“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (ESV – read the chapter)
One of the things that best helps people put life and the things that are in it in the proper perspective is being near the end of it. When someone receives a terminal diagnosis, all of a sudden life rushes into this incredible clarity. He is able to recognize which things are most important and which are not, and he orders them properly. Read the rest…
“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God.” (ESV – read the chapter)
This is another of those hard verses in the Old Testament that we struggle to understand. Why would God strike Uzzah down like this? What exactly did he do that was so wrong it justified an immediate death sentence? It sure seems like all he did was touch the ark. Why was that such a big deal?
“And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.” (ESV)
If we want to be great, this is how it’s done. There are other ways to be called great by the world. Amass enough money and you’ll be called great. Attain to a certain media status and you’ll have followers. Acquire sufficient power and your name will be celebrated in the streets. But that greatness won’t last. Lose the money, the followers, or the power and you’ll be nothing. As Coldplay sings in their hit “Viva la Vida,” you’ll sweep the streets you used to own. Read the rest…
“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (ESV)
The goal here is not to become doormats, but to practice love for one another. We are not looking to justify every irritating whim and warped conviction of those around us. Speaking more directly to the call of our culture, this is definitely not talking about tolerating a habit or practice that is clearly sinful on the part of a fellow follower of Christ. Read the rest…
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” (ESV)
Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin? Really??? This seems like an awfully broad statement. “Everything” is a pretty all-encompassing word. Read the rest…
The Nexus 