Derek Elkins Writes“As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;” Psalms 103:15 It’s been stated by poets and kings. Great playwrights have written of it and the ordinary man laments because of his predicament. Wherever you turn, people are worried about death. He knows that his days on earth […]
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 25:21 It’s interesting to note that Jesus had to restate this proverb to his listeners. And they still thought he taught like no one they’ve ever heard before. They just hadn’t thought of dealing […]
“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 Paul talks about it often. James brings the point to a head in his letter. Jesus talked about it as well. […]
“It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.” Proverbs 19:2 Imagine a salesman who is very excited about a product but doesn’t know anything about it. He really wants you to try the product, but when you ask him specific questions about the product, he […]
“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.” 2 Corinthians 6:3 No matter what spiritual gift you have or think you may have, no matter what job you are currently performing for God, your ministry affects other people. As such, you have a responsibility not only […]
“The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace.” Proverbs 13:5 As Christians, we need to be constantly on our guard against sin in our lives. As brothers in Christ, we need to be constantly on guard and ready to intercede if necessary. But what about the rest of the […]
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 God deserves the glory and God alone will receive the glory. Sometimes we ask for blessings and the blessings we looked for did not arrive. Sometimes we beg God […]
“The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without knowledge.” Proverbs 9:13 Foolishness often sounds inviting to those who get carried away by it. Foolishness is loud and annoying and drowns out the voice of wisdom and restraint. Gossip is foolishness. Participating in sin when you know that you shouldn’t is also foolishness. […]
“in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11 It’s so hard sometimes to remember that Christians do have a very real enemy named Satan. In this age of internalism, the only Satan we seem to believe in is the little satan in every […]
“Do not say to your neighbor, Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow— when you now have it with you.” Proverbs 3:28 We are living in a very selfish and yet odd society. When we want something, we want it now. But when it comes time to give something to someone else, the need […]