God’s message hasn’t changed since the Old Testament-people will be judged for their unproductive lives. God calls us to be active in our obedience. John compared people who claim they believe in God but don’t live for him to unproductive trees that will be cut down. Just as a fruit tree is expected to bear…
Trapped against the sea, the Israelites faced the Egyptian army sweeping in for the kill. The Israelites thought they were doomed. After watching God’s powerful hand deliver them from Egypt, their only response was fear, whining, and despair. Where was their trust in God? Israel had to learn from repeated experience that God was able…
Sarai took matters into her own hands by giving Hagar to Abram. Like Abram she had trouble believing God’s promise that was apparently directed specifically toward Abram and Sarai. Out of this lack of faith came a series of problems. This invariably happens when we take over for God, trying to make his promise come…
Making cloth (spinning and weaving) took a great deal of time in Moses’ day. To own more than two or three changes of clothes was a sign of wealth. The effort involved in making enough cloth for the tabernacle was staggering. The tabernacle would never have been built without tremendous community involvement. Today, churches and…
Solomon was well organized, with eleven chief officials with specific responsibilities and twelve district governors, and a manager in charge of the district officers. Each person had a specific responsibility or territory to manage. This organization was essential to maintain the government’s effectiveness: it was a wise move by a wise man. It is good…
The Hebrews were extremely successful at making religion an integral part of life. The reason for their success was that religious education was life-oriented, not information-oriented. They used the context of daily life to teach about God. The key to teaching your children to love God is stated simply and clearly in these verses. If…
To “be masters over” something is to have absolute authority and control over it. God has ultimate rule over the earth, and he exercises his authority with loving care. When God delegated some of his authority to the human race, he expected us to take responsibility for the environment and the other creatures that share…
Genesis 22 tells of God’s instruction to Abraham to take his son, Isaac whom he loves so much and sacrifice him as a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which God will reveal to him. The bible tells us that the next morning Abraham got up early, chopped the wood, saddled his donkey, took…
Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed, Joshua must (1) be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy,…
Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearances. And because only God can see on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know…
