The prophet Jeremiah was distraught at the moral and spiritual condition of the hearts of Israel in his day. Twice he spoke these words from God, revealing the impending judgment upon the people: “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who…

Have you ever traveled abroad and had your heart touched by the conditions in which many in our world live? It truly makes you appreciate your American citizenship. You realize how good you have it and long to get back home. People long to become American citizens because of all the rights and privileges that come with it. They see Americans and…

Christians are commanded in Scripture to “love one another” (1 John 4:7). This “love” is the Greek agape love that unconditionally and unselfishly sets others above self. Christians are also to continue in “brotherly love” (Heb. 13:1). This “love” is the Greek philadelphia love that emphasizes a tender affection to have for each other. But there is another love. There is an…

It was the last note that her son ever wrote to her. He had been fighting in the war for almost two years, but she had not heard from him since he was deployed. Finally, a short note: “I want you to know that I love you! I would do anything for you! Can’t wait to see you!” Two weeks after receiving…

As a kid growing up in the church, it used to bother me when preachers would refer to Christians as “aliens.” I had never seen a green, monster-like creature with spaghetti antennas on his head at church! Why must they insist on using that word? Such is the way that God refers to His people in the Bible! The Lord pleads with…

I remember the wise counsel that I was given as a young man: “There is a difference between truly being in love with someone and being in love with being loved by someone.” “Being loved” by someone makes us feel good, feeds our self-esteem and builds our confidence. It usually makes us want to love in return. NONE of that is a…

It’s the day after. (The day after “what” is somewhat immaterial.) It could be the day after you got an unexpected diagnosis. It could be the day after you lost someone very dear to you. It could be the day after the loss of a job or after a hard-fought proposal or after some catastrophe. Regardless of what transpired the previous day,…

The apostle Paul endured “persecutions” and “afflictions” more than any Christian in America today can fathom. Yet, he said, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:11-12). He looked toward the future and foretold of a time when “evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (3:13, ESV). The…