More Than Enough to Eat

In Matthew 14, we are told about Jesus feeding 5000 men and their wives and children. These people had followed Jesus into a desert area. It was evening, and everyone was hungry. Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fishes and fed the entire crowd.     This was a great miracle. With very little food, Jesus had been able to feed a very large crowd. In fact, he made so much food that when everyone had eaten all that they wanted to eat, twelve full baskets of leftovers were collected. Jesus had made more food than everyone could eat. Jesus had not just made enough for what he knew the people could eat. He had more than what he knew they could eat.     He does the same with spiritual blessings today (Ephesians 1:3). He has made available more blessings than we can ever use. In Ezekiel 34:26, he calls them “showers of blessings.” We can feed on his blessings continuously, and yet never use them up. There will always be more available.     Make sure you know how to take advantage of all of the spiritual blessings God gives us. Read your Bible. Study it. Get the wisdom of God. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mother and Father Forsake

The love of a mother and father is one of the greatest and most forceful things in the world. In most instances, a mothers and fathers will do almost anything for their children. Parents also believe that they are parents as long as they live and as long as their children live. However, sometimes parents will forsake a child. It may be because they do not have proper love. It may be because their child has done something that they cannot accept. The child may have done some terrible thing. Yet, sometimes it may not be because the child has done something terrible. There are times that a parent may forsake a child for the wrong reason. A parent may not properly understand something the child has done or believes. In biblical times, many people did not believe in the One True God. They did not believe in Jesus. When a child decided to follow God, the parents may have forsaken the child. “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up” (Psalm 27:10). David stated that even if his parents forsook him that God would not. God is our Heavenly Father. He will never forsake us if we are true to Him. In Mark 10:29-30, we read, “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the …

Eating Up the Sin of the People

Under the Mosaical Law, the priests were allowed to eat a portion of animal sacrifice of certain sacrifices. The animal would be boiled in water. The priest was allowed to put a three pronged fork into the pot. Whatever he was able to pull out with his fork was considered his to eat.     The prophet Hosea gave the Israelites the word of condemnation from God. In 4:8, God says that the priests “eat up the sin of my people.” The priests were setting their hearts on the iniquity of the people. The priests of the northern kingdom were so wicked they were encouraging the people to sin. The more the people sinned, the more animal sacrifices the people would bring to cover their sins. The more animal sacrifices brought, the more the priests would get to eat.     There are some religious organizations that have done similar things throughout time. Some would allow people to pay money to cover their sins. A person could even pay ahead of time to cover sins that were going to be committed. The religious leaders became very wealthy by doing this. We should never encourage anyone to sin. We should only discourage sin. We should do all we can to help others avoid sinning.     Do not be like the evil priests and the evil people of Hosea’s time. Study your Bible. Learn what to do to obey God, and if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help …

First Ripe Fig

“And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up” (Isaiah 28:4). Isaiah is prophesying of the fall of the northern kingdom, Israel. He is telling them that they are going to be destroyed. This destruction will be swift. There is nothing that they can do to prevent it, except repent and turn to God.     The ‘hasty fruit’ mentioned in verse four is from the Hebrew for first ripe fig. The first figs to ripen were eagerly anticipated. There had been no fresh fruit for months, and the people were always eager to eat fresh fruit. When the first figs were ripe, people would pick them off the tree and gulp them down. They ate them very quickly because they loved the taste. Each of us probably has some food that we tend to gulp down.     Isaiah says that Israel will be gulped down like that first ripe fig. Their destruction will be very fast. The enemy will see their treasures and eagerly and easily take them. The people will be taken captive. Isaiah was very sad to tell the people about this. Yet, the people made fun of him. They did not listen.     Many people will be just like Israel. They will not follow and obey God. They will be gulped down by Satan at …

Elders of Capernaum

In Luke 7:1-10, we read about Jesus healing a servant of a centurion. The centurion had heard about Jesus and his abilities. Evidently, he believed that Jesus was a great man of God because the centurion said he was not worthy that Jesus should enter into his house. He also said he was not worthy to come to Jesus in person. The centurion stated that Jesus only had to speak the words and his servant would be healed. The centurion had sent the elders of Capernaum to Jesus to represent him. He hoped that these leaders of the Jews would be able to convince Jesus to heal his servant. These elders willingly went to Jesus. They stated that the centurion was a good man. They said the centurion loved Israel and had even built them a synagogue. It is interesting that these elders evidently did not want Jesus to come for his teachings. They simply wanted to get Jesus to heal the centurion’s servant. There is no indication that these leaders of the Jews ever accepted Christ’s teaching. In Matthew 11:23, Capernaum is condemned because of its unbelief. In that passage, Jesus says that if the great works He had done in Capernaum had been done in Sodom, Sodom would have repented. He says Sodom would still be standing because of that repentance. Yet, those in Capernaum were condemned. It had opportunity to hear the teachings of Jesus and to see the marvelous miracles He performed. They were Jews. They were supposed to be looking for the Messiah, but they refused to believe Jesus. Study your Bible. Learn …

Find Just One Man

“Run ye to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places, thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth; and I will pardon it. And though they say, The Lord liveth; surely they swear falsely” (Jeremiah 5:1-2).     Many years before this, Abraham had asked God to spare a city from destruction if he could find 10 righteous individuals. God had said he would spare Sodom from destruction if Abraham could find that few righteous individuals.     Jeremiah is told to go throughout Jerusalem and find just one righteous man. Jerusalem was supposed to be the city of God. God’s Temple was in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was the capital city of Judah. These people were the chosen people of God.     Yet, God said that not one righteous person could be found there. And he told Jeremiah that even if he could find someone who professed to follow God, that the person was lying.     How sad that God’s people had gone so far from God. All of the people were wicked. They were wise in evil doing, but ignorant of righteousness.     This shows that even those who profess to follow God can be liars. It shows that just saying you are a follower of God is not enough. You must obey God to truly be a follower.     Study your Bible. Learn what is necessary to obey God. Then …

Hungry Lions

The well-known event in biblical history is Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6). Daniel had grown in favor with Darius the king. Daniel was preferred over all the presidents and princes of the Persian Empire. The other presidents and princes became very jealous of Daniel. Therefore, they came up with a plan to bring destruction to Daniel.     No one was to ask a god or man anything for anything. Only Darius could be approached as a god. Darius, of course, thought this was a wonderful idea. He signed the decree and made it law.     Daniel continued to pray to God as he had always done. Because of this, Darius had him thrown to the lions. However, God closed the lions’ mouths so that they did not eat Daniel. Darius could not sleep that night because he was sure that Daniel would be killed by the lions. Early the next morning, Darius ran to the den and asked Daniel if he is still alive. He was happy when Daniel answered.     Darius then took all of the other presidents and princes and their wives and children and threw them into the den of lions. There were 120 princes and two presidents. If all of them were married, that would make 244 people. Normally, the princes would be middle aged to older. Thus, many of them probably had children. If each only had one child, that would bring the total to 366 people.     As you can imagine, …

A Lamb in a Large Place

In Hosea 4:16, God says he is going to feed Israel like a lamb in a large place. Now, on first reading that sounds good. It sounds like God is going to give them all they can eat. And that He is giving them a large place to live.     But, you need to understand something about such a statement in relationship to the lamb. The lamb is not able to defend itself. The lamb is dependent upon the shepherd for safety. A good shepherd would always stay close to the lambs. The good shepherd never allowed one lone lamb to wander off into a large field. This would put the lamb in a bad situation.     There were wild animals like lions and wolves that loved to eat lamb. These animals could easily kill a lamb all alone in a large field before the shepherd could come to the rescue. The lamb would be torn to pieces before the shepherd could do anything about it.     So, God was telling Israel that He was going to allow them to be in a very bad situation. They were going to think that things were wonderful. They were going to think that they were being blessed with great things. But, they were simply like the lonely sheep out in a large field without the safety of the shepherd. Instead of being blessed by God, they were being left by God. He no longer would keep them safe from their enemies.     Do not be a lone …

