Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands. . . . . — 1 Thessalonians 4:11Have you noticed that most of the Ten Commandments begin with a neg
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:17-28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. — Ephesians 4:28Can you guess what th
Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:15; Joshua 7:16-26“You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15The story of Achan in Joshua 7 is very disturbing. During the battle for Jericho, Achan steals an ornate robe along with a hoard of silver and gold. Knowing h
Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:21-33This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church. — Ephesians 5:32On weekday evenings, my wife, Vicki, and I can usually be found in our favorite seats in our living room, with Vicki
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:27-30“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” — Matthew 5:29Many years ago, the Christian college I attended did not allow dancing. To skirt this rule, “foot functions” were somet
Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:14; Genesis 2:4-25A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. — Genesis 2:24If atoms are the so-called “building blocks” of matter, what are atoms made of? Scientists h
Scripture Reading — Luke 10:25-37“Am I my brother’s keeper?” — Genesis 4:9Sometimes we recognize that two things are closely related or even the same, although they appear to be different— and we describe them by saying they are like two sides
Scripture Reading — Matthew 5:21-22“I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” — Matthew 5:22As we learn from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5, the commandment “You shall not murder” addresses not on
Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:13; Genesis 4:1-10“What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” — Genesis 4:10One of my guilty pleasures is to watch crime shows on Friday evenings while enjoying chocolate an
Scripture Reading — Romans 13:1-7Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. — Romans 13:1Throughout history, most cultures around the world have understood the family
Scripture Reading — Proverbs 23:22-25Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. — Proverbs 23:22Some years ago, as our nearly adult daughter was on the verge of “leaving the nest,” I mentioned som
Scripture Reading — Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. — Ephesians 6:1Have you ever noticed that most of the Ten Commandments forbid certain behaviors while only some call for positive acti
