Tag: character

The Man Who Left His Clothes Behind

Carl Pollard

There’s a strange detail buried in the story of Jesus’ arrest. Mark 14:51–52 says, “And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.”

And then…he disappears. No name. No explanation. A young man sprinting into the darkness without his clothes. My question is why would Mark include that?

We can’t know for certain who the young man was. Some have suggested that it may have been Mark himself. That’s possible, but the text never identifies him.

What we do know is that Mark has placed this bizarre moment immediately after one of the saddest statements in his Gospel, “And they all left him and fled.” Mark 14:50

Jesus had spent years surrounded by people. Crowds followed Him. Disciples traveled with Him. Peter had just promised, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” Then the soldiers arrived and suddenly, following Jesus became dangerous. And everybody ran! 

Mark seems almost determined to show us how complete the abandonment was. Even this unnamed young man was so desperate to escape that when they grabbed his clothing, he chose to lose the clothing rather than stay with Jesus. He left everything behind (including his dignity) to get away.

There’s another young man later in the Gospel. After Jesus is crucified, several women enter His tomb. Mark 16:5 says, “And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe…”

The first young man is fleeing into the darkness. The second is sitting inside an empty tomb announcing, “He has risen; he is not here.”They aren’t necessarily the same person. In fact, the young man in the tomb most likely an angelic messenger.

But the contrast is pretty cool. In chapter 14, everything looks lost. Jesus is arrested. His followers scatter. A young man runs away exposed and afraid. By chapter 16, everything has changed. The tomb is empty. Death has been defeated. And another young man, now clothed in white, announces victory.

That’s the story of the gospel. Sometimes we judge what God is doing while we’re standing in Mark 14. Everything is dark. Plans have collapsed. People have disappeared. Nothing makes sense.

But the story isn’t over. There’s still a Mark 16 coming. The same Gospel that records a man running terrified into the darkness ends with an empty tomb.

Sometimes the chapter that looks like the end is only three days away from resurrection.

Tired Shoulders

Dale Pollard

It’s common in the age we live in to get stuck on the “daily grind.” We wake up, drink coffee, get dressed, go to work or school, come home at the end of the day, and start all over again in the morning. It’s repetitive and the days can seem to blend together. On top of this monotony, you have your own problems to solve. We’ve got our own responsibilities to keep up with. For some it’s family and for others it’s homework or any number of other duties. This can cause anxiety or depression. Those thoughts that are familiar to so many can creep into our minds. Thoughts like, “why am I even doing this? What’s the point?” Our shoulders are tired with the burden of life. There’s too much going on and we may just want to shut down or sleep to escape the day. The weight is heavy.

So try something. Wake up! When our minds are full of our problems and our responsibilities and everything that’s wrong with our lives and our circumstance, we miss something precious. We miss out on the lives of everybody else that also share this planet. Solve your problems and shake the daily grind by branching out. Strive to achieve selflessness by loving others and showing compassion. Solve your problems by trying to help others with theirs. If I personally have my own problems as a young adult, I know that there are others with problems much bigger than mine. Their shoulders are killing them and they’ve been carrying the weight longer than me.

There are people all around you struggling with the same things or worse. The next time you Tweet, begin to create a Facebook status, or blog, are you about to be another problem for someone else? Or are you about to ease their aching shoulders?

Two Faces

Neal Pollard

Recently, I witnessed something I have seen before but that never gets easier to watch.  A person who on several occasions has had something negative and disparaging to say about another person when he was not around was speaking to him, using sweet, flattering and complimentary words.  The same person has used similar words in speaking to me.  It left me cold, certain that I cannot trust the kind words this person directs my way.

