The Barren Fig Tree

Mark 11:12-14, 20-24(also recorded in Matthew 21:18-22) presents an interesting event in Christ’s life. As morning came, Jesus was hungry. He saw a tree of opportunity and availed himself with the hope of satisfying the body’s needs. The fig was known for its sweet fruit (Judges 9:11), and so was a popular fruit among the people. …

What’s in a Name?

Ecclesiastes 7:1 begins, “A good name is better than precious ointment…” The wise Preacher states that a good name is better than costly cleansers or perfumes for the body. What, though, does he mean by a good name? While I would like to think we gave our children good names — names that just roll…

The Virgin Birth

“And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth…

Prince of Peace

Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they…

Obedience to the Creator

Do you truly believe that, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth?” (Genesis 1:1). God demands from the opening line of Scriptures that we acknowledge Him as designer and creator. It is not enough to think God set elements in motion that stirred up creation by evolutionary process. We cannot have faith…

Without Complaining

In Philippians 2:14 we read, “Do all things without complaining and disputing.” No action is left out of the purview of this command. All things are to be done without grumbling or arguing. However, complaining appears to be one of our favorite activities. As the weather turns from winter to spring we rotate our complaints…

Finances for the Faithful

Ecclesiastes 10:16-18 compares the state of two nations. One is woefully prepared, having a child as king and princes feasting in the morning. The other is blessed, having a mature king of noble birth and princes feasting at the appropriate time. The conclusion, then, is that a nation needs appropriate controls in order to thrive….

Imitating God

Perhaps you have known of children who put on their parent’s shoes.  I can remember as a child trying to walk around our house in my father’s shoes.  It was a difficult task, as the shoes were rather large compared to my little feet.  Yet there was great enjoyment in this activity.  Certainly, it bemused…