Have you ever seen something that was just so full that it could not help but overflow? Sometimes while pouring a soda, the glass can become so full that the soda overflows the side. Sometimes the same thing can happen with a bowl (or bag) of popcorn. Could the same thing happen with a person? Perhaps you’ve seen it. A person can…

In the middle of the night, Jesus saw that His disciples, who were several miles out into the stormy sea, were “straining at rowing” (Mark 6:48). Matthew uses the word “wind” three times in his paragraph about this event. First, he records that when Jesus saw His friends from a distance, “the wind was contrary” (Matt. 14:24). Second, when Peter got out…

In this day and age, it is so easy to be rude (and not think anything it). That seems to be the default demeanor and routine reaction of so many folks. Brother and sister in Christ, we cannot afford to fall into that pattern of behavior. In “The Love Chapter” of First Corinthians 13, Paul states that “love… does not behave rudely”…

There is a certain “satisfaction” (shall we call it?) when one of our enemies falls into hard times or experiences some calamity in life. There is a sense in which we may think, “They had it coming! Serves them right!” But we need to be ever-so cautious. Read these words from Proverbs 24:17-18. “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do…

When Jesus was only 12 years old, his parents inadvertently left Him behind in Jerusalem as they began their journey home following Passover (Luke 2:41-44). Upon returning to the city, they found Him in the temple, “sitting” with the  teachers, “listening to them,” “asking them questions” and giving His own “understanding and answers” (2:46-47). When His mother came to Him, young Jesus…

The book of Acts is full of instruction! It instructs us in the establishment and the expansion of the early church. It instructs us in the divine pattern of conversion to Jesus Christ. It instructs us in the tried and proven method of reaching the lost. Reaching the lost in the first century was personal. Peter and John looked the members of…

In various religious settings (outside the church) where a prayer is offered, I am hearing more and more prayers closed with these words, “In Your name, Amen.” Is that appropriate? Our prayers are to be primarily directed to the “Father” (Matt. 6:9). Is it ever appropriate to address Jesus in prayer? Various passages indicate that such is authorized (John 14:14; Acts 7:59-60;…

A couple dozen times in Scripture one will find the expression, “the small and the great.” “The small and the great” alike have responsibility of service in God’s kingdom (1 Chron. 25:8; 26:13). “The small and the great” alike need to hear the words of God’s covenant (2 Kgs. 23:2). “The small and the great” alike will be punished for their rebellious…