By definition, one is two-faced who is “marked by deliberate deceptiveness especially by pretending one set of feelings and acting under the influence of another” (Princeton University, Wordnet).  One etymology source says the first recorded use of “two face” was in 1619, though nothing more is said of that record (www.etymonline.com).  But, many scholars see the origin of the concept in Roman mythology and the god Janus for whom the month January is named.  He is said, as a symbol of change, to see into the past with one face and into the future with another face.  His faces pointed in the opposite direction (en.academic.ru).  Apparently, the concept morphed from looking two directions to showing two sets of feelings, being duplicitous, deceitful, and hypocritical.

When you do a New Testament word study, the word most closely akin to “two faced” is “hypocrisy.”  In fact, the word itself is simply a transliteration (writing or printing out a letter or word using the closest corresponding letters of a different alphabet or language) of the Greek word.  The original word first was theatrical language meaning “playacting.”  Thus, the verb form of the word, found in Luke 20:20, is used to describe how the scribes and high priests pretended to be sincere in order to trap Jesus.

Such a practice is dishonest, for it makes the subject of the hypocrisy think you feel or believe one way when in reality you do not (cf. Mt. 23:28).  Such a practice is harmful to influence, because in showing others your “second face” you reveal yourself as not genuine, trustworthy, or honorable (cf. Gal. 2:13).  Such a practice is sinful and, thus spiritual darkness.  Peter says to “put it aside” (1 Pet. 2:1).

Let us be careful that we do not confuse attempted tact and diplomacy with dishonesty, evil influence, and sin.  Let us keep our ethics aboveboard and our integrity intact.  Let us have one face, the same face, for everyone wherever we are and to whomever we speak.

The Sanhedrin

Neal Pollard

Did they trace their origin to the time of the wilderness wandering, where God tells Moses to appoint 70 elders to help in a specific situation (Num. 11:16-25)? Throughout the Old Testament, we find elders in Israel gathered for specific purposes, but the formal body of administrators, civic and religious instructors, arbitrators, and rulers are not found until less than a century before the birth of Christ. Josephus records friction and hostility between Herod and the Sanhedrin (Antiq. 14:167-180; see more information in the Mishnah, Mishnah). They are a fully-formed authoritative body during the ministry of Jesus. Most English translations do not have the word “Sanhedrin,” but translate the word “Council” (the Greek word is SYNEDRION). 

After Jesus begins His public ministry, teaching and performing miracles and clashing with the religious rulers throughout the nation, they convene to determine how to handle His mounting influence and popularity. In John 11:47-53, they enumerate their concerns: (1) This man is performing many signs, (2) If we let Him go on, all men will believe in Him, and (3) the Romans will take away their place and their nation. Their solution was destined to be unjust, since their conclusion was that “from that day on they planned together to kill Him” (53). Sure enough, they arrest and try Jesus (Matthew 26:47,57-27:2), actively try to pin guilt on Him (Mark 14:55), and bring Him to Pilate (Luke 22:66). Their hands are stained with the guilt of His blood! Later, they will use their influence to try and stop His church from growing (Acts 4-5). They are kindred spirits with all the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, lawyers, chief priests, and elders, and they certainly work together with a single purpose to try to discredit and destroy Jesus. Ironically, it was all in the name of pious religion.

While they were Jewish, practitioners of the Old Law, and first century contemporaries, human nature is not restricted to one race, religion, or realm. Their spirit lives on today. What lessons do they teach us? What warnings do they give us?

