from the way it was … Continue Reading ››
Circumstances and people can rob us of our joy, but so can things; and it is this "thief" that Paul deals with in Philippians 3.
In Philippians 3:18-19, he describes professed Christians who "mind earthly things." Then in Philippians 3:20 he describes the true believer who has his mind on "heavenly things." It's been said that, "some Christians are so heavenly-minded they are no earthly good." However, I have found the opposite to be generally true today. Unfortunately, some Christians are so earthly-minded that they are … Continue Reading ››
"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10).
The following poem was written by Dr. Leslie Greening:
He Knows the Way That I Take (Job 23:10)
Suppose the Lord asked US to choose the path
That we wished to tread through life;
I guess that we would always choose a sunlit road
Far away from the sound of strife.
We would want no clouds to darken our way,
Nor a shade of anxious care;
But … Continue Reading ››
As we come to the end of what has been called "a year of unprecedented times," I'm sure that all of us are thankful for the Lord's continued mercies on us. When we entered the year 2020, so many people described it as being "the year of perfect vision," but eleven months later it is evident that many developed vision problems! It seems that we cannot see things afar off or even up close; everything has been blurred. But while the world frets … Continue Reading ››
"Look at the people around you: the shoppers walking the malls, hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts, the enthusiastic fans at football and basketball games, fellow employees in the workplace. Do you think they've found happiness? As people rush through life -- hurrying from paycheck to payment and from job to home and then doing it all over again -- many of them feel empty inside.
"They long for something to make their existence more meaningful and fulfilling. Unlike Simeon, … Continue Reading ››
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded a most outstanding Christmas greeting. "A child is born" refers to the Messiah's humanity; "a son is given" refers to His deity. Notice that the Son wasn't born, … Continue Reading ››
The identity of the Magi, or "wise men," is another of the wonders that surround the first Christmas. The account of their visit is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
What we think we know about them is based largely on the misinformation that is perpetuated in our carols and on our Christmas cards. We imagine them as wearing crowns and regal robes and traveling on camels. Because they brought three gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - some have concluded that there were three of them (We … Continue Reading ››
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind, "glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind."
—While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, Nahum Tate (1700)
Above are the first two stanzas of the familiar Christmas carol, "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Adopted by virtually all hymnals since the time of its writing, … Continue Reading ››
Praise ye the Lord. Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good. ~ Psalm 106:1
Years ago a believer with an unusual spirit of gratitude regularly attended the services of a mission in Chicago. Being a black man, he was often the victim of discrimination by the world; yet he radiated Christian joy. One day entering the mission with a bandage on his thumb, he explained that he had smashed it with a hammer. Then he added, "But praise the Lord. I have my … Continue Reading ››
Aesop once told a fable about the importance of kindness that went like this:
Once a lion was asleep when a little mouse began running up and down upon him. This soon wakened the lion, who placed his huge paw upon him and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little mouse. "Forgive me this time, and I shall never forget it. Who knows but what I may be able to do you a good turn one of these days." The … Continue Reading ››
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"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).