HOKMA is the Hebrew word for wisdom
But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. (Micah 3:8) As I grow older, I want to become more dependent on God and filled with his power, not my own. I desire … Read more
The pride of your heart has deceived you … you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ (Obadiah 3) The prideful heart believes a lie, saying, “I will never fall because my accomplishments are so amazing!”The humble heart accepts the truth, saying, “I may fall, no matter how much success … Read more
Photo by Tom Wilson on Unsplash “This is why…” (1 Timothy 4:10) Motivation is everything because nothing happens without it. All actions—even the impulsive ones—are prompted by something in our head/heart/soul (call it whatever you want!). Paul knew the importance of being properly motivated for doing the work of God. There are at least two … Read more
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15) Jesus was the promised Messiah, the incarnated Son of God, and the Savior of the world. We are the sinners, those who need saving. This teaching is not just the starting line for faith. … Read more
“They will eat but not have enough; they will engage in prostitution but not flourish.” (Hosea 4:10) Ultimately, living apart from God will not lead to satisfaction or growth. We can have all the food in the world and still not have enough if we aren’t honoring God. We can pursue every sexual desire (prostitution) … Read more
When I was a Sophomore in high school, I went to Haiti on a mission trip with my youth group. It was an amazing life-changing experience! One of our projects was to help build a wooden gazebo. We needed to sand a ton of wood by hand, and we were working alongside other Haitian high … Read more
During a curious encounter with an unfruitful fig tree, Jesus admonishes the disciples to have more faith: ““Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it … Read more
I’m the head coach for a youth football team—my youngest sons are on the team. Everything is going great, except we don’t have as many wins as we would like. When I say we don’t have as many wins as we’d like, I mean that we don’t have ANY wins. We are 0-6. Other than … Read more
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4) There are two different approaches to suffering and sadness. One is healthy, and the other isn’t. The unhealthy attitude is the COMPENSATION approach. It views life as a struggle (which it is), but we’ll be compensated in heaven. Truth is, eternity will be … Read more
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) For the original audience, this would have been a shocking statement. It should also be shocking to us! First, this teaching was (and is) counterintuitive. How can a spiritually poor person possess a spiritual kingdom? Common sense – in this … Read more
The most popular beatitudes in Scripture are found in Matthew chapter 5. Jesus begins the sermon on the mount with 8 amazing statements that are both beautiful and shocking. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help increase your understanding. The beatitudes are simple, reducing life to a cause-and-effect formula. “Blessed is … Read more
YES! Jesus wants you to be happy! What is happiness and how do we get there? This seems like an easy question! Everyone wants to be happy. Here’s where things get interesting: that are conflicting ideas on how to get there. Some people love to be liked, and their happiness grows with their popularity. Others … Read more
As a kid, I was a terrible baseball player. That didn’t keep my dad from always being there for me. He even coached some of my teams. What I lacked in talent I made up for with unbridled energy and enthusiasm. I remember one game in particular. My dad was a little late to the … Read more
“… an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade.” (1 Peter 1:4) When our hope is in the world and its empty promises, we will always be unsatisfied. Our destiny is disappointment when we live for physical pleasures, emotional highs, and mental diversions. These things are temporary because they are grounded in us—our perspectives, … Read more
Solomon’s reign was the “golden age” of Israel, but there was a heavy price: the people were overworked and looking for relief. The elders counseled Rehoboam to ease up the pressure. This would win the hearts of the people … they would be his loyal servants. Rehoboam rejected the elders. He then asked youngers, who … Read more
“I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.” (2 John 12) John used the technology of his time—paper and ink—to influence others. He also knew that … Read more
Would you agree that trust is essential for any significant relationship? Of course it is! If you look at the people closest to you, they are the ones who have earned your trust. When a person breaks your trust, you stop relying on them. God is looking for people he can trust. Jesus trusted John … Read more
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16) Jesus ends the parable of the workers with a promise that turns everything upside down because it’s countercultural and counterintuitive. Externally, our culture pulls us to think “me first!” We only need to look as far as our family, friends, media … Read more