Golden Words

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold

In settings of silver.

Proverbs 25:11

The ability to say the right word at the right time is a special skill.  We may think of those perfectly timed and beautifully put speeches of history.  Speeches like the Gettysburg Address and the “I have a Dream Speech” still ring in the ears as relevant and full of impact to this very moment.   On more personal occasions, we know the power of a person who gives the right word of encouragement, tenderness or a rebuke at just the right moment.  Scripture tells that these moments are not magical moments of coincidence – they are the result of being steeped in God’s word and attentive to the situation which is before us.  Being attentive, patient, and filled with God’s word will give us the opportunity to speak words which outweigh precious metals in their value.

Rock and Roll and Right Choices

Prepare your outside work,
Make it fit for yourself in the field;
And afterwards build your house.
Proverbs 24:27

Many stories are told of Jimi Hendrix, the great rock and roll guitarist of the sixties.  One of the stories that goes around is that he would occasionally pawn his guitar to satisfy some immediate desire.  This meant that whoever was trying to get him to the next show would often have to find out where his guitar was pawned and redeem it for him before he could play another gig.  It seems strange because the guitar was Jimi’s major source of income.  It seems that you would want to pawn absolutely ANYTHING before choosing to pawn the one thing that was likely to bring you the income needed to redeem what you pawned.  This is the purpose of this parable.  The “outside work” in this case would be attending to that which will provide for your needs and generate income.  The next step after that is to build and prepare your house.  This simple choice to keep things in order will keep life balanced between income and expense.  Or as Charles Dickens put it in his wonderful book David Copperfield: “Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen pounds nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds nought and six, result misery."

New Book: Why am I Still Here?

This book is a new look at the issues faced by the elderly, the disabled, and the infirmed..  It is a resource to any and all who may be facing a new phase of ministry with any set of physical limitations. This book is also designed to be a guide to anyone who has someone in their life who faces these types of challenges.  

If you are interested in this book you can find it at Amazon.com in both print and Kindle editions.  You may also write to request a copy in another format.

Click here to go to the page at Amazon.

It is my prayer that this book would encourage the Lord's most mighty and tried warriors to be encouraged and to be more highly esteemed by the body of Christ.

Of Wine and Idolatry

Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup,

When it swirls around smoothly;

At the last it bites like a serpent,

And stings like a viper.

Proverbs 23:31-32

While the choice to drink alcohol is an area of liberty in Scripture there is no question at all that drunkenness is outside of God’s will for mankind.  There is an interesting feature in the process of addiction wherein the substance in question becomes truly beautiful to the addicted person.  Once this goes further it becomes the only beautiful or attractive thing.  Whether that be alcohol, caffeine or any other substance or behavior that we may become dependent upon, aside from dependence upon the Lord.  Alcohol is and obvious addiction but there are several other potential addictions that can be just as destructive such as drugs, television, pornography, or exercise and diet.  There are any number of things which can slowly but surely move from their place as a good thing to something deeply admired, to something that is idolized.  The subtle process of slipping into idolatry is a gradual road to destruction that becomes deeply noticeable when we spend time just gazing in awe at that thing – be  it a drug, an activity, a relationship or an action.

Seeing Jesus in the Book of Psalms

The information about Jesus doesn't start in the book of Matthew. Far from it! The clearest picture we get of Jesus Christ is from the Old Testament! The book of Psalms is particularly packed with amazing and important information about Jesus Christ. Come to learn more about He who comes as Savior, Shepherd, and Sovereign of the world. A deeper understanding of these three inspired poems will change the way that you look at your Savior forever.
This study is designed to draw you into Scripture with fresh insights and penetrating questions. It is an equally effective tool both as an individual self-study or as a group study.

A Minute for the Bible - The Branch Abides

Good Work Done Well

Do you see a man who excels in his work?

He will stand before kings;

He will not stand before unknown men.

Proverbs 22:29

A dear friend of mine used to be fond of saying: “Work fascinates me…I could watch it all day!”  And no matter how many times he said it I would laugh.  As time passes I realize how much truth is hidden in that little joke.  Watching someone who has truly mastered their work through discipline and effort is a special pleasure.  Whether this is something that is a person’s profession or simply their hobby is immaterial.  Seeing the careful effort applied with wisdom and hard work is always something that is noteworthy.  While this world may emphasize the “quick buck” the word of God always glorifies steady, constructive, hard work.