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“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…

From the depths of prison, the Apostle Paul was able to pen one of the most encouraging epistles known to man. It was a letter to Christians and their need to always rejoice in the salvation they had in Christ. In Philippians 2 specifically, we are given the picture of the joy that comes from humble service. It should come as no surprise that Paul would turn to the captain of our salvation as the ultimate example of humble service.…

It’s not a question of if we’ll struggle and suffer; it’s a matter of when. That may be a reality we recognize in our lives, but it can be an altogether different matter when actually facing those times. How can we face our struggles with faith and strength in the Lord? (cf. Ephesians 6:10). How can we intentionally entrust our souls to a faithful God when we’re struggling? (cf. 1 Peter 4:19). Here are four rock-solid principles from God’s word…

A single event is recorded three times in the book of Acts – the Holy Spirit wanted us to not miss its significance! The conversion of Saul of Tarsus can be read in Acts chapters 9, 22, and 26. Of interest, Acts 9 is given through the perspective of one who was not there, but accurately provides details of the event. In Acts 22 and 26, the perspective is first-hand, re-told by Paul himself, and tells exactly what happened and…