Wise Counsel about Truth and Hypocrisy


Luke 12 Jesus reveals the hypocrisy of the Pharisees to his disciples and provides warning signs that they, too, could become just as counterfeit in their faith. To remain pure and true, Jesus repeatedly says “do not and do” in light of how they are to walk and live in the world. Hypocrites say one […]

Commandments are Required, Traditions are not.


Mark 7 The religious leaders challenged Jesus about hand washing and asked him:   “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders but eat with eat with unwashed hands?”  [Mk 7:5] Jesus shows us how we can answer those questions from so-called religious people about why we do or do not do certain things. Jesus carefully reminded them that nowhere did Moses command […]

Reconciliation or Steadfast unforgiveness?


Obadiah 1, Ps 82-83 “An Unforgiving Heart” Edom is the land of Esau, the twin of Jacob. Jacob stole Esau’s birthright as well as his father’s blessing. Esau fostered this hatred throughout his nation, and they carried a bitter grudge for centuries. Outwardly, Esau acted like he forgave Jacob when he returned home, but years […]

Rejection and Decisions


1Sam 13-14 How do we handle rejection? The people rejected Samuel in favor of a king. God reminded him that they were not rejecting him but God Himself. That is a powerful lesson for us to remember when we, too, face rejection. Samuel’s humble character is revealed in how he faced this. He went to […]