  • If you have to do wrong to “do right,” you have missed it somewhere. Whether it was false witnesses, deceitfulness, entrapment, lying, or any other sin, they broke their beloved law in their blind hatred of Jesus. 
  • Bible knowledge does not equate to true faithfulness. These men were considered experts, caretakers of God’s Word. Yet, Jesus lays out their wickedness in great detail (Matthew 23). 
  • Pride can blind us to the truth. Pride can’t be corrected, taught, reasoned with, open-minded, fair, or circumspect. All of these dispositions are necessary for the discovery of truth.
  • Religious position and status can become more important than honest character and humble study. The end of John 11 shows that their overriding concern was losing their influence and sway. This mindset was infectious (John 12:42-43). 
  • Never let your love of tradition outweigh your reverence for God and proper treatment of your brethren. Jesus’ answer about the greatest commandments, applauded even by one of their law experts (Mark 12:28-34), is contrasted with their own conduct and character. 
  • Envy yields ironic, yet destructive, results. Even a profane pagan like Pilate could see this (Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10)
  • Don’t choose the superficial (appearances, men’s praise, etc.) over godly ethics and righteousness. Jesus warned against the shallow righteousness of these men (Matthew 5:18) and even illustrated it (Matthew 6:1-18) in teaching like the Sermon on the Mount. He will condemn it later, in Matthew 23. 
  • Do not begin with a desired outcome and look for evidence to support it. It is a tendency, in and out of the church, to arrive at a position and then hunt down, manipulate, twist, and dishonestly handle Scripture to defend it (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). That is not only backward; it is immoral!
  • We can back ourselves into a corner. How hardhearted were these men? They ignored Jesus’ teaching, His miracles, and the empty tomb. Despite overwhelming evidence, they tried to suppress incontrovertible evidence (Matthew 28:11-15). 

Did Giants Build the Great Stone Cities of Canaan? 

Dale Pollard

Across the ancient Levant you’d find some of the largest stone structures ever assembled. It boggles the mind to think these were built at a time before cranes or diesel engines. Even with their help, some of the stones used in and around Baalbek— still couldn’t be moved. 

If the ancient builders quarried, transported, and precisely positioned stones weighing hundreds of tons, the only logical conclusion is that giants must have done it. Or at least, some of these places. 

The Bible mentions that parts of Canaan were inhabited by some big boys. 

“The Emim… were a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim” (Deuteronomy 2:10). 

 “For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim… his bedstead was of iron… nine cubits was its length” (Deuteronomy 3:11).

 The spies sent by Moses also reported seeing the Anakim: 

“We saw the Nephilim… and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers” (Numbers 13:33). 

 Baalbek 

At Baalbek, the famous Trilithon consists of three limestone blocks weighing roughly 800 tons each. Nearby lie even larger stones, including one estimated to exceed 1,000 tons. These remain among the largest stones ever quarried by any ancient civilization— ever. 

Big stones in an area known for big people? Well— mystery solved! 

The Jewish historian Josephus referred to the descendants of the Anakim as a race of giants whose bones could still be seen in his day (Antiquities 5.2.3). 

The Phoenician historian Philo of Byblos, whose writings survive through Eusebius, preserved traditions about beings of extraordinary size and strength building the very earliest monuments. 

In fact, it was the Greeks who even coined the term “Cyclopean masonry” because they believed that only the giant Cyclopes could have constructed walls made from enormous, tightly fitted stones, like those found at Mycenae and Tiryns. 

 Can we say for certain which Canaanite fortifications were built by giants? Not entirely. But based on the evidence one could make some pretty good guesses.  Giants probably built the biggest ones. 

 Sources 

 • Antiquities of the Jews 5.2.3.

 • Fragments of Philo of Byblos in Eusebius, Praeparatio Evangelica. 

 • UNESCO documentation on Baalbek. 

 • Pausanias, Description of Greece (on Cyclopean masonry traditions)

Dissensions

Neal Pollard

In the middle of a list of desires of the flesh which cost one an eternity with God is an interesting word. It is only found here in Galatians 5:20 and Romans 16:17 (some manuscripts contain it in 1 Corinthians 3:3). Every major translation renders it “dissensions.” Lexicons give us some insight into what this compound Greek word means: “the state of being in factious opposition” (BDAG, 252-253). But I appreciate the explanation of Louw-Nida the best: “In some languages the equivalent of ‘causing division’ is literally ‘to cause two groups in place of one group,’ but more frequently the equivalent is expressed in terms of attitudes, for example, ‘to cause people to be angry at one another’ or ‘to cause people not to like one another’ or ‘to cause people to think of one another as enemies'” (493).  The word was often used of politics in the ancient world, where those passionate about it would use it to divide people (sound familiar?). The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament shows how early church writings, like 1 Clement and especially The Shepherd of Hermes speak of how destructive it was to the early church (Vol. 1, 514).

