Consider this

               She had no right to be there.   After all, this gathering was for the religious and the elite of the town and she was neither of those things.   In fact, “sinner” was the word that most people used when describing her.                 Not only was she out of place at Simon the Pharisee’s house, but she also made a spectacle of herself. First, she went to the place where Jesus was seated, fell down behind him and began crying so loudly that everyone could hear her.   Then, unbelievably, she touched Jesus!   Women of that day did not even hold their husband’s hand in public, yet she fell on Jesus and poured expensive perfume on him!   Lastly, she did the unthinkable! ...

                A hammer is a simple tool, but it can be used to create elaborate structures.   Smiling is a simple act, but it can change interactions between people.   A simple rhyme can help us remember information such as, “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”.   Simple words can convey deep and important concepts.                   Similarly, God’s message to us is not difficult to understand.   It does, however, have an impact that goes far beyond the simple wording.   Consider these three simple, but huge, statements.                 First, Jesus is Lord.   Jesus claimed that, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18) and Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no long...

                  Though his name appears only three times in the New Testament, you ought to know Epaphras.   What is said of him is not only interesting, but instructive.                   For example, Colossians 4:12-13 says, “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.   I vouch for him that he is working hard for you”.                 The first thing to notice is that Epaphras is commended for his hard work in prayer for the church.   Sadly, I must admit that I do not always ...

                   “You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29).                 These words are somewhat surprising because Jesus said them to the religious leaders of his day.   This should be a warning to all of us.   It is easy to be mislead and not understand what God is doing around us.   Fortunately, Jesus’ diagnosis of the problem also leads us to at least a couple of the solutions.                 First, he points out that they did not know the scriptures.   This is not abnormal.   In fact, when we become involved with a religious system, or when we find ourselves surrounde...

                Life can be difficult.   Sometimes it seems that you just about get all the puzzle pieces in place and then something comes along and shakes everything up again.   There is always another problem or something more to worry about or sort out.   For those who feel this way, the Bible offers a one-word prescription:   Rejoice!                 Let me be perfectly clear: “Rejoice” does not mean “Be fake” or “deny reality”.   Pretending that nothing is wrong will not help anything.   Rejoice, though, is a reminder to focus on your blessings and not just your problems.                 Writing from prison, where he was un...

                  From the moment that God told Abraham to leave his home and follow him (Genesis 12:1-3), God’s people have understood that they are on a journey.                 That being true, the essential question becomes, “How are you making that journey?”   T here are two options: You can be a tourist or you can be a pilgrim.                   Tourists leave their real life behind for a little while so that they can visit another place.   Generally, they travel in groups and do not mix much with the local people.   They hit the highlights of various regions, but they do not really experience what it is like to live in that part of t...

                Much of the book of Revelation is confusing. However, some things are not only clear, but critical to our understanding of God’s message.                 In chapter five, John sees a vision of the throne room of heaven in which a mighty angel appears and asks, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?” (verse 2).   The scroll contains the message of God.   It needs to be heard.   Unfortunately, though they search heaven and earth, no one can do the job (verse 3).                 Then, something changes.   John is told that, “The Lion of the tribe of Judah… has triumphed.   He is able to open th...