A Deeper Relationship
God called Hosea to take "a wife of harlotry" (Hosea 1:2). In the process, his life became a symbol of how God's people had acted unfaithfully toward Him. Through Hosea's example, God called on Israel to repent. He also demonstrated that, in spite of their sins, He continued to love them and was ready to reveal His great mercy and grace.
God wanted a deeper relationship with His people-a…
Accusers
Why are so many of today's news reports prejudiced, unfair, and hostile? In a recent book, a senior news executive blamed problems like these on "the long-entrenched laziness of the media." He concluded that a "herd-like laziness has infected the bloodstream of mainstream news organizations. It runs so deep, they don't even know it's there."
Resisting objective research, such news outlets simply…
Standing Strong
David was grateful for the kindness shown by Nahash, king of Ammon. When this king died, David decided to show kindness to his son, Hanun. But the princes of Ammon urged Hanun to consider David’s servants to be spies. As a result, they were humiliated and treated rudely. Later, Ammon sensed that these actions might lead to war, so they hired mercenaries and attacked Israel.
Israel could have…
No Excuses
If ever there were people who had reason to have excuses, it would have been the Roman Christians. They were vastly outnumbered in the heart of an alien culture with pagan standards. Their Caesar, Nero, could be unstable and rash.
They easily could have blamed their problems on the hostile culture and circumstances they faced. Just imagine trying to live a victorious Christian life when…
Singing and Praising
War was imminent, and defeat seemed inevitable. The mighty Assyrian army was on the way! Filled with fear, King Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and directed that everyone seek God. In his prayer, Jehoshaphat recognized God’s sovereignty, power, and authority over all the earth: He could do anything. Recognizing the Lord as their only hope, Jehoshaphat acknowledged, “We are powerless before this…
Nimrod
Nimrod clearly was “mighty,” a word used three times in this passage. Many conquerors, demagogues, and dictators throughout history have followed his example—driven by the urge to dominate, to achieve fame, and to gain power and wealth.
But, in the end, they all learn that their kingdoms cannot last. Earthly might always fades away, for “the grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of…
The Confidence of Integrity
David confidently asked for vindication. Why? Because he had walked in integrity. Instead of compromising, he “trusted in the Lord” and based his life on God’s Word. No matter what temptations or pressures he faced, he remained steadfast and refused to waver. When he faced enemies, he called on God, confident that his heart was clean.
But David also knew that God must search his life: “Examine…
Mercy
While Moses was alone with God, receiving the Law, the Israelites turned to revelry and idolatry. When he saw their sin, Moses angrily broke the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written (Exodus 32:19). He chastised Aaron for poor leadership and disciplined the people. But he also defended them.
This experience seems to have intensified Moses’ desire to draw closer to God. He promised…
Unchanging Truth
When asked about his career, a famous athlete recently confessed, “You start off playing honest, but you learn in life that if you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’.”
Many people have this attitude. We look around and see people who appear to have gained wealth and power by cheating and lying. They don’t hesitate to deceive others or act without moral constraints. They excuse themselves and…
A Servant’s Prayer
Why are some prayers so powerful? So effective? We learn several important insights from the prayer of Abraham’s servant.
The servant had traveled hundreds of miles on a mission to find a wife for Abraham’s son, Isaac. As he arrived in the city of Nahor, he paused to pray, knowing he needed a miracle. Here, in this faraway land, was it even possible to find the right woman? And would she be…