Posts from September 2024

God through Amos dealt with a sin in Israel, the Northern Kingdom, that is so prevalent today.  The people were disregarding the commands of God because they were at ease in the lap of luxury. In Amos 6:1 we read, “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion . . .” Listen how God describes Israel in verses 4 through 6 of this same chapter.  “That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat…

Jesus said, “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).  What did the Lord mean by this simple seven word sentence?  Is all judging wrong?  If this were the only statement on this subject in the Bible one might easily conclude that this is true.  All judging is not wrong.  Please observe that it is not wrong for a federal or civil judge to decide the sentencing of a convicted criminal.  Moses sat in judgment from morning till evening. …

Prayer is one of the great privileges those who follow God enjoy (Matthew 6:9).  Those who are Christians recognize their great need of prayer.  James said, “. . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).  It’s no wonder that the scriptures constantly admonish us not to let anything interfere with our praying.  For example, Paul said in Colossians 4:2 that we are to “Continue in prayer . . .” and in I Thessalonians 5:17…

Introduction: We read in Proverbs 12:25, “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”  Our words make all the difference in the world.  Jesus even said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).  One of the purposes of our lives should be to “speak good words to make hearts glad.”  Would you say this describes you on a daily basis?  Obviously,…