(Review for Men’s Ministry Series: The Heart of a Man) We’ve looked at the reality of a corrupt heart. We’ve seen that what comes out in speech and action cannot be blamed on circumstances but is the fruit of internal motivations and desires that control our hearts. Going along with pride, we also must deal …
Category: Bible Study
The Heart, part2
(Review for Men’s Ministry Series: The Heart of a Man) The famous Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, starting with “basic” or lower-level needs and moving to the higher-level needs, the hierarchy: 1.   Basic physical needs: food, clothing, shelter. 2.   Security: physical welfare and security of belongings. 3.   Social: sense of belonging, acceptance, friendship. 4.   Self-esteem: accomplishment, …
The Heart, part 1
This week I started a new series with a group of men–it includes three separate but related topics all connected by the concept of “The Heart.” And since it is a series particularly for men, The Heart of a Man. John Calvin said, “Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say true and …
Listening to the Bible
One of the elements I’ve added the past couple years to my own devotions is listening to the Bible. I still read it–and I can’t read without a pencil in hand. But I’m finding when I listen through the “voice” of someone else, there are elements in the tone that I have not picked up …
Profiting from the Prophets–Habakkuk
The past several months have shown us the fortunes and misfortunes of our country. We see moral decay abounding, abundance of wealth for some, political distention, conflict over values, wars and conflicts, etc. As I have been studying and teaching several of the Prophets, I am again struck at how relevant and current those 2000-3000 …
Profiting from the Prophets: Daniel–Part 2
Miscellaneous thoughts on the biographical section of Daniel. Daniel 2:4b through the end of chapter 7 are written in 3rd person by Daniel in Aramaic. These chapters contain the “story” of Daniel and his three friends. Within these stories are messages of judgment (related to Gentile kings) wrapped in lesson of conviction, commitment, courage, confidence …
Profiting from the Prophets: Daniel–Part 1
The story of Daniel in Daniel 1, is a wonderfully encouraging and challenging story of commitment and courage. It is also a familiar story to many and often relegated to “it’s a kid’s story.” And yes, it should be taught to kids–not because it is simple or simplistic–but because it is profound. And though it …