A few weeks ago we touched on the significance of the temple curtain being torn from top to bottom at Christ’s death. It signaled a new beginning, and in Acts 2 we read about God’s new plan, the church. Several years later, the writer of Hebrews reminds believers, “And let us consider how to stir […]

Some people see themselves as expert advisors when they may have little business advising. You’re familiar with Job in the Old Testament. Every aspect of his life became miserable, and his “friends” offered counsel. They sounded spiritual and talked about God, but they were wrong—wrong about Job and wrong about how God works. It took

“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the

If you’ve ever had to use an interpreter to translate what you said into another language or if you’ve ever watched a sign language interpreter, you know that the process can be difficult. The interpreter works hard to receive the message in one language and present it accurately in a different language.  Perhaps you’ve never

Worship is the expression of adoration or subservience to someone or something. It doesn’t necessarily equate with love. You may think very highly of a loved one or a great person, but you wouldn’t worship either one; God, and God alone, is worthy of worship. Worship has a purpose. Some teach that our purpose in

The last reflection emphasized the responsibility we have to consider eternal consequences of today’s decisions, but the thought of an eternity spent with our Savior in heaven should also bring great joy. We sing about heaven or read of it in the scriptures now and then, but sometimes we go days without thinking about it.

When we read a book, we may sneak an early peek at the ending. We wish we could do that with life. Realistically, we can’t; but the fact that our decisions along the way affect that earthly ending—and the eternity that follows that earthly ending—is very real.   The book of Proverbs is advice for living

The last reflection reminded us that words and actions often betray the condition of our hearts, a truth taught in Matthew 15:18: “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person.” Leading up to this verse, however, Christ warns of those who choose words to try to hide what’s in

Sometimes leftover food and old containers collect in the refrigerator. If we’re warning roommates and family members not to eat certain items because they’ve expired, we need to clean out our refrigerator. If everything in the refrigerator were safe, we wouldn’t need to warn anyone to avoid anything.  Liken this example to your mouth. Some

Throughout life, you will interact with people who behave, in your estimation at the moment, in an unintelligent manner. As you’re walking down the hall or sitting in a meeting or standing in a line or playing on a team, your frustration level will rise and a less-than-kind word may run through your mind, perhaps