Jesus' "homework"!
Matthew 9:13 NLT Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." This parched land is at last receiving some rain after many days of drought. We hope it will be plentiful and gentle penetrating the thirsty ground. Yet, even as I write, it is stopping. Shakespeare wrote about mercy in his play The Merchant of Ve
5 hours ago2 min read
Judged at the borders
Ezekiel 11:1-12 NLT Then the Spirit lifted me and brought me to the east gateway of the LORD's Temple, where I saw twenty-five prominent men of the city. Among them were Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, who were leaders among the people. [2] The Spirit said to me, "Son of man, these are the men who are planning evil and giving wicked counsel in this city. [3] They say to the people, 'Is it not a good time to build houses? This city is like an iron pot. We a
1 day ago2 min read
Zion - a place God loves
Isaiah 51:11-12,16 CSB And the ransomed of the LORD will return and come to Zion with singing, crowned with unending joy. Joy and gladness will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee. [12] I - I AM the One who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear humans who die, or a son of man who is given up like grass? [16] I have put My Words in your mouth, and covered you in the shadow of My Hand, in order to plant the heavens, to found the earth, and to say to Zion, "
2 days ago2 min read
Puffed up know it alls
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 GNT Now, concerning what you wrote about food offered to idols. It is true, of course, that "all of us have knowledge," as they say. Such knowledge, however, puffs a person up with pride; but love builds up. [2] Those who think they know something really don't know as they ought to know. [3] But the person who loves God is known by Him. This morning I read a passage in the Bible which seemed "locked up" to me. It sounded so full of theological jargon that
3 days ago2 min read
Reconciled!
Romans 5:1-11 NKJV Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; [4] and perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in o
4 days ago2 min read
Be a "God-listener"!
Psalm 85:8 AMPC I will listen [with expectancy] to what God the Lord will say, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints (those who are in right standing with Him)-but let them not turn again to [self-confident] folly. My beloved nearest and dearest has impaired hearing and, oft times, although he hears my voice, he totally misunderstands what I'm saying. At other times, especially when he's in the garden, I have to call once, raise my voice a second time and then
6 days ago2 min read
When leaders won't listen
Amos 1:1-2 GNT These are the words of Amos, a shepherd from the town of Tekoa. Two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel, God revealed to Amos all these things about Israel. [2] Amos said, "The LORD roars from Mount Zion; His Voice thunders from Jerusalem. The pastures dry up, and the grass on Mount Carmel turns brown." Both ancient Israel and Judah had hardened their hearts against God. The leaders had becom
Jul 192 min read