Practically speaking, the group dynamics of even the body of Christ reveal this tendency. Scripture warns that this comes from fleshly rather than spiritual desires and motives. Paul tells Rome that it comes from people who are slaves of their appetites and are deceptive manipulators of naive hearts (16:18). He tells Corinth (3:3) and Galatia (5:16) that it is driven by fleshly desires. 

With dissensions, the one causing them seeks to gain something out of the actions. They “win” by dividing people.  What do they win? In 1 Corinthians, it’s implied that they win the loyalty and following of brethren. In Romans, they win allegiances that benefit them–think preachers who stand to gain by making their own disciples or church leaders who want their will and wishes to be the guiding influence in the congregation. It can even be individual Christians who are jealous of friendships and relationships and try to alienate and marginalize those they perceive as threats. 

Jesus wants His disciples united (John 17:20-21). Anything that undermines that would necessarily be fleshly rather than spiritual. Nowhere does God want His people united in error, but that’s a far cry from the principle of those who drives wedges between people based on petty, subjective, or self-serving reasons. Whatever prompts the temptation toward this lust of the flesh, whether pride, vanity, arrogance, or something else, it must be rooted out and supplanted by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We must “keep an eye on it…and turn away from them” (Romans 16:17). Be someone who brings people together, that strengthens the bond of all the members of God’s family! 

Books by the Pollards

A Tiny Spark Snail Mail Club (Kathy Pollard)

IRONY IN JOB

Dale Pollard

In Job you find all kinds of interesting things like references to the earth’s rotation (Job 38.14), ocean floor vents (38.16), and even the movement of star clusters like the Pleiades (38.31).

But, there are a couple of powerful verses that also include a heavy dose of irony.

“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!”

Job 19.23-24

A moment in the middle of Job’s pain and agony he seems to cry out those words, but they’re buried under many other laments and arguments concerning his terrible situation. The reader, though, already knows all of this because later in life Job wrote down his pain, questions, and his defense– on a scroll and engraved them forever. Just like he wanted!

Well, he desired to be remembered accurately. Job isn’t just venting. He wants future readers to know that his suffering was real and that his struggle with God came from a good place of honesty, not rebellion. An eternal scroll was proof that his story mattered to God, but also a reminder that God could in fact hear every word at a time when he felt like God couldn’t.

At the same time, this moment shows Job’s faith wrestling out in the open for all of us to benefit from. He believed that truth ultimately matters, even if it is not recognized right away. Ironically, Job’s wish is fulfilled. His words are preserved and read thousands of years later. What felt like a desperate plea is turned into his story of suffering before God that wasn’t wasted. God hears it all and answers every cry of confusion, and He can turn it into a lasting story of faith.

When God Says “Not Yet”: Peter’s Journey from Boldness to Readiness

Brent Pollard

Understanding Divine Timing in Your Spiritual Growth

When Jesus spoke of His approaching departure, Peter responded confidently: “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake” (John 13.37). His words carried genuine sincerity. Peter meant every syllable.

Yet Jesus answered with a truth that would echo through Peter’s life and ours: “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you shall follow Me afterward” (John 13.36, NKJV).

Two words changed everything: “Not now.” Peter did not lack courage—he had that. His devotion was not questionable—his heart burned with love for Christ. The issue was readiness, not willingness.

Why Spiritual Maturity Cannot Be Rushed

Peter’s bold words revealed an incomplete understanding of himself and the cross he claimed to embrace. We often think we are further along in grace than we are. Peter experienced this revelation in that moment.

He was willing to die, but he was not ready. The difference between these two states is the crucible of Christian formation.

Christ saw what Peter could not. The work in him, through him, and for him remained. Before Peter could follow Jesus into death, he needed lessons only time could teach and experiences only grace could redeem.

