'December 2022' Tagged Posts

He was favored by his father and shunned by his siblings. He was thrown into a pit and then sold into slavery. While a slave he found favor in his masters house, enough favor so as to say “There is no one greater in this house than I…”(Gen. 39:9). Through false accusations he found himself in prison and yet again had “authority because the Lord was with him” (Gen. 39:23). His ability to interpret dreams to the baker and butler…

Those who are parents understand there are few people to whom we would entrust our own children in the case that we pass on. We would consider a number of qualifications and requirements so seriously in making a selection that it would likely be a truly difficult decision. This is what amazes me about Joseph, the father of Jesus. God allowed Joseph to be His earthly father, meaning he would see to the physical and emotional upbringing of His only…

After King Saul’s reign was proven to be a disaster, by disobedience to God, he was told that it would not continue and that the, “Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14). David was chosen because “the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). Four key moments from David’s life illustrate why he was a good…

An invitation to write regarding a favorite biblical character has its own set of challenges. Is one selected over another because of the doctrinal content for which he is known? Is there a particular doctrinal or historical issue that sets one above another? Is there a character trait that attracts your attention that others may not reflect? In many ways, therefore, this is a somewhat subjective endeavor.  At the congregation where I serve as an associate minister, it is a…

The pages of scripture are full of men and women whose lives teach us so much. Some, like Ahab and Jezebel, revel powerfully sobering lessons of the reality and consequence of wickedness. But most illustrate vividly the blessing of serving God. Chief among the great examples of a holy life is Abraham—he who staggered not in unbelief. Abraham is an example of an obedient faith. It is said of him in Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord, and…

Who is your favorite person in the Bible? Why are they your favorite? Was he a man of faith or a man of action? Was her life a model of purity, or did she boldly assert herself at her own peril? Everyone has a favorite person or “character” in the Bible. David, the shepherd boy who slew the giant and would become King of Israel, is the hero of many young boys. For others, it may be Jonathan who repeatedly…