Posts from 2023 (Page 3)

“As the soldier follows his general, as the servant follows his master, as the pupil follows his teacher, as the sheep follows his shepherd, just so the Christian ought to follow Jesus” (J. C. Ryle). The term “disciple” basically means, “a learner, a follower, an understudy or apprentice.” The basic expressions occur approximately 270 times in the New Testament (but only in the Gospel accounts and book of Acts; it does not occur in the letters). In a way discipleship…

Thomas R. Sweatmon was born in 1876, possibly in Georgia. The truth is, there is very little information we know about him. He died in 1969 and is buried in Marionetta, Georgia. We know the year of his birth and the of his death, but not a lot is known about what happened in between. The little we do know is that he was an exceptional poet. It is told that he taught in singing-schools and loved to write songs.…

“If these walls could talk” is a way of speaking about a particular place where important or interesting events have transpired. Another way of putting it is “God only knows” all the things that have occurred in the place. For sure, there’s a place like that right here in Midland, TX. As a matter of fact it’s located on Brazos, only a couple of blocks from where Cherie and I live. While I doubt the History Channel will ever trace…

James 2 is a chapter well-known and respected by Christians because of its discussion of faith and works (cf. 2:14-26). In that section of Scripture, faith that doesn’t express itself in outward action is “no good” and “can’t save” (vs. 14), “dead” (vs. 17), “useless” (vs. 20) and “as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so is faith without works” (vs. 26). There can be no living of a life well pleasing in the sight of God…

“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.” These are words from the singing mouth of Moses in Exodus 15:2. What other thoughts could have been expressed than that which he stated? Moses watched as God made a distinction between His people and the Egyptians though the expression of His power in the plagues against Egypt, their king,…

1. Where is God, or where will He be, in our marriage? Will God be missing-inaction? Will He be on the outside looking in? Will God be present, but not in charge? Will He be preeminent in our relationship as we honor marriage as He designed it? 2. Will I seek to act with the gracious character of Jesus even when I think my spouse isn’t? 3. Will the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 be consistently desired and thoughtfully…

The wind has sure blown in West Texas over the last few weeks! While Midland has seen its share of dust in the air, the pictures taken by those in outlying areas with the dust storms have been incredible. Many have had to drive in those conditions and it sure causes the use of more caution and a heightened sense of alert, doesn’t it? It is one thing to drive on a calm, cloudless day; quite another to drive in…

If a person really loves God, that person will truly love His word. That’s even what Jesus said: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). While a distinction can be made between God and His word, the two can’t be divorced from one another nor should they be separated. Scripture is God’s revelation of Himself – His greatness, beauty, power and will. To neglect or reject God’s word ultimately is to neglect or reject Him! We are to…

The book of Jude is about living for Jesus when others won’t. It is a book that deals with the unpopular topics of apostasy and false teaching and how God’s people should recognize and respond to it. The purpose statement of Jude is clearly set out in verse 3: “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once…

God has regulated worship. By this, I mean that God Himself has designated/prescribed in His Word both the avenues and attitudes He desires of those who draw near Him in worship (John 4:24). What follows is a checklist for improving our worship. Am I coming before God to worship Him with a true and sincere heart? (John 4:24; Hebrews 10:22-25). 1. Am I coming before God to worship Him with a true and sincere heart? (John 4:24; Hebrews 10:22-25). 2.…

The standard of the world in regards to wealth and riches is so much different than the standards of God. The world says that riches are measured in bank accounts, the size of the house, or the amount of other material possessions. God has always asked His people to consider how true wealth is measured. Consider three verses near the beginning of Proverbs 22. Proverbs 22:1 – “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor…