Posts from October 2022

When God breathed life into Adam, he became a living soul and body (Gen. 2:7). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, access to the tree of life was cut off and death entered into the world (Gen. 3:24; Rom. 5:12-14). Man’s creatureliness and frailty were revealed when the paradise of Eden was lost. Earth became hostile to human life. At the fall, tragedy entered the world. Where once no disease was known, plagues appeared. Where once no calamity threatened, natural…

When Jesus came to the earth, the world was dominated by the Roman Empire. Israel had been subjugated for 60 years and longed for a reprieve, and most of the Jews looked for the Messiah to usher in the peace. The prophets had promised it and the people wanted it. The Jewish people were divided about what they expected. The Pharisees were the religious people, and they wanted a miracle-wielding Messiah that would call down God’s power on Rome. The…

Our culture seems to be getting more sensitive. I remember my mother teaching me, “Sticks and stones may break my bone, but words will never hurt me.” She sought to prepare me for an offensive world. People say mean, insensitive things, and as a chunky kid I had to be prepared to endure the insults. However, many have abandoned the pursuit of thick skin, and instead are trying to make the world inoffensive. Protests, wailing, and weeping abound as people…

A soft melody played in the background, but nobody heard it over the conversation and laughter. In every corner of the old house cousins and siblings reminisced about growing up or bragged about new accomplishments. In the backyard the newest generation squealed and giggled playing tag. And the elderly matron drank in the moment and said to herself, “My cup overflows.” For three thousand years David’s overfilled cup has been a symbol of blessing and prosperity (Psa. 23:5). Even those…