Growing in Knowledge: When Understanding Deepens Through Experience

Peter’s knowledge of Christ needed to grow beyond intellectual assent. It had to become a lived reality. He had already confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”(Matthew 16.16)—words given him by divine revelation. Yet even this truth needed real experience to become a formed conviction.

Peter still did not grasp the necessity of Christ’s death (Mark 8.31-33), the power of His resurrection (Luke 24.11-12), the glory of His ascension (Acts 1.9-11), or the fire of Pentecost (Acts 2.1-4). These were not optional lessons. They were essential to apostolic preparation. The Spirit would lead him “into all truth” (John 16.13), but the journey could not be rushed.

We remain on earth because it is the only place with a curriculum of grace. While heaven offers eternal joys, earth allows us to trust God in darkness, choose obedience without sight, and love Christ though “having not seen Him” (1 Peter 1.8). These are the essential lessons of the school of faith that cannot be skipped: learning to trust, obey, and love Christ while on earth.

Character Formation: How God Refines Us Through Failure

Peter’s character needed refining in the furnace of weakness. He thought he was ready to die, but Jesus knew the denial to come: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26.34). That failure became the moment that changed Peter’s self-confidence into humble dependence.

The Lord can use our failures to cure us of self-sufficiency. Peter denied Christ three times and was restored three times (John 21.15-17). God was not just correcting Peter; He was rebuilding him. The man who claimed he was more loyal than all (Mark 14.29) wrote, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5.6).

Actual readiness for service comes not from our strength but from knowing our weakness and discovering God’s sufficiency in it. Dependence on God, not self, forms the foundation of actual spiritual readiness.

God’s Preparation Has Purpose: Your Growth Blesses Others

God was still preparing Peter, and every lesson he learned later blessed the church. By the Holy Spirit, he wrote two epistles that strengthened millions. His sermon at Pentecost brought three thousand souls into the kingdom (Acts 2.41). His bold testimony before the Sanhedrin declared, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5.29). Peter confessed the truth on which Christ would build His church (Matthew 16.16-18), but he needed time to mature.

What we learn while waiting becomes our wisdom for service. Each trial that teaches patience prepares us to help others in their own trials (2 Corinthians 1.3-4). Each refining fire that purifies us equips us to lead with integrity. Peter’s painful lessons benefited the church.

Our spiritual growth is never merely personal; it is preparation for service—both now and eternally. The character God forms in us determines the impact and reach of our service to others.

From Earth to Eternity: Faithfulness Now Prepares Us for Heaven

Heaven is not idleness but perfected service. Jesus said servants would be made “rulers over many things” (Matthew 25.21), suggesting that faithfulness now prepares us for future responsibilities. God seeks those through whom He can do the impossible, yet we are often distracted by tasks we feel compelled to complete ourselves. Earth is where we learn to partner with the impossible.

The parable of the talents (Matthew 25.14-30) teaches that being faithful in small tasks leads to larger responsibilities. Serving on earth is preparation for greater things ahead. What we develop here—trust in uncertainty, patience in waiting, and obedience in difficulty—equips us for our future roles. Our actions now are training for responsibilities we cannot yet see.

The Promise Fulfilled: Peter’s Courage Matured in God’s Time

After the resurrection, Jesus spoke to Peter with clear words: “When you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish” (John 21.18). Then Jesus gave the invitation: “Follow Me” (John 21.19).

The promise of John 13.36 was explained. Peter would follow Jesus into death. Church tradition says Peter, counting himself unworthy to die as his Lord, requested crucifixion upside down. The man who once denied Christ by a charcoal fire (John 18.18) was restored by a charcoal fire (John 21.9). He would glorify God by a martyr’s death (John 21.19).

Peter’s courage was once premature but matured in God’s time. The boldness always existed. What developed was the brokenness that made his courage usable. God does not waste our willingness—He seasons it until it becomes readiness.

