On the Day of Pentecost in AD 30, Peter and the other apostles were together in one of the 30 spacious rooms (houses) at the temple complex. Suddenly, a sound “like the rush of a mighty wind” filled the place where they sat, and they “began to speak in other tongues” (Acts 2:2, 4). That…

Suppose that you search for a job at LinkUp.com. A publishing company is offering a position with extraordinary status, salary, and benefits. You submit a résumé and get an offer. You report for work first thing Monday morning. Someone from human resources shows you to the most splendid and spacious office in Dallas. And then…

Safety experts advise parents to make plans for emergency situations and then teach their children what to do. For instance, everyone should know where to meet if the house is burning. The family may agree to gather at the mailbox, the basketball goal, or the utility shed in the backyard. This safety procedure prevents a…

In the eighth century BC, the Assyrians were threatening to destroy the northern tribes of Israel. Because God’s people had forsaken him to pursue the worthless idols of surrounding nations, the Lord would deliver Israel into the terrible hands of the dreaded enemy. Although Israel’s betrayal both hurt and angered God, his love for his…

Vacationing in Florida some years ago, Patsy met Joseph. No, this isn’t a love story of the usual sort. Patsy was a Christian sister from Texas, and Joseph was a gentleman from Nairobi, Kenya. Joseph was manning a flea market booth near Orlando. One day Patsy stopped by to do some shopping, and the two…

Young people sometimes hear that they are “the church of tomorrow.” Only in a limited sense is this true. Today’s boys will one day serve in the Lord’s body as elders, deacons, and preachers. Today’s girls will soon be the older women responsible for teaching and guiding the young ladies of a generation yet unborn.…

Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea at the time of the crucifixion, was reluctant to put Jesus to death. The Lord’s striking conduct and a disturbing message sent from the governor’s own wife combined to make him nervous. Pilate repeatedly tried to convince the Jews that Jesus ought to be released, but every effort…

By the sheep gate in Jerusalem was a pool with five porticoes called Bethesda (a Hebrew name meaning “house of grace”). This spring-fed pool in the northeast section of the city was believed to have healing properties. Lying near the water was “a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed” (John 5:3). One man at Bethesda…

A man loses his way in the desert. The relentless sun scorches him. The hot wind saps his strength. In desperation he petitions heaven. “Lord,” he prays, “I’m about to die. Please lead me to water so that I can quench my raging thirst!” After wandering about for a few more minutes, the fellow happens…

Because of the terrible ordeal he suffered, Job began to question God’s justice. After realizing his mistake, he recanted. His humble confession included the words “I despise myself” (Job 42:6). Some people look down on themselves for far less significant reasons. One time I read a snippet in a magazine written by a woman named…