I Need Thee Every Hour
The story says that as Annie S. Hawks was busying herself with her usual household chores, she began to think about the closeness that one ought to have with God. She then sat down to write the lines of the poem that would eventually evolve into the soul-stirring song we know today. After contemplating the lyrics of the song there are several lessons that come to mind. First, we must have a desire to have God in our lives. James…
Just Divorced!
There it was, impossible to miss. Parked on the side of Washington Street in Ardmore, Oklahoma sat a little white car with big pink streamers tied to the back of it, and white shoe polish writing on the windows. As I drove closer, I expected to read “Just Married!” or an announcement of some other happy occasion. I was shocked when I read the words “Just Divorced!” written in giant white letters on the back windshield. How tragic that society…
7 Things My Eyes Teach Me About God
The human eye is a marvel, to say the least! It is the second most complex organ after the brain. Each eye weighs about an ounce and spans an inch across and is composed of approximately 2 million working parts. A fingerprint has 40 unique characteristics but an iris has 256! The muscles that control our eyes are the strongest in our body. Our eyes require no rest, they heal quickly, and they play such an important role in our…
And When You Pray…
It must have been incredible to have heard Jesus pray. One can only imagine the passion and conviction that poured forth from Him as He approached the Father’s throne. Obviously, His prayers were moving and motivating to those who heard them because one of His disciples was prompted to request, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1). Jesus responded to the request by issuing the model prayer (Luke 11:2-4). As we consider that prayer, and other passages on prayer throughout…
The Abuse of Technology
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul said, “all things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” As we consider this verse, there are a few things we need to keep in mind. First, Paul is dealing with matters of expediency, in particular the eating of meats. Secondly, Paul is not saying that everything is lawful. In the same context, he mentions…
A Hearing the Voice of Satan
What we hear, affects us. Adam and Eve sinned after listening to Satan. He spoke to them about something desirable, being as gods, (Gen. 3:5) and in their weakness they fell. Satan still speaks to us today through the evil things of this world that tempt us. Like Adam and Eve, heeding his voice results in our spiritual demise. Satan’s voice is deceptive. Jesus said, “…He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there…
A God-Honoring Marriage
“Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together” (Ps. 34:3). This passage well summarizes the goal of a God-honoring marriage. God created woman because it was not good for the man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). Adam needed a helper who was fitting, or appropriate (Gen. 2:18). Therefore, God brought Adam and Even together as husband and wife. The covenant relationship of marriage is God’s way of meting a number of man’s needs–companionship, love, and…
The Fields are White… Are You Ready to Harvest?
The latest estimates are that the world’s population is approximately 7 billion. That is 7 billion souls who face the ultimate reality of sin and its consequences (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). 7 billion souls who will one day face the Lord in judgment (Heb. 9:27); 7 billion souls who are precious in the sight of God (2 Pet. 3:9) and stand in need of the soulsaving message of the gospel. What are you doing to reach them? Romans chapter 10 teaches…
I Want to be More Like Jesus
In John 8:29 Jesus said of himself, “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” Such a sentiment not only captures the perfection of our Savior but sets the standard for His followers. Jesus is our perfect example. Peter wrote, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Pet.…
Being About Our Father’s Business – Mike Batot
In Luke 2:41-50 we are told of the time “the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43) after the Feast of the Passover. Once His family realized He was not with them on their return journey home, they returned to Jerusalem to find Him. Three days later, He was found in the temple, listening and asking questions of the teachers. His mother questioned Him concerning His decision to stay behind and He told her in verse 49: “Why did…
Endless Hypotheticals – Troy Spradlin
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to discuss various points and particulars about God, Jesus, the Bible, baptism, faith, and other spiritual topics with many people, from all walks of life. In a large portion of those opportunities, a rather interesting pattern emerged – a hypothetical scenario was introduced into the dialogue, at one point or another. Sometimes they were presented as questions and other times as arguments against a certain topic. Still, at other times, it seems they…
Outdated Preaching – Trent Kennedy
Born to a priestly family, set apart from birth, sent with the spirit and power of Elijah, and called the greatest among women, John the Immerser was a man among men. He was part prophet, part trailblazer, John was all preacher. The gospel account of Luke records more of the content of John’s preaching and specifics of his ministry than Matthew or Mark (Luke 3:1-21). When the word of the Lord came to John (Luke 3:2), like with other prophets,…