Various ones throughout the Bible were given the same encouraging, bolstering, motivating message. Abraham was told: “God is with you” (Gen. 21:22). Isaac was told: “the Lord is with you” (Gen. 26:28). Israel was told: “the Lord your God is with you” (Deut. 20:1). Joshua was told: “the Lord your God is with you” (Josh. 1:9). Gideon was told: “The Lord is with you” (Judg. 6:12). King Saul…

It’s been 3,000 years since David penned the majority of the book of Psalms, but oh how relevant his words still are today! Have you ever felt the way that David felt in Psalm 56? Could these be your words? “Man would swallow me up…he oppresses me…My enemies hound me all day…fight against me…All day they twist my words; all their thoughts are against me…

The devoted father awoke on that lazy Saturday morning surrounded by his family. His beautiful wife and young children were all lounging in the bed that morning, laughing and giggling and talking about the day ahead. But the father was thinking. Thinking deeply. He’d been putting something off for a long time. Too long. He picked up the phone and called the preacher where he had attended…

Have you ever slipped on a wet floor because you weren’t paying close enough attention to your surroundings and the conditions? Did you anticipate that you would slip? No, that’s why you slipped. If you had seen the wet floor, could you have avoided it? Yes, if you were watching. Sometimes the devil gets us to sin because we are not paying close enough attention to…

There are some folks who have tried to separate the idea of “sound doctrine” from one’s behavioral choices. For example, some have categorized (in their minds) “doctrinal” matters, such as the organization or worship or various practices of the church, to be different from “personal” matters, such as one’s speech or behavior or habits, and they may suggest that “sound doctrine” dictates the…

A child’s natural reaction when startled, scared, intimidated, overwhelmed or even tired is to run into a parent’s arms and bury his/her head in mom or dad’s chest. How many times have you seen that? A little boy or girl finding comfort, refuge, peace and rest in the safety and security of the one who is always there and has proven to be the…

Sometimes it may be the sight of a wedding ring or a photo on your desk that tells another person that you’re “already spoken for.” Or maybe it’s a friend of yours who speaks up for you to let others know that you’re “already spoken for.” Being married is exclusive. And when you’re “already spoken for,” you know what that means and so does everyone…

The devil “transforms himself into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14). The devil can take darkness (i.e., sin that is unacceptable to God) and make it look like light (i.e., something acceptable to God). And all the while, he deceives you into not seeing what is so plain. Friends, please, do not be deceived! Do not be swindled into taking a little money or…