Living in the “Not Yet”: What God’s Delay Teaches Us

God’s “not yet” is not a refusal. It is preparation. When He says “afterward,” He does not diminish our calling but deepens our capacity. There is work to be done—in us, through us, and for us. God may be doing thousands of things in your life, but you know only a few. Trust Him for what you do not see.

Peter’s story makes us face impatience with God’s wisdom. We want instant readiness, but God requires patient formation. We see our willingness. God sees what still needs to be developed. We measure courage by intentions. God measures it by how we endure when tested by fire.

Scripture affirms this pattern of preparation many times. Joseph spent years in slavery and prison before saving nations (Genesis 50.20). Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before leading the Exodus (Acts 7.30). Paul withdrew to Arabia after conversion before his ministry (Galatians 1.17). Even Jesus waited thirty years before public ministry (Luke 3.23).

Waiting is not wasted. Every delay serves a divine purpose. Each period of preparation is designed to teach specific lessons that equip us. Through these lessons, we are shaped into vessels capable of holding and sharing the glory God will reveal through us. Our waiting is purposeful, our learning is tailored, and both are essential for fulfilling what God intends to do through us.

Your “afterward” is coming. In God’s time, when your knowledge deepens, your character is refined, and your readiness matches your willingness, you will follow Him into your purpose. Until then, learn what this moment can teach you. Trust what these trials can develop. Receive what this season alone can give.

The same Jesus who said “not now” to Peter also said “but afterward.” Both words came from the same love, served the same purpose, and led to the same destination: a God-glorifying life and a faithful servant’s death.

When God says “not yet,” He is not closing a door. He is preparing you to walk through it with wisdom, strength, and readiness that He alone can give. The afterward is about more than dying well. It is about living fully in the power of a completed preparation and achieved readiness. When your afterward comes, you will know—as Peter knew—that every moment was worth it for the glory it brought.

Trust His timing. Embrace His preparation. Your afterward is coming, and it will be glorious. Persevere in trust and preparation—God’s timing always leads to fulfillment.

The Anger Of The Lord

The Word of God provides so much comfort, consolation, encouragement, strength, hope, and excited anticipation. It is food and drink for the soul. David describes it as beautiful and beneficial (Psa. 19:7-10). It makes us alive and saves our soul (1 Pet. 1:22; Js. 1:18). It sanctifies (Jn. 17:17). 

Neal Pollard

The Word of God provides so much comfort, consolation, encouragement, strength, hope, and excited anticipation. It is food and drink for the soul. David describes it as beautiful and beneficial (Psa. 19:7-10). It makes us alive and saves our soul (1 Pet. 1:22; Js. 1:18). It sanctifies (Jn. 17:17). 

Yet, the Word, consistent with God’s perfect character, contains warnings, rebukes, and threats all backed by the unlimited power and perfection of God’s nature. Back when God instituted His special covenant with the Jews at Mt. Sinai, He made it clear that His promises and blessings were conditional. Moses reviews this promise of God at the end of his life, saying, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today; and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known” (Dt. 11:26-28). 

At the end of 2 Kings, the remnant of the Jews still in the land (remember, Israel was destroyed and carried off into captivity in chapter 17) had drifted into the curse Moses spoke of. The prophets, like Jeremiah, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, had warned Judah, but the kings, priests, false prophets, elders, and the people, shunned the message. After His perfect patience had been repeatedly tried and finally exhausted, He displays His wrath.

Wicked Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, mounted the throne in his father’s place. Though he only reigned three months, the record shows that “he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had don” (2 Ki. 24:9). The Babylonian Emperor, Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, carried Jehoiachin captive “his mother and his servants and his captains and his officials” (12), all the temple and king’s treasures (13), ” all Jerusalem and all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths” (14–leaving only the poorest people in the land), and “all the men of valor, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all strong and fit for war” (16). Nebuchadnezzar put a puppet king on Judah’s throne, Jehoiachin’s uncle, Mattaniah, who Nebuchadnezzar renamed “Zedekiah” (17). He did evil in the sight of the Lord, just as his nephew had done (18)! Even in the face of such punishment and defeat, Judah’s leadership refused to humble itself and repent. In fact, Zedekiah was not only rebel against God but also the instrument of punishment in His hand (Babylon’s king, Jer. 25:9)(20).

