Self-Praise

Scripture Let another praise you, and not your own mouth. ~Proverbs 27:2, NRSV Quote “Pride is it’s own trumpet, and whatever praised itself but in the deed, devours the deed in the praise.” ~William Shakespeare Shakespeare knew the bible and had obviously studied the teachings of Jesus. The Pharisees had a mutual admiration society going…

Benevolence Vs. Malevolence

Scripture Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. ~Ephesians 4:32, NRSV Quote Maliciousness is the tendency of man to do evil with the good that God has given him. ~Martin Luther In studying Romans chapter one in preparation for upcoming sermons, I came across these thoughts…

Strife

Scripture Those who are hot-tempered stir up strife,    but those who are slow to anger calm contention. ~Proverbs 15:18, NRSV Quote Most of us have been nurtured by a culture that nourishes revenge and mocks grace. ~Van Leevwen When I picked up Keller’s devotional yesterday and read the text…It is to one’s honor to avoid strife…

Darkness, Good Or Evil

Scripture Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. ~Psalm 139:12, NIV Quote Never mind whether you sleep or not, just be still. In the quiet and the darkness, you hear the still small voice as did Samuel the boy.…

Pure Grace

Scripture Isn’t everything you have and everything you are sheer gifts from God?  ~I Corinthians 4:7, MSG Quote God’s way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s a life empowered for service. ~Paul of Tarsus {MSG} The Corinthians are acting immaturely. Matter of fact Paul said they act like babies at the breast, grabbing for what they want…

Humility Or Lack Thereof

Scripture Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men. ~Proverbs 25:6-7 Quote Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. ~C.S. Lewis I think I mentioned the allusiveness of humility a day or two ago and I actually demonstrated it…

Humility

Scripture Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,    and humility comes before honor. ~Proverbs 15:33, NIV Quote The ultimate Power in the universe showed that He was strong enough to become weak. ~Timothy Keller It is incredible when you think about it: Jesus, the Son of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah gave us the…

New Life

Scripture When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. ~I Corinthians 15:36, NLT Quote Jesus, not death, has the last word. ~Ya’akov When the got ready to build the new Kingsway Theater in London back in 1882, they had to take down the old buildings that…

Pride

Scripture Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. ~Proverbs 16:18, NLT Quote Pride leads to every other vice: it is the complete anti-God state of mind. ~Derek Kidner I read the Psalms daily and David is always talking about his enemies but he is usually referring to flesh and blood enemies like Saul.…

Prayer

Scripture Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. ~Romans 15:30 Quote Strength is for service, not for status. We all need to take a good look at those around us and ask, “What can I do…