While Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: …” Exodus 19:3 In the Scriptures, the “mountain” is often the place where God reveals himself and his will to a person. Following such a revelation, the person was to go down the mountain and begin to implement God’s revealed plan. Such was the case with the man Moses. God revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai. In that revelation, God gave to his servant his holy Law, which in turn was to … Continue reading “Coming Down from the Mountain”
Month: July 2017
The Discipline of Elimination
Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which clings so closely. Hebrews 12:1 Neither the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostles, nor the first-century Christians could live a successful and faithful life without eliminating everything and anything that might hinder their calling. Thus Jesus warned his followers: “If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it … Continue reading “The Discipline of Elimination”
Seeing Christ in His Followers
The love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 The Thessalonian Christians became known for their faith in God and their love for one another. Paul, the church’s founder, says to them, “we … give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” Clearly, the love of Christ was shining through these early believers. Haven’t you noticed the same, in those whose walk with Christ is a close one? Christians shouldn’t put on “airs”; however, … Continue reading “Seeing Christ in His Followers”
Pruned to Produce
“And every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2 NASB Anyone would have to be a sadomasochist to enjoy being cut on. I have only undergone a surgeon’s knife once in my adult life, and then, of course, I had the benefits of modern-day anesthesia. I didn’t feel a thing. It has been quite the contrast in my walk with Christ for over a half-century. Often my Vinedresser has taken up his knife and deftly removed what would hinder growth and fruitfulness. Unlike physical surgery, accompanied by anesthesia, I have felt … Continue reading “Pruned to Produce”