Marching Forth!

This is a picture I took in 2005 during my first trip to Israel of the theatre in Caesarea.  Though there are various accounts, this location may be the spot where Herod Agrippa was struck by God according to the historian Josephus (Josephus, Antiquities 19.8.2 343-361)  The biblical account is found in  Acts 12:21-24 :  " So on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and gave an oration to them.  22 And the people kept shouting, "The voice of a god and not of a man!" 23 Then immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied ."  There is debate over the exact malady which killed the proud ruler, but the Bible is clear Herod's grave, worm infested condition was God's judgment upon a man who denied God rightful glory. The people flattered Herod for his fine oration as a god who walked among them, and Josephus recorded h...

One of the first things which happened after followers of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was the healing of a lame man at the gate of the Temple.  Peter and John were going to the Temple at the hour of prayer when a beggar asked for money.   Acts 3:4-5 reads, " And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them ."  I imagine some people walked by the beggar as if he did not exist, and others dropped a coin into his lap without a word.  But Peter and John stopped and spoke to the man, and he gave them his full attention because he expected to receive something from them. The man had asked for money, but what Peter said next must have amazed him and all who stood by.   Acts 3:6-7 says, " Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." 7 And he took hi...

The Bible speaks of opening the "windows of heaven," and this is used in a literal and a metaphorical sense.  When God judged the earth in the days of Noah, the windows of heaven were opened to send a deluge of water which covered the planet ( Gen. 7:11 ).  This term is also stated figuratively in a promise to those who give their completed tithe in  Malachi 3:10 :  " Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, t hat there may be food in My house,  a nd try Me now in this,"  s ays the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven  a nd pour out for you such blessing  t hat there will not be room enough to receive it."   The windows of heaven are figurative, but when opened can provide quantifiable increase and fruitfulness from God. It appears the windows of heaven are able to pour out judgment upon the unbelieving wicked and blessing upon those who fear God and are obedient to Him.  There is only one other oc...

When someone strikes it rich with money and fame, it is commonly said they are "set for life."  This is spoken of inventors, musicians famous for a "one hit wonder," actors, athletes with multi-million dollar contracts, corporate executives, and people born into great wealth.  I understand what is meant by the phrase, but I believe it masks an obvious lie because it does not take eternity into account.  Money and fame in this world provide privilege and opportunities coveted by many, but they have a downside as well.  Fame opens doors as well as closes them.  Money is useful but has its limits, and its personal benefits perish when a man does. This morning I heard the beloved actress Carrie Fisher, famous for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars movies, suffered a massive heart attack and is in critical condition.  I pray for her recovery.  She is a world-famous actress whose net worth is counted in the millions, and some might say acting ...

Jesus often taught in parables, sharing profound spiritual truths through simple stories and illustrations.  These parables were much more than metaphors or a literary device designed to cleverly disguise the truth:  for those who believed Jesus, it would reveal truth from God impossible for unbelievers to comprehend.  God is the author and sole source of all divine wisdom, and He is the One who reveals Himself and provides guidance to those who trust in Him. Jesus said in John 10:1-6 :  " Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.   2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.   3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.   4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.   5 Yet they will by no ...

Christmas is a wonderful celebration of the best gift ever given:  Jesus Christ.  He has brought forgiveness, eternal life, and liberty to all who believe.  All in this life we love and appreciate is a gift from God who graciously loves us.  The things God gives are beyond price.  Family, relationships, and a joyous future cannot be earned or be bought with money.  We can trade these things for money and stuff, but that is another post.  The question is, do we appreciate the value of what God has given us? Placing value on gifts is very subjective.  There are gifts we appreciate more than others, perhaps because of the monetary resale value.  We can value gifts which were not expensive at all but show care and thoughtfulness of others toward us.  I have kept many gifts which have no monetary value at all but treasure them because they were given to me by a loved family member who has passed away.  Our memories of people can be p...

One thing I love after worshiping God with song is how a particular tune or lyric later will reverberate through my mind.  I often find myself unwittingly singing the song long after the service has ended.  Hailing from Southern California, it seems fitting to call this effect a "worship aftershock."  Experiencing communion and fellowship in the presence of God is a blessing beyond words. I have found when I am impacted by something it tends to be rehearsed in my mind.  For example, these memories could be a scene from a movie, a statement a person makes during a conversation, or a quote from a book I am reading.  If I can watch a movie without later reflecting on it or after reading a book no specifics high points come to mind, it obviously had little impact on me. There was a quote of J.C. Ryle in  Zeal Without Burnout by Christopher Ash which did stick with me.  Ryle said concerning "successful" Christian ministry as it appears in Zeal Without...