[:en]TIME TO FLOURISH In Israel, it was customary to give fig trees three years to produce fruit. If they didn’t, they were cut down so the soil could be better used. In Jesus’s story, as gardener asks his boss to give one particular tree a fourth year to produce. In context, the parable implies this: … Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (6/30/19)[:]
[:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (6/29/19)[:]
[:en]FAITH IN ACTION “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:17-18) We are saved by faith, not works, but we live out our faith by loving others and caring for their needs. James… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (6/29/19)[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalams 126[:]
[:en]There is a saying “You reap what you sow”. The Psalmist said: “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping carrying seed to sow will return with songs of joy carrying sheaves with him” (vs. 5-6) As a Christian, you are to sow the seed of the… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalams 126[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 125[:]
[:en]”As the mountain surrounds Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people both now and forever” (v. 2) Mountain signfies stability and security. As citizens of God, we are safe and secured under His care. We can depend on Him because He is our refuge and strength . Trust the Lord. Bow down to Him. Submit… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 125[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 124[:]
[:en]David declared that God is on their side. He spoke in symbolic language comparing his enemies to ferocious animals who would attack and swallow them alive. Not only will they be eaten up, the flood would have engulfed them , the torment and the ranging water would have swept them away. Then he switched to… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 124[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 123[:]
[:en]The Jews had been enduring scorn, ridicule and contempt of their enemies. So the Psalmist gave them these advices. Lift your eyes to the Lord in heaven – He is sovereign Look to the hand of the master for help – He is powerful Ask from the Lord our God for mercy – He is… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 123[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 122[:]
[:en]The Psalmist was glad to go to Jerusalem. It was the holy city and the temple was there. They went there to celebrate the greatness and goodness of God. They went there to worship God, to praise Him, and to pray for peace and prosperity. Are you happy to go the the house of God… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 122[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 121[:]
[:en]This Psalm is special to me because whenever I need help, when I travel, when I am in danger, I will meditate on this Psalm. It gives me assurance and comfort that God is my helper, keeper and watcher. “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come form? My… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 121[:]
[:en]Thoughts from Psalms 120[:]
[:en]The Psalmist was in distress because he was surrounded with people of lying lips and deceitful tongues. He wanted peace but they were trouble makers. He asked God to punish them with a warrior’s sharp arrows and with burning coals of the broom tree. There is no peace in this world. Nations are in conflict… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from Psalms 120[:]
[:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (6/28/19)[:]
[:en]UNFINISHED WORKS The great artist Michelangelo left many unfinished projects when he died. But four of his sculptures were never meant to be completed. The Bearded Slave, the Atlas Slave, the Awakening Slave, and the Young Slave were unfinished work because he wanted to show what it might feel like to be forever enslaved. Like… Continue reading [:en]Thoughts from “Our Daily Bread” (6/28/19)[:]