From: August 14, 2015
Being a gospel preacher or missionary is a faith venture. The call to ministry is answered with no salary guarantee. The apostle Paul had preached the gospel to the people of Corinth, yet never asked for payment. He worked night and day making tents, so he could offer the gospel freely. However, other preachers had come to Corinth claiming superior status and demanding payment. Apparently, these preachers disparaged Paul’s credibility as an apostle, so that he had to remind the Corinthians that he was the one who had first led them to faith. In America today, a very small minority of “preachers” profit from the gospel message giving a bad name to the office. However, the vast majority of true gospel preachers struggle as Paul did trying to survive on meager offerings, while at the same time trying to train up new believers to support the very ministry which led them to eternal life. Do you support those who preach the gospel?
From: August 14, 2014
This is how the people of God responded to the Word of God being opened after they had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. How we respond to the Book reveals much about our hearts. For some, the Bible is just a collection of myths and human sayings. For others, it is a good book, yet still not to be taken too literally. Yet, for others, it is the very Word of God, worthy of study, meditation, memorization and application to their lives. Does your heart stand up to hear the Word? Does your tongue utter, “Amen,” at its reading. Does your will bow down to follow its instruction?
From: August 14, 2012
The Jews had been exiled in Babylon for 70 years. Being back in Jerusalem, gathered together for a public reading of God’s Word, they were overcome with emotion. They stood as one man with tears pouring down their faces to hear the Word. They no longer took for granted the freedom to worship their God. I suppose it’s human nature not to appreciate such freedom until it’s lost. Of all people in human history, our generation has had more access to the Bible than any other. I wonder, do we “rise to our feet” to hear it?
From: August 14, 2011
How the people of God should always respond at the opening of His Book. Do you take it for granted? What a miraculous blessing to have the written Word to read!