A Defense Upon All the Glory

Isaiah Chapter Four describes the church. Isaiah was prophesying hundreds of years before it was established. In verse five, God says that “upon all the glory shall be a defence.”     Earlier in that verse, we are given symbolism from the time of the exodus. God led the Israelites with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the Israelites were camped in the wilderness, the cloud completely covered the people so that they were hidden from the sun. The cloud covered them as they walked across the Red Sea. The pillar of fire led them when they traveled at night. It also hovered over the tabernacle at night while they were camped.     The picture is that God’s presence was with his people. He was always there protecting them. He was always there supplying their needs. They were His people and He cared for them.     The word “defence” can mean a military defense. God is the captain of a heavenly army. And He has promised to lead us in our spiritual war. The Hebrew word translated as “defence” also many times was used for the tent covering of a wedding. This was a canopy put up to shelter the bride and groom from the sun during the wedding ceremony. This is an interesting picture because the church is the bride of Christ.     The full picture from verse five is God leading, protecting and supplying the spiritual needs of his bride, the church. He loves …

Roar Like Bears

Have you ever heard a bear roar? Have you ever heard a bear growl? A bear’s growl is a very low rumbling sound. A bear’s roar is a very loud and scary sound. Bears do these things when they are unhappy about something.     In Isaiah 59:11, we read, “We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.”     The earlier verses of this chapter talk about the terrible sins that the Israelite nation commits. Because most of the people have forgotten God, the morals and ethics of the nation have become terrible. Many do everything they can to afflict and torment others. There is no justice by those in leadership positions. It is almost impossible for anyone to have peace.     Because of the situation, the people were unhappy with their lives. They are pictured as growling and roaring as an unhappy bear. They are not just privately mumbling about how bad things are. They are loudly complaining. They say there is no fairness or salvation. They are looking for such but cannot find it.     The people were mistaken to believe that proper justice and salvation can come to a society without looking to God for guidance. The Israelites had a covenant with God. He promised to care for them if they would obey him, but they had forgotten and left God out of their lives. The only way they were …

Have I Wearied Thee?

  In Micah 6:3, we read, “O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.”     The Israelites had become very wicked. They were worshipping false gods. God sent Micah to them to tell them of impending destruction. God had been patient with them, but they refused to repent and follow him.     In Micah 6, we see a courtroom scene. God asks the Israelites to testify against him. He wanted them to tell exactly what he had done that was terrible. He wanted to know what he had done to them to cause them to turn to false gods. He had brought them out of Egypt and blessed them tremendously. He had given them everything.     Yet, what had the false gods given them? They were nothing but idols made out of wood and stone. God had shown false gods to be powerless by the plagues in Egypt.     God wants to know if his laws are really that harsh and difficult. Some of the worship of false gods included killing children. It is hard to understand why someone would kill his children for a false god but not want to worship a loving God.     Are you wearied by following God? You should not be. God’s commands are not grievous. They are for our good. Study your Bible. Obey what it says. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

With Joy, Draw Water

Isaiah 12:3 reads, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” This chapter in Isaiah discusses the coming of the New Testament kingdom through Jesus Christ. Christ is the Holy One of verse six. He is in the midst of the spiritual nation of Israel.     Jesus taught that people should drink of his waters. We are in a spiritual desert before we become Christians. We drink of the waters from his fountain and become a Christian. Then we must continue to drink of those waters if we intend to continue to live the lives he desires for us. Only by drinking of his spiritual waters can we live right. And only by drinking of those waters can we teach others what they need to do.     There are still some places in the world where people can only get water from wells. They may have to let buckets down into the well and then pull the full bucket back up. They may have to turn a crank that brings water up. Whatever they need to do to get the water, they joyfully do. Without that water they will die of thirst.     If we truly want to live right, we need to study from God’s Word, the Bible. This is where we obtain the information about those waters. Sometimes it is not easy to study. But we should be happy to draw that water out. Without that spiritual water, we will die of spiritual thirst. That …

Be Warned, Warn Others

God expects all people to follow him. He expects all people to repent of their sins and obey him. God loves all people. He does not want anyone to go to hell.     God uses men and women to warn other men and women. It is our duty to warn others about where their sins are sending them. It is our duty to preach righteousness.     In Ezekiel 3:18-21, God tells Ezekiel that it is his duty to preach and teach the wicked and the past righteous. He is to bring the wicked to God. And he is to bring the ex-righteous back to God. God says that if Ezekiel will preach to them, it does not matter what they do, Ezekiel has saved his own soul by his obedience to God. God also warns Ezekiel that if he does not teach and preach these people, that he will lose his own soul. Ezekiel does not have a choice. To save his soul, he must teach others.     So, not only did God use Ezekiel to warn others, but God warned Ezekiel. We are also to warn others of their sins. We are told to warn the ex-righteous (James 5:19-20). We are also told to warn the wicked (Matthew 28:19-20). Take your warning seriously. Study your Bible. Learn all of it, and then obey it. Then, warn others. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Bars of a Castle

In ancient times many palaces, castles and fortresses were built on a high place such as a hill. The palace or fortress would usually have very thick outer walls. The entrance would have a thick gate with bars to secure it in place. All of these made it difficult for enemies to enter a palace or fortress. They had to climb steep inclines to get to the castle. Then they had thick walls to either get over or try to go through. The entrance gate was thick and had bars to keep them from pushing through.     In Proverbs 18:19, we read, “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.”     It is a wonderful thing to have good friends. It is even better to have friends who are Christians. But, there can be disagreements. What is important is not to allow emotions and tempers to get out of control. If this occurs, then statements and actions can occur that will destroy that friendship.     When a strong friendship is destroyed through such, it is easier to conquer a castle than it is to restore that friendship. It is not impossible, but it will take great effort. Those offended will put up strong barriers. The hurtful things stated or acted will be like the strong bars that seal the gate. It will be very difficult to get the offended to raise those bars to allow the ex-friend …

Eat What You Are Given

Have you ever had food on your plate but asked for something different? Have your parents ever told you to eat what is on your plate? I was always told to eat what my parents put on my plate.     Ezekiel was a prophet in Babylon. His mission was to preach judgment against Judah. He was to tell the Israelites of the southern kingdom (called Judah) that they were going to be fully conquered. He was to tell them that many would die. Many of those left alive would be taken as slaves to Babylon.     God says that the reason he is allowing this to happen is because of Judah’s wickedness. They were a rebellious people. They refused to obey God.     In Ezekiel 2:8, we read, “But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.” God was going to give many words to Ezekiel. Ezekiel was to spiritually eat these words and digest them. He was then to obey God and preach those words. If Ezekiel did not preach those words, he would be considered no better than the rebellious people of Judah.     God has given us his word. He gave us the Bible. He expects us to study it and then obey it. By studying and meditating on his Word, we are spiritually eating it. If we do not then obey him, teach, and preach the Word to others, we are just like the …

Outside the Camp

When the Israelites were in the wilderness, Moses ordained, as ordered by God, to set a limit around the camp. The Jewish authorities in the first century tried to follow the example of Moses by establishing a “Camp area” around Jerusalem. This area did not stop at the actual walls that surrounded Jerusalem. In fact, the walls did not have anything to do with what was considered within or without the camp.     The Jewish authorities chose a distance of 2000 cubits from the center of the Temple as the outer limit of the camp. They got this distance from the 2000 cubits that is mentioned in Joshua 3:4. There it was the distance that the Israelites were to stay from the Ark of the Covenant.     It was just outside of this distance that the Jews of the first century had their altar where the red heifer was sacrificed, and it was located east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives.     It was also the rule that nothing unclean could be kept within the camp. All individuals with contagious diseases had to live outside the camp. Ashes from all sacrifices were taken outside the camp. Any person condemned to death due to a bad crime had to be killed outside the camp.     We know that Jesus was found guilty of blasphemy by the Jewish authorities. This was a lie, but they wanted Jesus dead. Jesus was sentenced to die, but he had to die outside the camp …

