First Smoke

First Smoke

Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Observation: In this simple phrase we discover again Scripture’s commitment to utter honesty. As severe as a “fool’s judgment” must surely be, the passage goes on to declare the universality of fools:...
Welcoming What We Resist

Welcoming What We Resist

Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter. … The...
The Father’s Model

The Father’s Model

Ephesians 3:14–15 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Observation: Paul had been expanding the concept of the body of Christ, enlarging it to include not only Jews who believe, but...
Acceptance in Him

Acceptance in Him

Proverbs 22:2 “The rich and the poor have a common bond, the Lord is the maker of them all.” Observation: This verse is the great leveler of Scripture. The Lord is indeed the maker of all, and because of that we do indeed have a common bond. Between rich and poor He...
Living Wholeheartedly for Him

Living Wholeheartedly for Him

Proverbs 7:1–5 “My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, ‘You are my sister,’ and call...
Beholding the King

Beholding the King

1 Kings 10:6–7 “ ‘It was a true report which I heard in my own land about your words and your wisdom. Nevertheless I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report...