THE FOUR MONUMENTS OF HUMAN NATURE: Fortune, Fame, Power, Pleasure Built in clusters, making them appear formidable . . . and acceptable. As the idols in ancient Athens, our society is saturated with them. Fortune. How neatly it fits our times! Its inscription at the base is bold: “Get rich.” The figure in the statue is impressive—a hardworking young executive, a clever, diligent businessman unwilling to admit the greed behind his long hours and relentless drive.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Jesus
The Kindness of God
“MY TREAT!”. Nice words to hear, huh? They have flowed into my ears from any number of places—yours, too. Treats are neat. Spontaneous. Unexpected. Pleasant moments that communicate: “You are special . . . loved, appreciated, affirmed, deserving,” and a half a dozen other warm fuzzies we need to hear but seldom hand out. Normally, they don’t come on holidays, birthdays, or anniversaries, but rather during the run-of-the-mill, no-big-deal times in our lives.
Read MoreFriend of God
DIRECT INTERCHANGES between God and individuals don’t occur often in Scripture. But in Abraham’s life, his interchange with God takes the form of a true dialogue, a back-and-forth conversation between friends.
Read MorePowerful Preaching
If you are responsible for communicating biblical truth, consider yourself a preacher (at least for the now)—you are a communicator of God’s Word. If that describes you, these next four principles are especially for you.
Read MoreGod’s Goads
Apparently, “to kick against the goads” was a common expression found in both Greek and Latin literature—a rural image, which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields.
Read MoreAn Arbitrator
Job longs for an arbitrator who could serve as his go-between, communicating with this mighty and holy God. He’s wishing for one who could argue his case. Job would love to present his case in God’s court, but he doesn’t have a mediator.
Read MoreOperation Arrival
For the longest time I didn’t understand the new-car industry. I had always thought it worked like this. When a guy wanted a car, he dropped by the local dealership, kicked a few tires, slammed some doors, and fiddled around with radios, hoods, and trunk lids.
Read MoreRedirecting Our Gaze
The Christian’s greatest goal is to be like Christ. We want to emulate His exemplary life, model His method of teaching, resist temptation as He resisted it, handle conflicts as He did, focus on the mission God calls us to accomplish.
Read MoreTake Control
Behind the great tragedy of Saul’s life is a very interesting analogy—an analogy between Saul’s death and Christ’s death. At first glance we might say, “What in the world would we find common to both Saul and Christ?”
Read MoreInnovative Planning
Joseph had an innovative plan, something that had never been done before. “In order for the land to produce, we must spread out over this land,” he said. Prior to this they had been settled in only a few well-populated regions.
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