Once again, Jeremiah addresses false prophets and fallen preachers[1]. (I never realized how often preacher-scandals were addressed in the Old Testament!) Doesn’t this sound like a page out of today’s headlines? “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” Jeremiah 23:1. The prophet continues: “Therefore, thus says the LordContinue reading “Woe Be Unto Pastors Who Destroy the Sheep. Jeremiah 23:1.”
Tag Archives: Matthew 10:16
How to Respond to Scandals in the Church. Jeremiah 48:10.
I was the best man in Joe’s sham wedding. The wedding was Joe’s way of hiding his interest in children. I eventually found out about his past convictions in Tennessee, and when he later wound up in prison, I was pleased, having gained knowledge of a great deal of fraudulent acts and crime for whichContinue reading “How to Respond to Scandals in the Church. Jeremiah 48:10.”
When You Are Online: Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine. Isaiah 39:4-6.
I am trusting and open. I tell everyone everything. My wife is the same way. We are talkers and deep communication draws us together. Indeed, communication is essential to all relationships. But social media does not play by the normal rules. On Facebook, I share more victories than defeats. Does my online presence create anContinue reading “When You Are Online: Don’t Cast Your Pearls Before Swine. Isaiah 39:4-6.”
How Far Would You Go to Become King? History Indicates Some People Will Do Anything for Power. 2 Kings 11: 2-3.
Obi Wan Kenobi says of Mos Eisley Spaceport: “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.” As in all space movies, what’s true in outer space is true on earth. It is true of America. Of my city and yours: We must be cautious. Jesus said itContinue reading “How Far Would You Go to Become King? History Indicates Some People Will Do Anything for Power. 2 Kings 11: 2-3.”
When Miracle Workers Cannot Be Trusted. 1 Samuel 19:20-24.
When the glories of David the giant-killer began to eclipse those of King Saul, Saul was filled with murderous rage. The king made several attempts on David’s life. The first attempt was thwarted by his son, Jonathan, who warned David, then talked Saul out of it, 1 Samuel 19:6. The second was thwarted by DavidContinue reading “When Miracle Workers Cannot Be Trusted. 1 Samuel 19:20-24.”
PEACE ON EARTH? Matthew 10:16,22,34-36,38-39.
The angels announced “Let there be peace on earth!” Luke 2:14. We sing of peace at Christmastime. But the Prince of Peace spoke hard words about war: “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a SWORD. I came to turn a man againstContinue reading “PEACE ON EARTH? Matthew 10:16,22,34-36,38-39.”
SHREWD. Matthew 10:16.
Have you ever been too trusting? Boy, I have! Honest people expect others to be honest. This is a difficult thing about being a “good person”—when you are honest, fair, forgiving, and kind, you assume everyone else is. Or you tell yourself they may be a little shady, but not that bad. We each assumeContinue reading “SHREWD. Matthew 10:16.”
CAN YOU BE TOO TRUSTING? Matthew 10:16.
Some of us trust everyone. Some of us trust no one. Who is right? As a young lawyer, I remember being cautioned by senior attorneys: “Don’t tell them anything, you understand? I don’t care that he is a co-defendant—he’s gonna be nice to you to try to discover our evidence. But don’t tell him anything,Continue reading “CAN YOU BE TOO TRUSTING? Matthew 10:16.”
Household Words: 