Why would God allow this to happen to His chosen people? The writer of 2 Kings explains it this way: “For through the anger of the Lord this came about in Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out from His presence” (20). Perhaps the people convinced themselves that since God had not acted in punishment against their parents and grandparents, He didn’t care about how they were acting and they were going to get away with it. Peter tells us how that is part of human nature. Using the past (the days of Noah) as an illustration of the end of time, Peter says that mockers with their mocking will ask where the promise of God’s coming is. They’ll say, “Ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Pe. 3:4). They ignore what happened in Noah’s day (5-6). They ignore that God spares or destroys this world according to the word of His power (5-7). They ignore that God is not bound by time (8). They ignore that God’s perfect patience is at work right now, as He wishes for all to come to repentance (9). But, the day of the Lord will come (10a)! He will deal out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2 Th. 1:8). 

But, let us be convinced of this. God wants to pour out His blessings, approval, and incredible love upon all of us! Yet, He leaves the ball in our court. He wants nothing more than to hold us close to Him and have us spend our eternity with Him (2 Pe. 3:11-15). If we respond to that love in submissive obedience, we will feel the full force of His kindness. If we don’t, He’s loved us enough to show us what that will mean for us! May we be wise enough to avoid “the anger of the Lord”! 

The Power Of Kindness

You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

Carl Pollard

Kindness, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), is a profound expression of God’s character and a cornerstone of Christian living. The Greek word chrēstotēs is best described as goodness, generosity, and a disposition to act with compassion. When we study the idea of kindness in scripture, it is filled with theological depth and practical implications, calling us to embody Christ’s love in a broken world.

Scripture consistently portrays kindness as a reflection of God’s nature. In Titus 3:4, Paul writes of “the kindness and love of God our Savior” appearing through Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing that divine kindness is the basis for salvation. This is also seen in Ephesians 2:7, where God’s grace is expressed “in his kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” So kindness isn’t just a human virtue but a divine attribute christians are called to imitate! You don’t have to look any further than Jesus’ life. Kindness is seen in His compassionate interactions with the poor and needy. He showed kindness by healing the leper (Mark 1:40-42) and forgiving the adulterous woman (John 8:1-11).

The call to kindness is active and intentional. Colossians 3:12 instructs Christians, as God’s chosen ones, to “put on… kindness,” suggesting a deliberate choice to clothe ourselves in compassionate actions. This is seen with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where kindness transcends cultural and social barriers, demonstrating love through sacrificial care. Kindness is not passive; it requires courage to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8), even when inconvenient or costly.

In a world marked by division, kindness becomes a powerful tool for the spreading of the gospel. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness leads to repentance, suggesting that our acts of kindness can draw others to Christ. A kind word, a generous deed, or a forgiving spirit can soften hearts and reflect God’s love. 

Kindness is a daily calling to mirror Christ’s compassion. It challenges us to extend grace to the undeserving, forgive the offender, and serve the overlooked. As we practice kindness, we participate in God’s redemptive work, softening hearts to His love. 

Let’s live kindly, reflecting the Savior’s heart in every interaction.

An Excellent Wife

She is careful about how she approaches the various duties of the home, which she rules and oversees. She adopts a wise, God-approved character. This leads her to bless all who are in various relationships with her. Husbands do well to approach their duties, character-development, and relationships in the same way.

