Feb 1
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benhuwer added a text contribution seeds of different seasonsI have read this story countless times and I have always thought the seeds referenced different types of people. But when I stopped long enough to reflect on which type of seed I am, I just realized that Jesus might be referring to the different seasons of our lives. I suppose some people might always be like the footpath, but I think that if you are growing in God, you might be best described by different seeds at different points in your spiritual journey. I am hopeful to become the fertile… Read more » -
benhuwer added a text contribution are you listening...really listening?The closer we listen (seek the truth), the more understanding we are given (the truth is revealed). We must be deliberate and diligent in our efforts if we ever expect to grow in God. I can speak to this first hand, as I would classify my spiritual journey thus far as simply being along for the ride...a passive passenger at best. I am finally starting to realize that the avenues of this world do not lead past the gates of the kingdom. If we truly wish to locate the kingdom, we need to take th… Read more »
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benhuwer added a text contribution spiritual doctorThis is by far my favorite quote from Jesus..."Healthy people don't need a doctor--sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners." I believe this verse very clearly encapsulates his divine purpose...the Good News! It seems our culture has been putting all of our faith in physical doctors ability to attend to our health and extend our lives, while we have been turning away from our spiritual doctor and Savior Jesu… Read more »
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benhuwer added a text contribution judges bewareWow, as much as I know I should heed this warning, this is one of the hardest struggles I have on a daily basis. We are all sinners, none more or less in God's eye, so why do I insist on condemning others, when I am just as guilty? Lord, I pray that I can remain aware of how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient you are with me...so that I can not only turn from sin myself, but also leave the judgment of other to you. Read more »
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benhuwer added a text contribution sometime you have to fightJacob was not your typical hero...he certainly had a colorful past, but he fought for all he deemed important. He worked tirelessly to build a new life for himself and his family, but didn't hesitate to pick up it all at God's advice and turn around to face his past. He had amazing faith and even more guts, which along with his strong will transformed him into Israel. He knew the importance of God's blessing in his life and he would do anything to secure it, even if it meant a… Read more »
Jan 29
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While Jacob certainly had a few character flaws, he sure was patient and persistent. Fourteen years...wow, that is patient love exemplified (and two wives is definitely persistence). This story helps to remind me that everyone has redeeming qualities, you might just have to look harder with some people. We are not perfect, but we are all made in God's image! Read more »
Jan 28
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benhuwer added a text contribution wicked righteousnessAmazing! After paying off Judas to betray Jesus, they suddenly have a moral dilemma about taking back the money for the Temple treasury??? And then, when Judas repented, they told him to get lost, essentially rejecting one of their core duties as priests. How easy it is for mankind to justify moral amendments to suit our own self interests, while at the same time maintaining our coveted self righteousness. Read more »
Jan 27
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benhuwer added a text contribution the decreeHow crazy is it to think that a decree was established to wipe out an entire race of people and that they scheduled it a year in advance! In contrast, our society gets worked up over the pending doom and gloom of "y2k" or the "big switch"! Read more »
Jan 25
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It must have been more than a coincidence that Isaac lied about Rebekah claiming she was his sister as Abraham did with Sarah. Even if he did pick up this trick from his father, I still don't understand why he employed it. It didn't fare well for Abraham either! I understand that he was scared, but you would think he would have learned a lesson from his father, not to repeat it. I'm surprised that as blessed as they both were by God, that they would feel the need to enter into… Read more »
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benhuwer added a text contribution my words will never disappearJesus says, "See, I have warned you about this ahead of time." Oh how we are deceived! I'm sure even some of the most devout believers will be deceived in the end. Where does that leave me? I know that I am just in the beginning phase of developing a true spiritual foundation based on the Word; however, this text doesn't discourage me, it motivates me to step up my efforts. The Word is not only an offensive tool to develop ones faith, but also a defensive weapon in spirit… Read more »