Bruise Satan

Paul ends his letter to the Romans with Chapter Sixteen. He uses the first part of the chapter to commend several members of the church. He wants others to know of those who are working diligently for the Lord.     In verse seventeen, he changes from commending to condemning. Paul knows that there are those in Rome who are causing problems. These individuals do not want to follow God’s Word. They are teaching things contrary to the doctrine that came from God. Paul tells the Christians to mark and avoid those who are doing this.     Paul says that these false teachers and troublemakers are serving their own belly. He says that these false teachers use good words and fair speeches to deceive the innocent. Paul wants them to beware of such. And Paul says that they are to desire to be wise in that which is good.     Then Paul says that the God of peace will bruise Satan shortly under the Roman Christians’ feet. In the context, this statement must be referring to the marking and avoiding of false teachers. These troublemakers were going to be cast out of the assembly of the Christians.     Many people today do not want to believe that there is to be church discipline. They will say that God is a God of peace and that we should all just get along. They are correct to say we are supposed to get along with one another. And they are correct to say …

Chastised with Scorpions

In 1 Kings 12 we read about Rehoboam being made king over Israel. Rehoboam was asked by many of the tribes to make their lives easier than his father had. Rehoboam consulted with the old men who had counseled Solomon his father. They told him to be a servant to the people. He did not like their counsel. So, he asked counsel of men his own age. They told him to be hard on the people.     Rehoboam then goes to the people and tells them that he is going to be very hard on them. In verse 11, he says, “And now, whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.”     There are several things that Rehoboam could mean by scorpions. This Hebrew word was used to reference the animal scorpion. This animal has a stinger on its tail that can inflict a very hurtful wound. The word was also used in reference to a thicket bush that had very long needles. These needles could also inflict a severe wound. Sometimes people were disciplined by being flogged with these bushes.     Another thing the word referenced was a special whip. This whip had lead balls tied into the ends of the leather straps. This whip would not only cause welts but would also severely bruise the skin. It could also tear the skin after several strikes.     …

Turn Away Your Foot

In Isaiah 58:13, we read, “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.”     Earlier in the chapter God had pointed out that the Israelites were in some instances performing the required acts of worship and penitence. But they were not doing them for the right reasons. God also pointed out that they were not doing things that they should be doing. They were not taking care of the poor. They were not helping the oppressed. They were doing some very wicked things.     Instead of walking according to God’s laws, they were walking according to their own thinking. They were not letting God’s laws guide their actions and motives. Instead, they were attempting to please themselves.     God said they had to turn away their feet from the Sabbath. This means that instead of worshipping the way they desired, they must worship the way God desires. They needed to quit using their feet to walk in a selfish way, and start using God’s feet to walk in his way. All of this talk about the feet is symbolic. The physical feet are not really what is being talked about. It is the spiritual mindset that is the focus of the discussion.    Study the Bible. Make sure you are walking …

Like Sheep Astray

  Sheep are not very intelligent animals. They are sweet looking animals. But they do not have much sense. I have heard a man who raises sheep actually state that they really are pretty dumb animals.     If sheep do not have a shepherd to guide them, they can get in all kinds of trouble. Each animal will go its own way. They do not stay together. They simply wander off in every direction looking for something to eat. They do not really pay attention to where they are going. As long as they are finding something to eat, they just go about their own way.     God says humans are like sheep. In Isaiah 53:6, we read, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” All of us tend to go our own way. Without God as our guide, we get into all kinds of trouble. We need a Shepherd.     We deserve to be punished for not following God. But Christ came and died and rose from the dead so that we could avoid that punishment. I am glad that God is so loving. Jesus loved us so much that he was willing to be die for us. And I am glad that he is willing to be our Shepherd.    Study your Bible. Learn all you can from it. Learn how to follow the Good Shepherd. He only …

Lydia Crossword Puzzle

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Tremble at My Word

Many people claim to follow God. Many people claim to be Christians. But a true Christian follows all that God commands. A Christian does not do some of what God commands, but not do other things. A Christian does not add to God’s Word. A Christian does not need to find new things to add to God’s Word. A Christian does not delete things from God’s Word. God will only save those individuals who follow his Word. In Isaiah 66:2, we read, “For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” A person should tremble when he considers the words that God has given us. His Word is not to be taken lightly. It is not something that can be ignored. It is not something at which one would laugh. God’s Word is a very serious matter. His Word is given to us so that we can please him. It is designed to get us to heaven. Do you take God’s Word very seriously? Do you tremble to think of disobeying God? Study God’s Word. Learn all that the Bible has to teach us. Obey it. Make sure that you always tremble before God Almighty. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

A Cage Full of Birds

In the time of Jeremiah, the people of Israel had become very wicked. The northern kingdom had been taken away several years before. The southern kingdom, Judah, had not learned by what had happened to the northern kingdom. They had become just as wicked as the northern kingdom had been. In Jeremiah 5:25-27, we read, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich.” One way that birds were caught was to lay a trap with a birdcage. Decoys were made of wood or some other material. These decoys looked like a real bird. The decoys were put in a birdcage. Then real birds would fly into the cage thinking that they would be with other birds. Once in the cage they could not get out. Evil men in Judah used deceit to lure other men into their homes. The men did not know that they were going to be robbed or enticed to be part of a false business venture. Whatever was done, the evil men were able to take money away from these other men. They were able to become very rich by doing such things. Do not be make your life like a cage full …

Balaam Crossword Puzzle

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Compass About with Sparks

God many times refers to himself as the light of the world. Those that live in sin are pictured as living in darkness. They many times are depicted as being in the dark and needing the light of God. In Isaiah 50:10, God calls for all people to turn to him. He tells them to trust in his name. They are told to dwell upon him and his Word. They are told to fear God. In verse eleven, we read, “Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” Verse ten is referring to the words and philosophy of God. Verse eleven is referring to the words and philosophies of man. Man’s philosophies are pictured as the fire and sparks that man starts. Many people look to man’s philosophies and so-called wisdom. They expect these to light their way as they travel through life. They think these will guide them through their lives. Man comes up with all kinds of thinking on how to be happy in life. There are millions of books written telling people how to be happy. But there is a book that was written by God. It tells us how to truly be happy. The Bible is God’s wisdom. It is the true light. It is what will start the true spark of life …

Assemble Yourselves

“Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save” (Isaiah 45:20). Most commentators agree that Isaiah 45:20-25 is a prophecy relating to the church. The passage tells of the glory of God. It tells that he is the one to be worshipped. It tells that all men have the responsibility to obey God. It tells that all who do not come to God and obey him will be ashamed. The word “assemble” in verse 20 comes from a Hebrew word that means assemble into a specific group. This word means more than just a simple assembling. There is a special purpose for the assembling. Those assembling realize that they are a special group. There are many today who profess to be Christians. Yet, they say that it is not necessary to be part of a special group. They say that a person can be a part of one of many different groups and still be a child of God. But that is not what this passage says. This passage says that those who are followers of God draw near to one another. They are part of a special group. If one can be a follower of God and be a part of any one of 1,000 different groups, then one is not a part of a special group. One is just part of any …

