We often approach the Word of God as if we are above it—as if we are the judge to determine what is significant and what is not. We do this unconsciously when we give Scripture a surface-level reading and think we have given it the consideration it deserves. We regularly sit as judges over the … Continue reading An Encounter with the Word
Sometimes, to protect a passage of scripture from the abuses it receives from those who twist it, we add so many qualifications that we eliminate not only the false teaching but also the profound truth it communicates. We find one such passage in the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus says, “Ask, and it will … Continue reading The Power of Prayer
The silence of God is something we all must endure, but we must never misinterpret it. Sometimes, God seems distant, and prayers appear unanswered, but that does not mean he is absent or abandoned his people. It is where our faith is to be exercised, as he always has more magnificent plans in motion than … Continue reading The Silence of God
My father is now in his mid-80s and is retired from pastoring due to health issues, but he still fills the pulpit occasionally. One of the struggles his health gives him is shortness of breath, yet it has never stopped him from preaching. Several times, he has been sitting in the pew waiting to preach, … Continue reading Walking in God’s Strength
We have all likely learned lessons by considering Israel's defeat at Ai in Joshua chapter 7. However, a small detail in their eventual victory over the city in chapter 8 sheds light on two important truths. When the people went against Jericho, they were to take no spoil. Everything was to be destroyed except the … Continue reading Avoiding Achan’s Errors
Many times, when God has strengthened us and given us a victory, we will soon find ourselves confounded by our weakness. That is why this passage about Samson is so encouraging. Here is a man who, by the strength of God, defeated many of the enemies of Israel and then, moments later, finds himself about to die from the lack of something as simple as water. - Click to Read More
Shortly after Israel entered the promised land by crossing the Jordan River, five significant events happened while they camped in the plains of Jericho. These historical events are also pictures of our salvation in Christ Jesus. First, the Amorite and Canaanite kings, the enemies of the people of God, heard how the Lord had dried … Continue reading 5 Spiritual Truths from the Plains of Jericho
God's promises to Moses came true, but only after his death. This truth should encourage us because God's promises to us do not die when we die. Joshua chapter one opens by telling us that Moses was dead and Joshua was to take over and lead the people into the promised land. Moses had worked … Continue reading Moses’s Unfinished Journey: Death and Work Left Undone
Some aspects of biblical truth run so contrary to culture that even many in the church find them extreme. Take, for example, the author of Hebrews' admonition to his readers about resisting sin. He had already told them that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin. In saying this, he was … Continue reading You Have More Fight to Give
I find the Lord's activity in the lives of the Babylonian kings' when the Israelites were in captivity fascinating. I cannot help but think that it was because of the presence of the people of God that the Lord worked miracles in the lives of these pagan monarchs. There have been countless pagan rulers who … Continue reading Expect God to Work in the Lives of People Around You
The Fight of Faith 