From politics to business, and even to the people around us, we will sometimes see the prosperity of the evil and wonder; Job felt the same way, as did David.  Many passages deal with these feelings because they are common among men, “Why do the wicked prosper?” 

There are times in our lives when we fear. We may call it anxiety or distress, but those days come when sleep escapes us or our stomach feels sick. The apostle Paul spoke of being pressed out of measure. Jeremiah said that God had deceived him, and that he would not preach anymore (but, of course, he did).

Luke 18:10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican."

I noticed that the disciples did not quit when Judas was revealed to be a thief and traitor.  David did not quit when his son tried to kill him and take over the kingdom. Paul did not quit when he stood alone, with no one at his side during trials.  Demas and Titus, as well as others walked away from Paul, yet he did not walk away from the work God called him to do.  When someone fails, that does not mean the institution has failed.  Each of these men pressed on and won great victories while others among them failed.  

The book of Deuteronomy repeats much of the story from Egypt to the east side of the Jordan near Jericho.  As I read about Moses and Israel, I am writing a few thoughts about prayer for our nation.  

There is no question that it hurts us when we fail our Lord.  Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and more can punish the child of God.

All over the world people face danger when they simply carry or read a Bible. In fact, in the early days of our  nation it was illegal for even preachers to read the Bible.  They were allowed to read from the common book of prayers, approved by the Anglican Church.  Many Baptists were jailed for reading the Bible, even in their homes in a church-like setting.  The fact that we can attend church, talk about our faith, and read the Bible is wonderful, but not universal.

Good Morning,

Romans 1:14  “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

John 20:21 “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Romans 13:9  “… Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Listening to political news is interesting, especially when people go to the street to interview the average person.  When asked, “Why” they want to vote for their favorite candidate, most people do not know.  The average American cannot articulate the ideologies, policies, and philosophies of their desired leader. 

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…”

Concerning our trials and our faith, the Bible gives us clear, though difficult, instruction. 

I recently wrote a few lines about gossip and am compelled again to further address the matter of our response to sin or the behavior of another.

Most of us understand that some things people do are “bad.”  We usually list them in groups like murder, theft, adultery, and more.  Our list of “bad” deeds may vary between people, but one thing on God’s “bad” list is the act of causing division – which is often missed.

In our culture, mankind receives a great deal of praise: they throw a ball, build a business, or play an instrument - but Who deserves the praise?

Any honest person knows that we sin.  Even if it is not called sin, we know we fail, fall short, and make mistakes.