Tower of Babel Crossword Puzzle

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Hatching Cockatrice Eggs

Have you ever heard the word ‘cockatrice’ before? It is difficult for a young person to say that word. A cockatrice is a poisonous snake. Not too many individuals like to be around poisonous snakes. Most people avoid and even run away from such snakes. In Isaiah 59:5, we read, “They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave spider’s web: he that eateth their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.” The verses before this one talk about the wickedness of the people. They are seen as very evil. This verse says that their evil is like a poisonous snake’s eggs. The people are taking care of these eggs attempting to bring them to maturity so that they will hatch into bigger things. The people are pictured as eating these eggs as they are hatching. The poisonous snakes bite the people as they are eating them. And of course, the people die, God says the foolish, wicked people are no smarter than the person who would take care of poisonous snake eggs and then attempt to eat them. He says the people will die a spiritual death just like the person bitten by a poisonous snake would die a physical death. Do not be like these foolish people. Study your Bible. Learn what is good and what is evil. Avoid doing evil and do the good. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Weaving Spider Webs

In Isaiah 59:5-6, we read, “They hatch cockatrice’ eggs, and weave spider’s web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.” The verses before these talk about how wicked the people were. They were involved in all kinds of evil things. God pictures these evil things as spider webs. The people are pictured as spinning these webs. You can see through spider webs. Spider webs do not really cover anything. The webbing is sticky and insects are caught in it. But the webbing does not keep you from seeing what is on the other side. Spiritually the spider webbing is very poor clothing. God says that the righteous are clothed in righteousness. Sometimes the righteous garments are depicted as white clothing that covers the individual. The wicked are depicted in the Bible as being spiritually naked. The spider webbing catches and traps them in their own wickedness. But the webbing does not cover up their spiritual nakedness. Do not weave spider webs. Keep yourself properly clothed. Study your Bible. Learn how to obey God. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Here Am I Crossword Puzzle

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An Acceptable Time

In Isaiah 49:8, we read, “Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.” God gave Christ as a covenant to the people of earth. It is through Christ that we can have hope of salvation. It is through Christ that we have hope of living in heaven for eternity. It is by accepting the terms of the covenant given by Christ in the New Testament that we enter into the covenant. It is by obeying the terms of the covenant that we gain the promises of the covenant. In 2 Corinthians 6:2, we read, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Every day should be lived as the day of salvation. This means that we must live according to the terms of the covenant every day. We should not put off accepting the covenant. Nor should we delay obeying its terms. Today is an acceptable time. Are you obeying God? Have you been studying your Bible? If not, then you should begin right now doing so. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

As the Rain Cometh Down

Rain is a wonderful thing. Water is very important for all living things. Without water everything dies. Plants need water. Animals need water. Humans need water. The rain comes down and is soaked up in the ground. It is taken in by the plants through the leaves and roots. The water helps the plants to grow. Eventually the plant produces its fruit or vegetable. Then humans are able to eat. The rain has a purpose and fulfills its purpose. In Isaiah 55:10-11, we read, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” God’s Word is like the rain. It comes down to us for a purpose. It is needed. Without it all humans die a spiritual death. We have to take it in. We have to put it to use like the plant puts water to use. If we take it in and use it, then we will produce fruit. God’s Word will produce fruit if used. It does not produce fruit if it is not used. Are you taking in the Word of God? Are you using it to produce …

The Name Christian

What is your name? Is it Susan? Is it Trevor? Is it Igor? Is it Ludmilla? Does your name mean something to you? Would you want someone to call you by a different name? In the Bible, names were very important at times. We first read about Abram and Sarai in Genesis Chapter Twelve. In Genesis 17, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “for a father of many nations have I made thee.” Sarai becomes Sarah, because “she shall be the mother of nations.” Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, had his name changed to Israel, because “as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). The followers of Jesus have a name. It was prophesied that they would have name. In Isaiah 56:5, it is stated, “I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” Notice that the name would be given by God. In Isaiah 56:4, it is said that the eunuchs would also be included in this new name and that the name would be “better than sons and of daughters.” Then in Isaiah 62:2, we read, “…and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” In Acts 11:26, we read, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Notice that the disciples of Jesus are named after him. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). We are …

Our Benevolent Sovereign

The Emperor Titus, who was naturally of the most benevolent disposition, was styled the darling and delight of the human race. It was a principle of his not to send away without hope any one who came to him. When those about him cautioned him against making more promises than he would be able to perform, he replied, “No one ought to go away in sorrow from an interview with his sovereign.” Moreover on one occasion remembering at supper time that he had done nothing for any one the whole day, he uttered that memorable expression, worthy of all praise, “My friends, this day have I lost a day!” (Short Tales and Anecdotes From Ancient History by William Smith, 1866, p.22) The Emperor Titus was a very benevolent man. Benevolent means giving someone what they need. Titus cared for people and was willing to do all that he could for those who came to him. But Titus was limited in what he could do. He was willing to give promises but at times was not able to keep those promises. The people looked to him as their sovereign. This means that they considered him the one with all authority. If he promised to give them something, they believed he had the power and authority to do it. We have a Sovereign who is able to keep all promises. We have a Sovereign who wants us to ask him for what we need. We have a Sovereign who wants to give us what we need. Our Sovereign …

The Beautiful Feet that Bring Good Tidings

In ancient times in some nations there were messengers that would run to  take their messages. In Palestine there were messenger teams. One messenger would run a distance and then hand off the message to another runner. There  were different teams for different messages. There was a good message team and a bad  message team. The watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem knew the runners that always ran the last leg to Jerusalem. Thus, when the runner was approaching the city,  the watchmen could already yell to let people know what kind of message was coming.  People would gather to greet the runner with good news. They looked forward to  hearing the joyous information he was bringing. Because Palestine is very hilly, the runners were required to run through the mountains. In Isaiah 52:7, we read, “How beautiful upon the  mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that  bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” This verse is a prophecy of the Gospel age. We know this because Paul  uses it in Romans 10:15 to say that preachers and teachers are needed to spread  the Gospel. According to God, it is a wonderful thing to bring the good news of his  salvation to people. People need the good news of salvation. Do you tell people about God, Jesus, the Bible and the church? Do you  obey God in all things? You need to study the Bible …

Work in Old Age

While we do not know what will happen to us throughout our lives, we do know that as the years go by we grow old. Our bodies and our minds lose the strength that they had in our younger years. We move more slowly and think more slowly than we did when we were young. Sometimes because of these limitations, older people think that they cannot do anything. It is not unusual for older people to begin to think that they are not wanted. Or, they may think that there is no longer purpose in their lives. In Psalm 71:18, we read, “Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.” David wrote this psalm. It sounds like he was praying that he intended to work for God until he died. A Christian wants to do all he can for God. He will always take the opportunity to teach others God’s Word. He will always take the opportunity to do good so that others will see God’s love. Therefore, as he grows older, he does not lose his purpose. He will always have the purpose to do God’s will. As a young person, you can do several things for older persons. You can encourage them to become Christians if they are not Christians already. This will give them a purpose in life. You can ask them to …

Brand Out of the Fire #2

In Zechariah 3:1-5, we read about God showing Zechariah a scene with the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan stands on the right side of the high priest. Satan accuses the high priest of not being right for God’s purposes. Satan was accusing the entire priesthood of the Israelites, and by extension accusing all of the people of being improper for God’s purposes. God states that Israel is the brand taken out of the fire. Last time, we looked at the brand being something that burned a marking on an animal to show ownership. However, there is a more likely picture being given (a kind reader pointed this out to me). The brand was the stick used to stir the fire. As it was used, it slowly burned off. Thus, it would get shorter and shorter. Eventually there was not enough left to stir the fire anymore. God put the nation of Israel through the fire of punishment. He allowed foreign nations to conquer them and take into slavery. Israel was being pictured as the stick that stirred the fire. But God was going to take the brand out of the fire before it became completely useless and completely burned up. God intended for there to be a remnant to return to the promised land. God is a wonderful and merciful God. He does punish but he always desires to save. He has given us the Bible to read and study. If we will do that …

