Ecclesiastes 12:10

  As an old country preacher put it, “Some Christians are so sour you’d think they were baptized in pickle juice.” Now we may be quick to dismiss this as just some person's attitude and that is just the way we are, except the Bible commands us to do something different:   Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord . Philippians 3:1 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you . 2 nd Corinthians 13:11   Rejoice always ; 1 st Thessalonians 5:16   Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4     Now with any other command, if we didn’t do it, we say it was wrong, or if we said it didn’t apply, we argue it does, or if we are told to do it, and we do something else, we say it was an error, so why do we think it is ok to not rejoice and have a souring disposition.   The word rejoice, as it was used in these passages, means ‘to...

   In Galatians 6:1, we are told, “ Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. ”   Helping another see and overcome their error is a good thing, but it also can be a dangerous thing as well.   The person confronting a false teacher can fall into a judgmental spirit. A man trying to correct a falsehood may succumb to gossip and slander toward those that spread the lie. A man standing against evil may let his good action swell him up with pride. A man trying to defend against an accusation may turn and attack in the same evil manner.   Often our pride keeps us from seeing the pit we are trying to help others out of is a place we also can slip into. That does mean we should try to help others. It just means we need to do so carefully with the right attitude and in the right way.

    It was a celebration. In 2 Samuel 6:5 we read, “ Meanwhile, David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals .” The ark was finally returning to its proper place among the people of God. The people were united as it says in 1 st Chronicles 13:4, “ Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people ”.   However, the party comes to a sudden stop when the ox pulling the cart stumbles, and a man by the name of Uzza reaches out to steady the ark. He is immediately struck down by God. Now the celebration turns to tragedy, and David's emotions go from rejoicing to anger and then fear (2 nd Samuel 6:8-9).   Why has this happened? Why did God do this? How can we bring the ark back?   David would later come to the answer when he does what he should have done in the first place, seek ...

  It was an injustice to the poor. It was a waste of resources. It was a selfish act of indulgence.   When a woman took a vial of costly perfume and dumps it on the feet of Jesus, Judas is indignant. As the odor fills the room so does his outrage. (John 12:3-4) The other disciples agree with him, “Why the waste”?(Matthew26:8)   It seems he has the moral high ground. How could you not care about the poor! If that was all that was said you might think he was right   But he wasn’t.   Jesus clearly dismisses these charges. What she did was appropriate for the time. Her good thing isn’t a slight to anyone but a sign of the love she had for her Lord. She shouldn’t be scolded she should be remembered. They would have a chance later to help the poor but they only had that moment to revere Him.   Many people make arguments like Judas. They get on a high horse to make a case that takes a good that others do and tries to twist it into a percei...