Journey through the bible

Be leery of reluctant leaders. Their skin is not thick enough, their roots aren’t deep enough, and their commitment is not strong enough.

Don’t choose a king by his cover (or a wife, husband, friend, president for that matter). Beautiful bodies lose their lure when they house a shriveled heart.

In the story of Israel’s first king, we learn an important lesson: sometimes God answers our prayers, and we live to regret it. And from this lesson we learn an important application: be very careful what you pray for.

WIt’s one thing to make a promise; it’s another thing to keep it.

When you feel like changing your name to convey your feelings about God, just remember that he never changes his. God’s name is always faithful. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

This was a time in Israel’s history when the people did not know God. There was no godly leader to give guidance. Everyone did as he saw fit. The same thing happens today. When we do what is right in our own eyes, our life can be described in two words: “Train Wreck!”

Sad, isn’t it, when a person wastes so much potential? Hmm . . . but . . . I have the Spirit of the living God living in me. I have the resurrection power right in my person. What am I doing for the sake of Christ? How are life’s distractions keeping me from being all God wants me to be?

Jephthah’s tragedy is a lesson for us all. Trying to manipulate God always backfires. He will not be used.

Regardless of how far we have gone, how long we have been gone or how much damage we’ve done, the loving Father waits with open arms to welcome his child (prodigal though he or she may be) back home.