Brand Out of the Fire

A brand was usually a metal rod with markings molded on the end. This end was put in a fire and heated. Then the heated end was put on an animal to burn the mark onto the animal. This mark normally indicated ownership. The one requiring the branding was the owner. He was the one with authority. In Zechariah 3:1-5, we are given a scene that God showed Zechariah. In this scene the high priest is standing before the angel of the Lord. Satan is standing on the right hand side of the high priest. Satan is accusing the high priest of not being appropriate for God’s purposes. By accusing the high priest in this instance, Satan is really accusing the whole priesthood. And by extension, he is accusing all of the people of God. This is a courtroom. In those days the accuser stood at the accused’s right hand. Both of them stood in front of the judge. Satan is hoping to win this court case. He actually has a good case. The priesthood and the people had been evil. They had been taken into captivity for many years because of their sins. But Satan does not understand the mercy, grace and love of God. God says that indeed the high priest and the people were a brand that had been heated in the fire. But God had taken them out of the fire. And he was going to forgive them for their past sins. (Of course, the high …

The Morning Cloud and the Dew

Have you ever noticed that at some times of the year when you get up in the morning there is water on the grass and plants? Most of the time it is in the form of little drops of water. This is dew. It did not rain. The water droplets formed there from the humidity in the air. You may also have noticed that at times of the year that there is a fog in the air in the morning. It is like standing in a cloud. You cannot see very far when standing in it. But when the sun gets high in the sky, and the temperature rises some, the fog and the dew disappear. They are only there for a short time and then go away. In Hosea 6:4, God says that Israel and Judah had become like the morning cloud and the morning dew. He says their goodness is only for a short time. They quickly forget God and his laws. They go about doing their own things instead of the things of God. Because of being like the cloud and the dew, God is going to punish them. They will be severely punished. Do not be like a morning cloud or the morning dew. Learn to live a good life according to the commandments of God. Then always live that good life. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

A Cake Not Turned

In Old Testament times, dough was sometimes rolled flat to cook. Sometimes it was rolled into an oval shape and baked. The oven was sometimes simply a small pit dug into the ground with a flat surface over it. The dough would be put on the surface and then turned when it was partially done. This turning would allow the bread to cook evenly on both sides. This would also allow it to cook properly all the way through. Today, we have ovens that cook evenly all the way around the dough and it is not necessary to always turn the bread over. God said the Israelites were like a cake not turned in Hosea 7:8. This meant that the cake had been allowed to sit for too long on one side. It was burned on one side and undone on the other side. This made it completely useless. It could not be eaten at all. It needed to be thrown out as garbage. God said the Israelites were useless to him. They needed to be thrown out with the garbage. Their sacrifices and prayers to him were not acceptable. Normally prayers and sacrifices go up to him as a sweet smell. But because of their wickedness, the Israelite’s sacrifices smelled terrible to him. They smelled just like a burning cake. Make sure you are a properly cooked cake in God’s eyes. Learn all you can about obeying him. Keep reading your Bible. And if any of this is hard …

Water to Wine Crossword Puzzle

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Horses Cannot Run on Rocks

In Amos 6:12, we read, “Shall horses run upon the rocks? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock.” At the time of Amos, most horses were not given metal shoes like they are today. The wealthy person might put gold ones on his horse, and some armies put leather shoes on their horses. These went over the entire hoof like shoes that we wear. But leather and gold are soft. They were more for show than they were for protection. The horse has a very soft spot in the center of his foot. If the horse attempts to run on rocks, he will bruise this soft tissue. This tissue is very sensitive. When it is bruised the horse has a very difficult time walking. Therefore, people at the time of Amos did not run their horses on very rocky ground. God says that the Israelites are like the horse on rocky ground. They have worshipped idols. They have broken many of God’s commandments. They have become very immoral. And yet, they still want to believe that they are God’s people and that nothing bad will happen to them. But all of their sins are like the rocky ground. They cannot live (run) on these rocks without harming themselves. And God will hold them accountable for putting themselves in this situation. I know you want to obey God. Read your Bible. Learn all you can. Do not be …

Beautiful and Glorious Branch

Isaiah Chapter Four is a description of the church. Isaiah was prophesying hundreds of years before the church was established. In verse two, we read, “In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.” “Them that are escaped” references Christians. Christians are freed from sin by Jesus. They escape the slavery of sin. The word “beautiful” is a word that means glorious or beautiful. The word “glorious” comes from a word that means heavy. So, Christians are to be glorious/beautiful and heavy. But what does heavy mean in this context? Heavy can mean important. Or it can mean full. In Isaiah 5:2, we read that God parallels his people to a vineyard. A vineyard is planted to produce lots of fruit. In Chapter Four, the church is seen as the branch of the Lord. So, for the branch to be heavy would mean that it is full of fruit. God’s people should be beautiful and fruitful. Are you spiritually beautiful and fruitful? Do you speak and act as God wants you to act? Do you teach others about Jesus? Do other people see you as different from the world? Do other people want to be like you because they see Jesus in your life? Study God’s Word. Obey what he wants you to do. Be a beautiful and glorious branch, and if any of this is hard to …

Samson Crossword Puzzle

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Draw Water

In many places in the world people get their water from wells. A well is usually a deep hole dug in the earth. At the bottom of the well is water. This water comes from underground streams. Normally, a bucket is tied to a rope. Then the bucket is let down into the well. When the bucket is full of water, it is pulled up by the rope. This may need to be repeated several times until the desired amount of water is obtained. Wells are very important in places with hot temperatures. Wells are extremely important in deserts. People who are traveling in the desert get very thirsty. Water is highly treasured by such people. In Isaiah 12:3, we read, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” In the previous verse we read that Jehovah is our salvation. God is pictured as the deep well of salvation. We are traveling in the spiritual desert of life. As we travel through this life, we need spiritual water. Without that water we will die. God has plenty of cool water. He will always give us the water that we need. Just as people have to let down their buckets and then pull them back up to drink real water, we have to dip our buckets into the well of salvation. God is ready to give us the water, but we have to do our part before we can drink it. The water will save us. …

Counsel of Stocks and Staff

God says in Hosea 4:12 that the people of Israel have asked counsel of their stocks and staffs. They were doing this instead of looking to him for answers to their problems. The pagan people had mythical customs which the Israelites were mimicking. Sometimes they would take two sticks and drop them. Then a ‘wise’ person would look at how the sticks landed and make an interpretation. This ‘reading of the sticks’ was supposed to give answers to a question asked. Another custom was to have two sticks in a container. One stick would have a ‘yes’ answer engraved on it. The other stick would have a ‘no’ answer engraved on it. A person would reach in and pull a stick out. Whichever one came out was the answer to the question. Another custom was to take a stick and shave all the bark off one side. This stick would then be dropped. Whichever side was facing up gave the answer. If it was the shaved side, it was a ‘yes.’ If it was the side with bark, it was a ‘no.’ There are people today who do such silly things. They will look at crystals for answers. Some will look at leaves in a bowl. Some will look at cards being turned over. Some will look at skin creases in their palms. Some will look at the stars. Some will simply look to a fortuneteller. God says we are to look to his Word for the answers to our …

Thought Upon his Name

In Malachi 3:16, we read, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” We have noticed how those that fear the Lord speak often with one another. And we noticed that those who obey God have their names written down as a remembrance by God. Now we notice that those that have their names and deeds written down as a remembrance are those that thought upon his name. The word “thought” comes from a Hebrew word that means to meditate on, to purpose, to think with great care and exactness. In verses 13-15, Malachi had written that the Israelites had considered it vain to worship and serve God. They were saying there was no profit in keeping his ordinances. Verse Sixteen tells us exactly the opposite. We should do everything we can to think and meditate upon his name. There is wonderful purpose involved in thinking on the name of the Lord. Whatever we do in life should glorify God. We should never approach any decision without considering what God would do and what he wants us to do. Great care should be taken in all actions and decisions. By keeping him and his Word in our thoughts, we will stay true to him, and we will please him. Keep reading your Bible. Study it. Meditate on the Lord. …

