Yesterday, I teased that I would explain today why we no longer need to cast lots to determine God’s will. Today’s Bible reading* answers that question. On the Day of Pentecost, God fulfilled His promise to pour out His Spirit on all kinds of people, not just special people. Way back in Joel 2:28-29, God…
Several years ago, I was between jobs and thought I’d “cast a fleece” similar to what Gideon did. (Judges 6:36–40) I had been out of vocational ministry for several years and wondered if I should pursue a “secular” job or a “church” job. I had just begun the preparation for a retreat I would attend…
I’m sure they meant well, but Jesus has some choice words for His Disciples in today’s Bible reading*. Parents bring their children to Jesus and the Disciples try to turn them away. Jesus responds in a way we wouldn’t expect — at least those who see Jesus as only a mild-mannered only-loving Savior. Mark says…
Peter addresses his persecuted, exiled readers (1 Peter 2:11) in today’s Bible reading* and tells his readers to submit to every human authority. Some time ago I commented on the historical context around the middle of the First Century. I mentioned Nero was the Roman Emperor at the time. Under Nero’s reign, Christians were persecuted far beyond…
A common concern for many Christians is finding God’s will. They read books. They listen to Bible teachers. They go on retreats. They fast. They pray, “God, I want to know your will. Show me your will.” Many years ago, I learned an important principle in knowing and doing God’s will. Actually, the principle was…
In today’s Bible reading, John tells us about Jesus’ encounter with a man who was born blind. The Jewish leaders asked Jesus about the source of his blindness. Was it his sin or his parents’ sin? Evidently, these First Century Jewish leaders believed there was a connection between sin and physical ailments. They were partially…
