What a Pagan King Teaches Us about God

Nebuchadnezzar is one of the most infamous kings of the Old Testament.  He conquered Jerusalem, destroyed the First Temple, and sent the Jews into exile or captivity.  In Daniel chapter 4, however, the king is humbled by God.  After Nebuchadnezzar boasts of his achievements, God gives him an odd mental disease (know in modern times as lycanthropy or porphyria) where he is forced to live as an animal for seven years. Continue reading

Being Holy in an Unholy World

Holiness has become a dying discipline among God’s people.  This is a tragedy and one which should be remedied.  Holiness is the primary theme in the book of Leviticus to the people of Israel and a common theme in the Bible as a whole.  In short, God tells us in His Word, “Be different!  Do not act like everyone else.  You are special to Me.  Be like Me.” Continue reading

But I Don’t Feel Like It

“But I don’t feel like it!”  This is a common excuse I hear from my children on a regular basis when I ask them to do something.  However, it is an excuse that adults often use as well.  In the Christian life there are a number of practices we might call “Christian disciplines”.  These include prayer, Bible study, worship, and witnessing.  Too often we neglect these disciplines for no better reason than we just don’t feel like practicing them.  Continue reading