You Made Your Bed

In the United States there is a saying, “You made your bed, now lie in it.” This means that you put yourself into a situation purposely, now you must live with the consequences. You insisted on doing something, or on living a certain way, and now you must accept the results. Sometimes this is stated to individuals who are complaining about what they are undergoing in life. These individuals insisted on doing something even when others had warned them of the consequences. Now that the consequences have come, they want to complain, gripe and whine. In Isaiah 28, Isaiah tells of the coming punishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In verse 20, we read, “For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.” This is Isaiah’s way of saying, “You made your bed, now lie in it.” Israel and Judah had been warned by God numerous times. God had spoken through Judges and Prophets. The people had been told by Moses long ago that they must live for God or reap the consequences. But, the people of God had refused to listen. They even attempted to make covenants with evil rulers to save themselves from destruction. God, through Isaiah, tells them that their discipline is coming. He will make both kingdoms go into slavery. Many will be killed. Many will die in a foreign land. Only …

Fire and Cloud to Lead

In ancient times armies traveled mostly by foot, horse, camel or cart. People involved in foreign trade many times traveled together in caravans by the same ways. If the army or caravan was large, the group could be spread out in a long line. It would make it difficult for those in the back of the group to know where the leader was or in what direction the group was headed. In many cultures, it was traditional for some in the front of the procession to carry a signal device. This was a small iron vessel attached to the top of a long pole. Wood fires would burn in the iron vessel. By day, those in the back would be able to see the smoke from the fire and know where the leaders were. At night they would be able to see the light from the flames. In some ancient cultures, there was even a religious significance to these devices. The Persians carried small silver altars with fire burning in them at the front of their army. The fire was sacred and indicated eternality of their gods and leader. As long as the fire burned, the army was guided by the gods. In Exodus 13: 21-22, we read, “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the …

Wall of Fire

The prophet Zechariah gave many interesting word pictures regarding God and his people. In Chapter Two, verses four and five, we read, “And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein: For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.” There are several possibilities regarding this wall of fire. It was common for shepherds in the field to build fires around the campsite at night. These were used to discourage wild animals from getting to the sheep. It also made it more difficult for robbers to enter the campsite. The words could also be a reminder of the pillar of fire that led the Israelites in the wilderness. This pillar stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians while the Israelites crossed the Red Sea. It kept the Egyptians from killing the Israelites. While fire is looked upon as a symbol of judgment, it at times is used as a symbol of protection. Zechariah was prophesying about God’s protection of his people. I know you want to be protected by God. In order for that to happen, you must study your Bible. You must learn all you can and then obey what it says. God is always willing to aid us against our spiritual enemies. He is always willing to put a spiritual wall of fire around …

Bible Rivers Crossword Puzzle

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Curse Parents

No one should use bad or foul language. God does not want his children to have bad mouths. It is not even kind to others to use bad language around them. Such language is commonly called cursing. Many people believe that cursing is taking someone’s name in vain. That can be true. Unfortunately, we hear individuals use God’s name wrongly every day. But that is not all that is involved with cursing in the Bible. In Exodus 21:17, we read, “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.”  The word for ‘curse’ in the Hebrew language has a broad meaning. It can mean taking a name in a slanderous, profane way. But the word also includes ‘esteeming lightly’ and ‘reviling.’ Thus, not giving a parent the respect that the parent is due is cursing. To purposely ignore a parent when the parent is trying to talk to you is cursing your parent. To tell your mother or father that they cannot tell you what to do is cursing your parent. To purposely disobey a rule that your parents have given you is to curse your parents. To throw a temper tantrum when disciplined is to curse your parents. To tell others that your parents are stupid and just do not understand you is cursing your parents. God tells us we are to honor and obey our parents. We are to respect them. We must listen to them and do what they want as …

A Backsliding Heifer

In Old Testament times, the fields were plowed using cows or oxen attached to a plow. A yoke was put over the head and onto the cow’s neck. Many times this yoke was a double yoke. It would fit over the neck of two cows. The farmer had lines attached to the yoke and could turn the animals in whatever direction he desired for them to go. If a cow (heifer) was stubborn, it would refuse to go forward. It would at times attempt to go backwards. If the animal was very stubborn and tried very hard, it could actually back its head out of the yoke. The farmer had no control over such an animal. The animal would have to be disciplined to teach it not to act in such a way. This was known as a backsliding heifer. In Hosea 4:16, God says Israel is like a backsliding heifer. Israel had refused to allow God to lead them. They had been very stubborn. God had even disciplined them but they would not learn. God vowed to bring terrible destruction on them for their disobedience. Do not be a backsliding heifer. Learn to stay in the yoke of God. Allow him to guide you in what is right. Study his Word. Apply it to your life. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Nehemiah Crossword Puzzle

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The People Stood

People today are used to always being comfortable. They complain if they have to sit too long or stand too long. They complain if their seats are uncomfortable. They complain if the room temperature is too hot or too cold. But if something is important enough to us, we should be willing to give up some comfort. In Nehemiah Chapter Eight, we read about the Israelites gathering to hear the law of God read. Everyone who was able to understand came and stood before the water gate in Jerusalem (v. 1). Then Ezra read the law from morning until midday (v. 3). The people stood the entire time that the law was read and explained. It is almost certain that they became tired. The children probably got very tired having to stand still for that long. But everyone wanted to know what God’s law said. They wanted to know what God required of them. Despite standing for that long, the people left rejoicing. They had learned the most important thing that they could ever learn. They had learned God’s will. The Levites told them to go, eat and make mirth. The next time you think about complaining because you think the sermon is too long, remember the people in Nehemiah Chapter Eight. Even the children stood for half a day to listen and learn God’s will. Keep reading your Bible. Learn what God wants you to do. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to …

A Dove, an Eagle and a Net

One of the ways that people in Old Testament times hunted for doves was with other birds. They would use falcons or eagles to chase the dove. The falcon or eagle was trained to chase the dove in a certain direction. The hunter would have nets ready. When the dove came close, the hunter would throw the net in the air and catch the dove. In Hosea 7:11 through Hosea 8:1, we get a picture of such hunting. But in these verses, God is talking about how he will punish Israel. He says Israel is like the dove without heart. ‘Heart’ is a word for understanding. So Israel is without understanding of what is about to happen to it. He says when Israel goes, he will spread his net and catch it. In 8:1, God says he will come upon Israel like an eagle. He will fly rapidly down upon them and chase them into the nets he has prepared for them. In 7:13, God says Israel ‘fled’ from him. The word ‘fled’ is a Hebrew word which was used for the rapid fluttering of a bird’s wings. It was used to describe a flock of birds wildly flying in every direction when surprised by danger. Israel would fly from God as he came down upon them like an eagle. But, they would be caught by his nets. We learn from other books of the Bible that the northern kingdom of Israel was taken captive by other nations. Great numbers …

Elijah and the Ravens

Elijah was one of the great prophets of God. We are introduced to Elijah in 1 Kings Chapter Seventeen. God was displeased with Israel. King Ahab was very wicked. In fact, in 1 Kings 16:30, we are told that he was wicked “above all that were before him.” Elijah is sent by God to tell Ahab that there would be no rain for several years. Then, God tells Elijah to go and hide himself by the brook Cherith, which is near the river Jordan. God tells him that he has commanded ravens to feed him while he is there. We are told in verse six of Chapter Seventeen that the ravens bring Elijah bread and flesh in the morning and in the evening. Elijah was able to drink water from the brook until it dried up. It is interesting that God chose ravens to feed Elijah. According to Leviticus 11, ravens were unclean. They were not to be eaten. In Proverbs 30:17, ravens are depicted as eating the eyes of those that would mock their father and disobey their mother. The raven was a scavenger and thus was looked upon as an unclean animal. There is a possibility that God intended to say something by having ravens feed Elijah. There was a spiritual famine in Israel. God was making a physical famine by not allowing it to rain. God was demonstrating to Elijah that he is over all creation. He was demonstrating that those who follow him would get physical …

