Do you ever think about how easy life is in the United States? We find ourselves on the wrong side of a political decision and say we are being persecuted. Yet we know nothing of real persecution. Or we wallow in a bad mood (I’m in a funk today!), never realizing how mild an AmericanContinue reading “Psalms: a Book About the Heart. Psalm 149:4.”
Category Archives: Persecution/Shame of the Cross/Rock of Offense
I Dreamed That God Was Coming to Judge My Enemies. And I Was Happy! Amos 2:5.
One Sunday morning Jesus appeared in all the churches. He showed up simultaneously on a million big screens. Some churches were in the middle of a song when his face popped up and the music went quiet, like someone had unplugged all the cords at the sound booth. Bands and singers across America stopped singing,Continue reading “I Dreamed That God Was Coming to Judge My Enemies. And I Was Happy! Amos 2:5.”
How Much Did the People of Jesus’s Time Know About Crucifixion? Luke 14:27.
Could there be a symbol more ironic than the cross? The instrument of the most terrifying, arguably worst-possible death, has become the world’s most beloved symbol of eternal life. The cross is so candy-coated, so bathed in sugar and sweetness, it is impossible to grasp the bitter horror it once created. Consider the words ofContinue reading “How Much Did the People of Jesus’s Time Know About Crucifixion? Luke 14:27.”
COULD YOU WALK AWAY FROM JESUS? John 6:68.
Jesus called twelve to become His disciples. But multitudes followed Him, listening to His teaching, being healed of diseases, eating 5,000 fish sandwiches that He created with a simple prayer of thanks. People love a leader who says poetic things and gives away food. Everyone was drawn to Him; Jesus was the biggest thing toContinue reading “COULD YOU WALK AWAY FROM JESUS? John 6:68.”
OPPORTUNITY COMES DISGUISED AS ADVERSITY. Isaiah 55:9.
Paul kept being arrested. Why? Because it gave Paul an opportunity to preach to world leaders. In Philippi, Paul led the jailer and his family to Christ. When Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem, everyone told him he would be arrested. He went anyway. When a crowd gathered, Paul preached to the crowd, and someContinue reading “OPPORTUNITY COMES DISGUISED AS ADVERSITY. Isaiah 55:9.”
Embarrassed by Your Faith? Isaiah 25:5,8; 26:11; Matthew 10:32-33.
Have you ever been embarrassed to be a Christian? Ever been tempted to deny your faith, to say you’re not one of “THOSE” Christians—as if you are some OTHER kind, some better, more understanding type? There can be negative associations with Christ and with His Bride, the church. Lost people may accuse you of beingContinue reading “Embarrassed by Your Faith? Isaiah 25:5,8; 26:11; Matthew 10:32-33.”
Household Words: 