Heavenly Moon Signs
The inspired psalmist wrote that “the heavens declare the glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) From Genesis 1 we know that God created two great heavenly lights, as well as other lights to “be for signs… Heavenly Moon Signs
Praying in the Darkness
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Many prayers in the Psalms are offered by people going through difficult times; but most of them express a measure of confidence and end on a note of hope. That… Praying in the Darkness
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep.”… How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone,
O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
(Psalm 4:8)
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep.”
Our first reaction to these words may be, “Well, of course David slept in peace. He was the king of Israel; powerful, popular, wealthy. He lived in a palace. People referred to him as David the Giant Killer. He had no real worries.” However, when David wrote Psalm 4, he was not living in a palace or even in Jerusalem. Instead, he was fleeing for his life from his own son Absalom. Yet, amid such hardship and heartache, David was still able to sleep in peace. How? Psalm 4 provides the answer.How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Preparing A Chamber
Circuit-riding should not be totally unknown to us. Modern competition cowboys ride circuits as well as horses and bulls. Judges in the sparsely populated Old West traveled their circuits of responsibility. And so did some… Preparing A Chamber
The Value of Rest and Quietness
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
“Don’t just sit there—do something!”
This familiar adage applies in many situations. The crops won’t plant themselves in the spring. The cereal spilled all over the floor isn’t going to clean up itself. “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.”
(2 Thessalonians 3:10)
This axiom, however, does not apply at all to our being saved. Our ego finds that hard to swallow. This goes beyond the commendable inclination to be responsible and clean up after ourselves; it’s also a sinful pride thing. We would like to be able to take at least a little credit for saving ourselves—or perhaps more than just a little.
In the challenges they faced with their enemies, Israel sought security through making alliances with other nations. Maybe swift horses would be the answer!The Value of Rest and Quietness
Frankincense
“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 As a boy, I often puzzled over the gifts of the Magi. Gold was certainly a treasure.… Frankincense
The “Who, Me?” Syndrome
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT When I was attending grade school, some of the biggest infractions were chewing gum in class, throwing chalk, and running in the hallways. When caught, most kids were quick to… The “Who, Me?” Syndrome
Following God with All Our Heart Begins with Repentance and Faith
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT In the history of the kings that followed King David, those kings are often compared to him. Sometimes it is by contrast: “. . . [Abijam] was not loyal to the Lord his… Following God with All Our Heart Begins with Repentance and Faith
“Purge Me with Hyssop”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT THE HYSSOP PLANT is mentioned twelve times in Scripture1—ten times in the Old Testament and twice in the New. The most familiar reference may be Psalm 51:7, where David writes,… “Purge Me with Hyssop”