Life's Inanities and Ironies

  We often mistake "encouragement" for a simple "like" on social media or a polite nod in the church foyer. But if we look at the life of a man named Joseph—better known by his nickname, Barnabas —we see that biblical encouragement is something much more radical. It is a sacrificial, risk-taking, life-altering ministry. In Acts 4:36-37 , we are introduced to the man who would become the "gold standard" for what it means to build up the Body of Christ. " Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus , whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘ son of encouragement ’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." How can we move beyond being merely "polite" and start being a "Barnabas" to those around us? Here are three ways to cultivate the heart of an encourager. 1. Encouragement Starts with Your Hands, Not Just Your Lips It is telling that the very first thing the Bible records about the "Son of En...

In our fast-paced society, where fashion trends come and go, it's easy to get caught up in appearances. We admire the sharply dressed executive or the celebrity with the latest designer outfit. But what if I told you that the truly best-dressed person isn't defined by earthly threads? Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Scripture, let's explore a profound vision from the prophet Zechariah that reveals God's wardrobe for His people. This isn't about style—it's about salvation, righteousness, and transformation.   The Scene in Zechariah: Filthy Garments and Divine Intervention Turn with me to Zechariah 3:1-5 , a powerful passage set in the post-exilic period of Israel. The prophet sees Joshua , the high priest, standing before the angel of the Lord. But Joshua isn't ready for this holy encounter. He's clothed in filthy garments—symbolizing the sin and uncleanness that plagued him and the nation. Standing at his right hand is Satan , the accuser, ready to c...

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, where cultural pressures and moral ambiguities seem to lurk around every corner, it's easy for even the most faithful among us to feel ensnared. As conservative Christians, we hold dear the timeless truths of Scripture, standing firm against the tides of relativism and secularism. Today, I invite you to reflect on a powerful message drawn from Colossians 1:9-17 —a passage that calls us to rise above the dangers of worldly compromise and live in the elevated realm of Christ's supremacy . This blog post expands on a recent homily I shared, using the metaphor of the " snake line " to illustrate our spiritual journey. Just as mountaineers know that venomous snakes can't survive above a certain elevation, so too are we called to ascend beyond the perils of sin and darkness. Understanding the Snake Line Metaphor Picture this: In the Appalachian Mountains or the Rockies, hikers often speak of the "snake line"—that invi...

 Hey there, fellow seekers of wisdom! If you've ever delved into the Old Testament , you might have stumbled upon the Book of Lamentations —a poignant, gut-wrenching collection of poems that captures the despair of a nation in ruins. Traditionally attributed to the prophet Jeremiah (though not explicitly stated in the text), this book serves as a dirge over the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar . It's not just a historical recount; it's a raw expression of grief, confession, and faint glimmers of hope amidst divine judgment. To set the stage, let's recall the broader biblical narrative. In 2 Kings 25, we read about the siege and fall of Jerusalem: temples looted, walls breached, and people exiled. Jeremiah, who prophesied this doom (Jeremiah 52 echoes much of it), warned of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness leading to such calamity. Lamentations picks up right after, personifying the city as a desolate widow, ec...