Category Archives: Exposition

“Now I was cupbearer to the king…” – Nehemiah 1:11 Imagine a job where having a bad attitude doesn’t just get you reprimanded—it gets you executed. Fifth century BC: Many of the Jews are still in exile in Persia. The Jerusalem wall has been destroyed, which means the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem areContinue reading “DIGGING THE WORD”

Walk Simply with Allen Jackson Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Years ago I read a book called Everything IContinue reading “BEGINNING THE DAY”

by Drew Hensley Ghosts named regret, shame, humiliation, abuse and brokenness that come back to haunt us and tempt us with their well crafted lies that come wrapped up as indefensible truths. We all have a past and that means we all have ghosts to defend against; not with some self-help jargon, white-knuckling fortitude, orContinue reading “Of Ghosts and Grace”

Luke 17 Jesus describes the circumstances surrounding His second coming. INSIGHT Gratitude is beautiful to witness. When a person’s eyes light up as they open a gift, the giver enjoys the experience as much as the receiver.We appreciate gratitude, and so does the Lord. He loves to see His children rejoicing at His many goodContinue reading “ENDING THE DAY”

Michael Kruger When is the last time you heard a sermon that suggested that a motive for our obedience should be the rewards we receive in heaven? I imagine for most of us it has been a long time, maybe even never. Whenever a sermon (or book) provides a motive for obedience, it is almostContinue reading “Let's Talk for a Moment about Rewards in Heaven”

Judges 4:4-24; Psalms 37:3-5; Proverbs 11:20 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. Then she sent and calledContinue reading “BEGINNING THE DAY”

Esther 2:8-11 Esther exhibited a grace-filled charm and elegance. In this verse, the literal translation of the original language says, “She lifted up grace before his face.” Isn’t that a beautiful expression? Though she was brought to the harem and participated in these things reluctantly, Esther did not display a sour attitude. I’m convinced sheContinue reading “When to Be Silent”

There is much to be said about faith. So … we start with God. God is the object of my faith. I start with believe in Him. My faith gets tested. My faith needs to grow. Like the man who came to Jesus looking for a miracle, I say “I do believe; help my unbelief.”Continue reading ““Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” ~James”

My mission, given to me by God, is to love. In order to love, I need to learn how to forgive. It is essential. It is a principle of life given to me by Jesus. Jesus is clear. That is no equivocating at all. There is not getting around it. What is my standard forContinue reading ““Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ~Jesus”