You and I need nothing on this earth like more of the Holy Spirit.  Do we need to love an unlovely person?  Do we need extra patience?  Could we use a little peace in the midst of chaos? 

Exodus 36:1-7 tells about two very important contractors, Bezalel and Oholiab.  God picked them by nonnegotiable and perfect design as His servants to furnish His dwelling place. 

James and John asked Jesus if He wanted them to call down fire from heaven and destroy a Samaritan village that did not welcome Him.

The body of Christ is in desperate need of sound teaching—teaching that matures us in Christ. 

Yesterday some of our dear friends and co-workers in student ministry announced that God is leading them in a new direction, which involves attending seminary in another state.  There were many tears, as this young couple is dearly loved. 

As I sit here and ponder the news as of late, my heart becomes heavily burdened.  From Michael Jackson and Anna Nicole Smith to the latest media frenzy, the rich and famous don’t seem to be holding up too well. 

Luke 7 invites us to dine at the table of contrast.  We witness Christ in relation to two people, both equally loved by the One who sent His Son to dinner that night. 

Contented and prosperous.  Who could ask for anything more?  In Babylon, life doesn’t get any better than that. 

James 1:21 says to “humbly accept the word planted in you.”  In other words, “be teachable!”  “Receive instruction!”

Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Peter called believers in Christ “living stones.”  The New Testament contains several different Greek words for rock. 

Most of us can readily testify to at some time having been in the worst of circumstances and experiencing peace, or in the best of circumstances and lacking it. 

Unparalleled joy and victory come from allowing Christ to do “the hard thing” with us.  Perhaps nothing is harder than forgiveness.