Scripture has its own set of despots who could rank well with the Hitlers, Stalins, and Saddam Husseins of more recent history. High on this list of infamous Bible tyrants is Jehoiakim, 18th king of Judah, ruler from 609–598 B.C. Jehoiakim was raised in the home of faithful King Josiah, […]

A famous preacher once said, “I wish that saints would cling to Christ half as earnestly as sinners cling to the devil. If we were as willing to suffer for God as some are willing to suffer for their lusts, what perseverance and zeal would be seen on all sides!” […]

Does God have a sense of humor? That question has been debated over time with no real resolution. All we know is that God certainly created laughter and humor when he gave people personalities. Looking at certain Bible verses, we can surmise that God has a humorous side: “If only […]

Well-known Broadway producer Jed Harris once became convinced he was losing his hearing. He visited a specialist who pulled out a gold watch and asked, “Can you hear this ticking?” “Of course,” Harris replied. The specialist walked to the door and asked the question again. Harris again answered, “Yes, I […]

Anyone who has ever prepared for a long vacation knows well the necessity of very careful planning.  Schedules are set, places to stay are reserved, and clothing is carefully chosen and neatly packed. Sufficient medication must be taken along, and maps and itineraries are reviewed again and again.  Meals are […]

What would our world be like if it didn’t include God’s blessing of music? Little do we realize how important music is to us. How many times each day aren’t we exposed to music? Music is a tool God gave us to provide praise to him. Just speaking praise would […]

It is interesting to study the history of the word devil.  It stems from the Greek term diabolos, which means “slanderous or accusing falsely.” From it we get our word diabolic.  Diabolos is then the root of the English word devil. The devil has been a slanderer from the beginning, […]

The story is told of a conversation between a farmer and God. God: Mr. Farmer, you are a righteous man and a generous giver. How much are you willing to give me? Farmer: Lord, I’ m willing to give you anything you ask for. God: If you had a hundred […]

One of the tragedies of childhood is waiting to be picked for a sports team. There’s nothing more embarrassing than being left as the last one chosen. Those with special popularity usually get picked first—often regardless of their talent. We can be thankful that God doesn’t choose his team that […]

Someone once wrote that greed is a fat demon with a small mouth and no matter what you feed it, it is never satisfied. The sin of greed is rampant today, just as it was in the Bible. Judas was a prime example of the rewards that come to the […]