AT A BAZAAR IN NORTHERN INDIA, an old farmer brought in a whole covey of quail. He had tied a string around one leg of each bird. The other ends of all the strings were tied to a ring which fit loosely over a central stick. He had taught the quail to walk dolefully in a circle, around and around, like mules at a sugarcane mill. Nobody seemed interested in buying the birds until along came a devout Brahman. He believed in the Hindu idea of respect for all life, so his heart of compassion went out to those poor little creatures walking in monotonous circles.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Theology
A Disappointing Discovery
Will it be well when God examines your life, or will it be a disappointing discovery? I can’t speak for you because I have no idea. . . . Is that going to be a disappointing discovery, or will it be well with you?
Read MoreThe Unseen Enemy
Job does not deserve even the suggestion of mistreatment. He has walked faithfully with God, certainly in his adult years. He is now the best of the best, “greatest of all the men of the east.” On top of all that, he is a humble servant of God.
Read MoreThe Accuser
Verses 1 to 5 are full of good news, wonderful blessing, business integrity, purity of heart, faithfulness of life. The man is spiritually mature, domestically diligent, and professionally respected.
Read MoreGod at Work
Memucan wanted an edict prohibiting Queen Vashti from ever entering King Xerxes’ presence again written into the law of the Medes and the Persians—the law which can never be changed.
Read MoreTwo Solemn Reminders
After recording these dire predictions, spoken by the Lord through Elijah, the writer of 1 Kings gives this commentary on the lives of Ahab and Jezebel: “Surely there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil . . .”
Read MoreThe Risk in Grace
Is grace risky? You bet your life it is. I am well aware that this issue of grace is indeed controversial; especially when I am calling for a new awakening to the freedom Christians have in Christ. A few will take what I write about grace and go crazy with it.
Read MoreGrace for the Sinful
For the next few moments, graze slowly over this paragraph of truth recorded by Paul in the letter to the Ephesians. Take your time. Don’t hurry.
Read MoreA Surprising Answer to Prayer
Many years ago one of my mentors told me a story I have never forgotten. A missionary was home on furlough, traveling by car from church to church.
Read MoreGod Means It for Good
After a lengthy bout with despair, severe depression, and suicide attempts, writer and poet William Cowper (1731–1800) discovered comfort in God’s providence, which led him to write “Shining out of Darkness.”
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