Posts from November 2019
An Important Question
We cannot be certain who wrote Psalm 116. It would be easy enough to attribute it to David. But, we can be certain that whoever wrote the psalm asked himself a very important question. Here it is: “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?” (Ps. 116:12) The writer, like the rest of us, had the ability to look at his life and appreciate what he knew had been given to him. Unlike some, who…
A Smile or a Frown
There are times when we look at someone and smile. There are times when we look at someone and frown. Circumstances that we may face cause us to smile or to frown. Can you recall a situation where you did one or the other at either a person or a situation? The apostle Peter at one time, because of his denial of Jesus had an opportunity to frown. Not only to frown, in fact, but to weep bitter tears. Even…
Philippines Mission Letter: October 2019
Dear Brethren, As we give time to visit our active and inactive brethren, our knowledge about them increases. It also continues to strengthen our relationship with them. We pray, study, cry, laugh, and eat together. The time, attention, and effort given to them help them feel that they are valued in the Lord’s family. As the Lord gives the increase to this ministry, two precious souls have been restored in October. Our sisters in Christ who came back to the…
The Day Jesus Cleaned House
Why did Jesus have to cleanse the temple? Why was He not content to just let things go on business as usual? In John 2, Jesus “cleans house” literally because those Jews had made the temple a “house of merchandise” (John 2:16). There were things, behaviors, and attitudes that didn’t belong in a house dedicated to the Lord. 1 Corinthians talks about the temple of the Lord being both the individual human body and the collective body of the church…
Mimicking a Viper
What looks like a Gaboon viper, sounds like a Gaboon viper, and acts like a Gaboon viper? A Gaboon viper, of course. Also, the Congolese giant toad. With its two-inch fangs, the Gaboon viper is one of the largest vipers in Africa. The Congolese giant toad can be found only in the same habitat as the Gaboon viper. With a body that resembles the head of the viper, in that it is the same color and size, the toad can…