Few the Days

Do you know anyone who is seventy years old? How about eighty years old? Or do you know anyone who is ninety years old? Do you consider them very old? When you are very young, it is hard to really understand what age means. Those who are young tend to think that they will live to be very old. And they believe that all those years will seem like a very long time. But those who are older in years feel differently about the years. The older a person gets the faster it seems that those years go by. For most older individuals, it seems like just yesterday that they were children. Time seems to go by so fast. The older person wonders where all the years went. In Genesis 47:9, Jacob is speaking to Pharaoh of Egypt. Jacob is 130 years old. Yet, Jacob says his days and years have been few compared to his ancestors. That is true. Before the Flood, people lived to be several hundred years old. But Jacob realized that his life was coming to an end, and it just did not seem that he had lived that many years. Job said that man’s years are few (Job 14:1). James said that a man’s life is like a vapor. It appears for a little while and then is gone (James 4:14). We should always make sure that we use our few days on earth to serve God. Even though at a young age it may …

Be a Meditating Lion

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2) The Hebrew word translated “meditate” in the verses above was used in a very interesting way. It was used to describe a particular action of the lion. When a lion finished the hunt and caught his prey, he began to eat. As he ate, he would have a particular low growl. This sound was only known by the ancients to be made as the lion ate. It was considered a sound of success, satisfaction and contentment. You may have heard a cat purr. This is very similar to what the lion does. The picture given us by the writer of Psalm 1 is the spiritual hunt. The blessed man delights in searching and hunting the Scriptures. He searches them and studies them. Once he settles down and really begins to spiritually feast on the Scriptures, he finds satisfaction and contentment. He spiritually enjoys eating the Scriptures. Do you enjoy studying your Bible? Do you find contentment as you learn God’s will? Do you go hunting in the Bible to see what new knowledge you can get? When you find something new, do you purr like a kitten, or give a special growl like an eating lion? Get excited about studying …

Be It Far from Me

Eli was a judge of Israel. God had promised to bless Eli and his family. Eli was also a priest. God had chosen Aaron and his sons to serve as priests. Every son born into the Aaronic line was to be a priest. It was the responsibility of each priest to train his sons in the priesthood. And just as every father was to do, the priest was expected to rear his children in the proper faith toward God. Each father was responsible for teaching the Word of God to his children. Each father was to properly discipline his children. Eli had failed in rearing his children properly. In 1 Samuel 2:27-36, we read what a prophet came and told Eli. He tells Eli that he has not done well. He did not keep his sons properly disciplined. He had taken advantage of God’s blessings. He had allowed his sons to do some very bad things. In verse 30, the prophet speaking for God says, “I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” God had given a promise to Eli and his family. But that promise of blessing was dependent on obedience by Eli and his family. When Eli did not do what he was supposed to do, God was not required to …

Being Armed

The Israelites had wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. They had come up against some kings and had won battles. They were now preparing to cross the Jordan River and go into the land of Canaan. The Reubenites and Gadites had many cattle. They had seen the land of Jazer and Gilead and knew it would be good for their cattle. They asked Moses if they could stay on the east side of the Jordan and make these lands their home. Moses tells them that they could. But there was something they must do before they could consider themselves at rest in their new homes. They must go across the Jordan and help the other tribes conquer the land where they would live. You can read what Moses had to say to them in Numbers 32:1-33. Later in Joshua 1:12-18, you can read Joshua’s restatement of what Moses had said. Many Bible students believe that it was only the land west of the Jordan River that the Israelites were to inherit. They believe that this was the only promised land. But this is not true. If the Reubenites and Gadites had decided to live somewhere other than God’s promised land, they would not have been blessed in doing so by God.  God also put three of the cities of refuge on the east side of the Jordan. He would not have done this if it had not been part of the promised land. In Genesis 15, God had told …

Manna Crossword Puzzle

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His Love Constrains Us

In 2 Corinthians 5: 14-15, we read, “For the love of God constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” The word “constraineth” is from the Greek word sunecho. It means to press hard or to restrict. Thus, the verse above says that the love of God presses us hard and restricts us. What does that mean? If we love God, we will not live any way which we choose. We cannot go on sinning and say that we love God. We cannot be liars and cheats. We cannot be drunkards. We cannot disobey our parents. We must live like God wants us to live. Our love for God is shown by our obedience. We must love God so much that we are willing to die for him (Revelation 2:10).  We cannot be anything less than fully committed to him. Our wants and desires must be limited by his commandments and regulations for our lives. I am glad that God gave us the Bible so that we can know how to restrict ourselves. His will is that we obey him. He desires us to enjoy this life while serving him. By doing this, we will live with him eternally in heaven. Keep reading and studying your Bible. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask …

I Say

At the time of Christ, the scribes and rabbis did most of the teaching of the Scriptures. The rabbis and scribes never ventured to say anything without giving the authority of some earlier rabbi. They did not like to give judgments based on their own thinking, but on the thinking of others who had lived before. It was looked upon badly among themselves to give any hint or suspicion that they were giving their own decision on any matter. No address of any rabbi had any value without the superstitious addition of something like, “Thus say the wise.” It is told of Hillel, the great rabbi, that on one occasion, he discoursed on a certain matter all day long, but the people refused to receive his teaching until he added, “So I heard from Shemaia and Abtalion.” Jesus did not teach like this. He many times taught using the phrase,  “I say.” In Matthew 5-7, Christ gave the lesson known as the Sermon on the Mount. You can read those chapters and see that several times Jesus used the phrase, ” I say.” Jesus could use this phrase because he was the Son of God. He was God. He spoke the very words of God. In Matthew 7:28-29, we come to the close of the sermon. We read that the people were astonished at his doctrine because he did not teach like the scribes. Jesus taught as one having authority. Since he was neither a rabbi nor a scribe, this …

Lazarus Crossword Puzzle

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Plowing Rocks with Oxen

In Amos 6:12 we read, “Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock.” Israel had become very evil. They worshipped idols at the same time that they gave sacrifices to God. They did all sorts of evil in the name of other gods. The rich had no sympathy for the poor. In fact, they were always looking for another way to make the poor poorer. All they could think about was making more money. God is saying that these evils were spiritual rocks. Just as a farmer would never try to plow a field full of rocks, the worshipper of God cannot live for God if all he is plowing is evil rocks. Proper seeds cannot be planted. Proper plowing cannot be done. Fruit cannot be produced if our spiritual field is full of rocks. Through Amos, God was condemning Israel. He was telling them that because of their sins, he was going to severely punish them. Nothing would change his mind. He was tired of their consistent and persistent sinning. Do not try to spiritually plow rocks with oxen. Study your Bible. Learn how to properly serve God. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

A Nail in His Holy Place

Ezra was one of God’s prophets. He was involved in taking some of God’s people back to Jerusalem. He was a great encourager to the children of Israel to do good. They began rebuilding the Temple. In Ezra 9, we read a prayer that Ezra prayed to God. In verse 8, we read, “And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.” It was common in that day to place very large nails or pegs into the walls of rooms. These were used to hang things on. The nails were placed while building the room’s walls. Thus, the nail was very secure and could hold a large amount of weight without coming out. The spiritual picture that Ezra is giving is that God had made those who had come back to Jerusalem secure. They were able to withstand immense troubles and pressure of life while attempting to do God’s will. Ezra is acknowledging that their strength was not their own, but from the work of God in their lives. God was the one who had made them strong. They could hang on him and his Word. Today, we can hang on a nail in God’s holy place. The church is his holy place under the New Covenant. God adds us to …

