Jesus taught that, unless one turns and becomes as little children, he cannot enter the kingdom (Matt. 18:3).  For a great commentary on what God means by becoming as little children, look at the simplicity of heart in Psalm 131. “Lord, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too…

One of the saddest statements in the Bible is when we read of “all the elders of Israel” (i.e., the leaders) coming before God’s judge, Samuel, and saying, “Look, you are old…Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Sam. 8:5). The next verse says that “the thing displeased Samuel,” but what about God? The Lord told…

The first line of an article published just this morning read, “A 3-year-old boy who disappeared Sunday from his father’s Memphis home was found dead in a nearby dumpster Tuesday.” My heart aches every time I read a news story like this. The article went on to say, “Based upon the age of the missing child, and the blood evidence… the affiant…

Rather than putting your trust in man (Psa. 146:3), the Lord says, “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help” (146:5). When God is your help, look at what He does: 1. He raises those who are bowed down (v. 8).2. He loves the righteous (v. 8).3. He watches over the strangers (v. 9).4. He relieves the fatherless…

It depends on who you consult and how the number is determined, but there are literally hundreds (if not a few thousand) religious denominations in America. A denomination is a “group, branch or division of any religion.” Denominations are so prevalent that one is hardly considered “just a Christian” today, but the question is often asked, “What kind of Christian?” The pervasiveness…

The way that many of the psalmists wrote suggests they enjoyed an intimate relationship with their God. Yet, they still struggled. They prayed for the Lord to rally around them and keep them from shame. Notice in the Psalms what would keep a child of God from being ashamed. “They trusted in You, and were not ashamed” (22:5). “O my God, I…

Proverbs places a considerable emphasis on the fact that “the Lord gives wisdom…knowledge and understanding” (2:6). “There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord” (21:30). “Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (4:7). In Proverbs 24, the Lord says, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are…

When you contemplate the return of Jesus, are you excited or nervous? Eager or indifferent? Do you want Him to come right now or would you prefer He delay a few days, months or years? The New Testament writers left no question as to their anticipatory view of His return. When Jesus said, “Surely I am coming quickly,” John’s reply was, “Amen.…