Category: Reflections Articles

In Deuteronomy 18, Moses told the people that prophets other than Moses would rise from the nation to “speak to them” all God required of them, (cf. 18:15-18). This, of course, is seen in the history of the nation. The most significant voices that followed, men like Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc., have had their voices recorded in the canon of the Old Testament. The Hebrew writer spoke of these men. “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” (Hebrews 1:1).

An obvious question arises. How were they to know the prophet was from God? Consider Moses words, “And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him” (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Continue reading “The Presumptuous Prophet” →

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things”  (Philippians 4:8).

This passage, is of course, very familiar.  But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful. Continue reading “Meditate On These Things” →

The apostle Peter began his second epistle with a  proclamation of God’s mercy and grace. With His divine power, He “has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Further, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises.” Because of this, we “may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (1:2-4).

What a wonderful expression of God’s love. He determined to save man from Himself, and sent His Son. It is through Jesus that God has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). When we have gained so much from Him, the obvious question we should be asking is—how should we respond to His munificence? Continue reading “The Response of Faith” →

The first 8 verses of the  12th chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes contains an admonition to “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’”

Youth is a time of joy, vitality and physical prosperity. The days of the young are the halcyon (idyllically happy and peaceful) days of our lives. They are also the days where decisions can be made and actions can be taken that can make one’s older years a time of unhappiness and loss. Now is the time to turn to God.

As a part of the chapter, a description is given of old age. Those who have lived for decades will be able to relate. For example, verses 1 and 2 speak of evil and dark days without pleasure. With age comes wisdom, but also with a realization of the flawed nature of our earthly existence. We are weighed down by the burdens of life, our lives include the drudgery of heavy responsibilities and the cares of life. These are things of which the young are blissfully unaware. Continue reading “Remember Your Creator While Young” →

Love is foundational to our faith as Christians.  It is the basis of all we are and all we do. This is so, because “God is love.” “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

In this we differ from the world.  John develops this truth fully in his first epistle. “In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him” (1 John 3:10-15). Continue reading ““Behold what manner of love”” →

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

No, this article is not about perfume.  But, the writer of Ecclesiastes refers to perfume that stinks to make a point. Why does the perfumer’s ointment stink?  Because it has been corrupted by dead flies. Not a pretty picture, is it?

The lesson is about leadership.  Consider the reference to “one respected for wisdom and honor.” We want our leaders to be respectable. We desire them to show integrity, honor, and honesty in their personal lives and character. A lack of such integrity leaves a stench in our nostrils. Continue reading “Stinking Perfume” →

There are many ideas of what it means to be a “real man.” They conflict with one another, and are heavily dependent upon culture, peers and self-identity.

Does being a man indicate a willingness to fight, an abundance of testosterone, aggressiveness, physicality? Some say so. Does being a man require feelings of superiority, dominance, and misogyny? This seems common as well. Continue reading “What Does it Mean to be a Man?” →

“Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’ ³⁴ Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:33-34).

In our text, the apostle Paul is talking with the Corinthians about a false idea some had espoused, that there was no resurrection from the dead (15:12). It was apparent that their views had some traction, as an entire chapter of the epistle is taken up in the refutation of the error, and the glory of the truth on the subject. In the midst of the discussion, our passage expresses Paul’s desire that the Corinthians stay away from those who would espouse the error. Continue reading “Evil Company Corrupts” →

Our nation was founded upon what has been referred to as a Judeo-Christian ethic. This means the laws governing right and wrong that are a part of our nation have their origin in the moral standards of right and wrong found in the Bible. It doesn’t mean the founding fathers got it right, or even that they did a good job of applying the principles. In fact, the foundational principle upon which our government was established, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”, was practically contradicted by the institution of slavery until January 1, 1863. But at the very least the United States has been respectful toward Christians. Continue reading “Marginalized” →

Have you ever seen a sign with the word BEWARE in big black letters? A quick google image search came up with the following signs. “Beware of Dog” (most prevalent), “Beware of Bear”, “Beware of Floods”, “Beware of Trains”, “Beware of Step, Beware of Falling Objects, Beware of Pickpockets.” I think my favorite one sums up the fears that come from the word, “Beware of — Well… just Beware.”

The word beware is found in both the Old and New Testaments.  In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word š?mar is translated beware on nine occasions in the NKJV.  It is a word with a broad meaning, but in those occasions it is translated beware, the idea is to be on guard, to observe, to watch for.  In the New Testament the word beware comes from the Greek words prosech? (to pay attention to, to be cautious about); blep? (to look at, perceive, take heed);  hora? (to stare at, to discern clearly); and phylass? (be on guard, avoid, observe). Though each Greek word has a different shade of meaning, they all make the same point when the context caused translators to translate them with the English “beware.” Continue reading “Beware!” →

If you were to read the title, and not realize this was an article dealing with a Bible subject, you might think that Jethro had reference to the Jethro of the Beverly Hillbillies.  That guy was not smart at all.

But, the Jethro that was Moses’ father-in-law was a smart man. He was a priest of Midian and well respected by Moses. While there is no revelation given as to whether Jethro ever fully rejected idolatry, he certainly came to realize the preeminence of the God of the Hebrews. He was a just man, kind and generous to his son-in-law. Continue reading “Jethro Was A Smart Man” →

Next Sunday we will be beginning a new year on the calendar. I know that resolutions can be made at any time, and do not need to wait until the calendar turns its page. But, this is as good a time as any to review your commitment to the Lord, and determine to better in the future. So, might I make a few suggestions…

Work on Your Love

The two great commandments, emphasized by Jesus for us as well, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. ³⁰ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. ³¹ And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). Continue reading “A New Year Is Upon Us” →

Everyone recognizes the physical differences between men and women (though some seek to blur the differences for political purposes). One difference is that God created the woman to cradle the unborn in her womb as the child grows and develops sufficiently to be born.

A wonderful passage in Luke reveals the conversation between Mary, the mother of Jesus, and her cousin Elizabeth.  Elizabeth said to her, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (1:42). Most women rejoice at the news they are pregnant, and revel in their unique position as the protectors of the unborn. Author Maureen Hawkins wrote concerning her child, “Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of love.” So many women feel the same. Continue reading “A Woman’s Reproductive Rights” →

Two of the visions recorded in the book of Daniel are very similar in their main parts. And, the fulfillment of the prophecies are clearly seen in the writings of the New Testament.  Here is a simple overview of these truths.

The first vision, recorded in Daniel 2, was a dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. A great image with a head of gold, a chest and arms of silver, a belly and thighs of bronze, and legs of iron with feet partly of iron and clay were seen by the king. A stone struck the image on its feet, and them in pieces bring the entire image to ruin. The stone became a great mountain that filled the earth. The interpretation give by Daniel is found in verses 36-45. Continue reading “Daniel’s Kingdom Prophecies” →

In the New Testament, the phrase “walk worthy” appears three times, with a fourth, in Revelation 3:4, referencing some in Sardis described by the Lord, “who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”

Such a walk should be the desire of every child of God. Fortunately, the texts do a good job of characterizing that walk, giving us insight. So how can we walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called as God’s children? Continue reading “Walk Worthy” →