King Solomon Crossword Puzzle

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Slipping Because of Envy

“But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2-3) Many of those who follow God are poor. They do not have many possessions. Sometimes they may not even have food to eat. They may not have a home. They may not have clothes to keep them warm. It is not hard to understand that there would be times that these poor individuals would begin to wonder if they were doing what is right. They look at those in this world that have so much and yet are not following God, and they begin to doubt. They are tempted to give up following God’s Word and join in the activities that those in sin do. In verse 7 of Psalm 73, it is said that the righteous look and see that the rich “have more than heart could wish.” In verse 5, the prophet says that the rich are not troubled like other men. Yet he acknowledges that these rich men are corrupt and speak wickedly. The prophet overcomes his envy and keeps his feet from slipping. He continues to believe in and trust in God. He knows that those who are rich and wicked will be brought into desolation (v.19). He also knows that the righteous will be received into glory (v.24) to be with God in heaven (v.25). So, if you are ever are tempted and …

Slaves and Masters

There were many slaves living in the Roman empire during the first century. Some of the slaves had sold themselves into slavery. They sometimes did this to keep from being killed. Sometimes they did this to actually make their lives easier. Their new masters would take them to a rich part of the world. Some slaves were from conquered countries. If the country had fought hard to keep from being conquered, the Romans would bring many of the people to other parts of the Roman Empire and sell them. Sometimes soldiers got to take defeated people as slaves as a part of their wages for being soldiers. Ephesus was a major trading center in the Roman empire. A great amount of trade was done there. Some ancient writers say that as many as 10,000 slaves sold there each day. Paul speaks to the slaves and the masters in his letter to the Ephesian church. In Ephesians 6:5-8, he tells the slaves to obey their masters. They are to do their service with good will. They are to obey their masters as if they were servants of Christ. In Ephesians 6:9, Paul tells the masters to treat their servants with the same attitude that he had told the servants to have toward their masters. He tells them to remember that they have a Master in heaven. I am glad that we have a good Master in heaven. He does not have respect of persons. He does not treat one person one …

Jonah Crossword Puzzle

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The God of Esau

In Genesis Chapter Twenty-five, we read about Jacob and Esau. They were twins born to Isaac. God had foretold that the elder twin would serve the younger twin. This was not the usual outcome. In biblical times, the oldest son was the heir to the main fortune of the father. This was known as the firstborn’s birthright. Esau came home very hungry one day. He sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Jacob would indeed be given the main fortune by Isaac. There is more to that story, but we will not go into it for this study. What one must understand is that there was more to being given the birthright of Isaac than just physical things. God had made a spiritual covenant with Abraham. He had continued this covenant with Isaac, Abraham’s firstborn. If custom was to dictate, Esau should have been the inheritor of the covenant. But God knew that Esau would sell his birthright. That is why he told Esau’s mother that he would serve his brother. God did not make Esau sell his birthright. That was Esau’s choice. Can you imagine willingly giving up the right to have God’s covenant passed through you and your children? Esau knew about the covenant. God was the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac. If Esau had lived his life right and made the right choice, we would read that God was the God of Esau as far as the covenant was concerned. Instead, …

The Grafted Olive Tree

The olive tree is an evergreen tree that usually is about 16 feet high. The young tree has a smooth, silver-gray bark. As it gets older, the trunk gets stout and knobby. It has numerous branches that form a dense, shady tree. The tree has a very large root system that can get enough water even in dry conditions. The trees are usually planted about 36 feet apart in areas where it is not irrigated. Olive leaves are narrow and sharply pointed. There are ten to forty flowers carried on each short branch. In Bible times, it was very common to graft olive trees. A branch from a good olive tree was taken and grafted onto a wild olive tree. The wild olive tree, called agrielaios, did not produce very good fruit. But the good cultivated olive tree, called kallielaios, did produce very good fruit. Wild olive trees would grow up and take up space with their root systems. To keep from having to cut down a tree and plant a new seedling, a branch from the good tree would be grafted onto the wild tree. This good branch would then produce fruit while getting nourishment from the wild tree root system. Several branches would be grafted onto a wild tree. In Romans 11:17 we read,  “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree.” …

Men of War

In 1 Chronicles 12, we read about “men of war” who came to David to make him king over Israel. Several things are said about these men. They were of a perfect heart. They had themselves in the right relationship with God. They were united in their goal. They were ready armed. They were properly prepared for any battle that might take place. They were ready to fight if necessary. They were not out looking for a fight, but were ready to do so if necessary. They had an understanding of the times and knew what to do. They had taken time to assess the problems and come up with a proper response. They had made sure they were educated about the circumstances. They took time to look at alternatives and made a logical decision. They could keep rank and were not double-hearted. They were prepared to be in submission to David. They were not just saying they wanted him as king. They were ready to give him that authority and were willing to serve him. Christians should have all of these traits in relation to Christ. We should be united. We should be ready to fight for him. We should be educated in the Word and be wise in making the right choices in life. We should not be followers in word only, but in deeds. Keep reading and studying your Bible. Prepare yourself to be a spiritual man (or woman) of war, and if any of this is …

Magistrates and Judges

Ezra was sent by Artaxerxes to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. He made a proclamation giving Ezra a great deal of power and authority in Palestine. He gave Ezra great riches with which to build the Temple. He told all others to respect Ezra while building the Temple. Artaxerxes also told Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges over the people. It is interesting that the king told Ezra to use the wisdom of God to do this. He told Ezra to make sure that these appointees knew the law of God and the law of the king. These magistrates and judges were to discipline anyone who did not live by the law of God or the king (Ezra 7:25-26). Artaxerxes was not an Israelite, but he recognized God and recognized God’s laws. He wanted to make sure that the people lived by these laws. We should want our government rulers to do the same. We recognize and obey our God. We should want our President, Senators, Representatives, Governors, Mayors, etc. to rule by the principles of the Bible. There is nothing wrong in making sure that evildoers are punished. Keep reading and studying your Bible. Obey what it says. Encourage those in government to rule by the precepts of the Bible, and if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Fat and Flourishing

Have you ever known an old person who was not a nice person? Perhaps this person was mean. Perhaps this person was always finding something to complain about. Perhaps this person did not like to talk to people. Perhaps this person said he did not like anyone else. Perhaps this person talked with bad language. No one wants to be around someone like that. That kind of person does not influence anyone else for good. In Psalm 92:14, we read, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” This is in reference to the righteous person. Any old person who says he is a righteous person will not be like the individual described in our first paragraph. The words “fat and flourishing” basically mean “full of sap and green.” This gives the picture of a healthy tree that invites people to sit under it for shade or pick the fruit that is on it. The righteous individual should be of such character that people will want to be around him. People should find that they are given wise words, that they are given kind and loving words, that they are given encouragement, that they are given comfort by the old righteous person. Even in old age, there is spiritual fruit that can be produced. By their example, young people should be encouraged to do what is right. Even though the old person may have many and various physical ailments, he can be very …

God Humbles Himself

Humility is not an easy thing to have. It is not always easy putting yourself second to other people. Pride is not a good thing in the Bible. God does not want any of us to have pride. Pride makes one think of himself as better than another person. Humility means not thinking too highly of oneself. It would be easy for God to have pride. He created the universe. He upholds all things with his Word. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. But God is full of love. He wants the best for man. He looks down on man and desires to help man. “Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high. Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth” (Psalm 113:5-6). He loves man so much he is even willing to serve man. “For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul” (Psalm 109:31). By picturing himself standing on our right hand, he is showing that he is ready for action on our behalf. He is willing to save us. He will be there when we need him. What a wonderful God he is. Even though he is over all creation, he is willing to humble himself and be interested in our lives. Read your Bible. Study it. Learn to be humble like our God.