Neal Pollard

The book of Proverbs ends with an investigation (chapter 31). The writer, whether Lemuel is making observations or passing along his mother’s sage guidance, leads the search. He writes how rare and valuable an excellent wife is (31:10). It is a literary masterpiece, an acrostic poem (each verse begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet), a chiasm (“a rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order, in the same or modified form,” Apple Dictionary, 2.3.0). You would diagram the outline of the chiasm like this: A B C B A. The chiasm was a literary way to show the heart or focus of a specific section of Scripture. It would be readily identified by a Jewish reader, but it enriches our study when we understand that it’s intentionally there. The heart of this poem is verse 23: “Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.” The net effect of the kind of wife described here is that it blesses her spouse’s life. That should be the goal of every married person, to raise others’ view of him or her through the righteous conduct of our life. What is the character of the wife described here?

  • She is prized and praiseworthy (10, 30-31).
  • Her husband and home are profited by and praise her (11-12, 28-29).
  • She is a hard worker (13-19, 27). 
  • She is generous with her material things and her wisdom (20, 26).
  • She is not ruled by worries and fears (21,25).
  • She dresses her children and house well and she dresses her character well (21-22, 24-25).

Some have used this poem to try and hold up a “Renaissance Woman,” an ideal so unrealistic that no woman could ever live up to her standard. These have had too narrow a view of the author’s purpose. He is trying to demonstrate the kind of approach that a wife, in this context, should take to her role and responsibility. She is careful about how she approaches the various duties of the home, which she rules and oversees. She adopts a wise, God-approved character. This leads her to bless all who are in various relationships with her. Husbands do well to approach their duties, character-development, and relationships in the same way. Society will be benefited from its members taking who they are and what they do more seriously. So will the church and the home. 

What a blessing to be married to an excellent wife! There is no substitute for this. How it makes the inevitable burdens of life easier to carry. Let us all strive to be excellent in the role(s) God has given to us! 

The Weight Of Words

Words carry a lot of power, revealing the core of who we are. Each year, the average person speaks about 11 million words—roughly 30,000 daily, enough to fill a short book every two days. If your words were laid bare for all to see, would they reflect a story you’d stand by?

Carl Pollard

Words carry a lot of power, revealing the core of who we are. Each year, the average person speaks about 11 million words—roughly 30,000 daily, enough to fill a short book every two days. If your words were laid bare for all to see, would they reflect a story you’d stand by? In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus delivers a warning: “Everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every idle word they have spoken. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” The Greek term for “idle,” argos, refers to useless, fruitless words that fail to honor God. Luke 6:45 reinforces this: “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Our words expose our hearts and will one day testify for or against us. Every word we speak is directed toward God and those made in His image. To move from empty speech to words that give life, we can follow three steps: tighten your lips, tame your tongue, and transform your heart.

The first step is to filter what comes out of your mouth. Psalm 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” David recognized that words can escape before we think, often causing harm through gossip, complaints, or lies. Consider Job, who, despite losing everything, refused to curse God (Job 2:9-10). His restrained speech reflected deep faith, unlike the Israelites in Exodus 16:3, who grumbled at minor hardships, saying, “We should’ve stayed in Egypt!” Their careless words revealed weak trust and cost them greatly. With about 20% of our day—4 to 5 hours—spent talking, we have millions of opportunities for idle words. A simple test before speaking: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? By guarding our lips and seeking God’s help, we can ensure our words build up rather than tear down.

Guarding your lips is a start, but the tongue itself is a force. James 3:7-8 calls it a “restless evil,” capable of sparking destruction like a wildfire. Peter’s life shows this vividly. In Matthew 26:74, under pressure, he denied Jesus, even cursing to make his point—words that exposed his fear. Yet, after Pentecost, his tongue preached boldly, leading 3,000 to salvation (Acts 2). The difference was divine transformation. A 2018 incident proves the point: a single 50-word social media post from a well known figure tanked a company’s stock by 20% in hours, costing billions. One reckless word can destroy; one intentional word can build. To control your tongue, ask: Will this honor God? Will it uplift or harm? With the Spirit’s guidance, replace fruitless words with those that speak life.

Words don’t start at the tongue—they flow from the heart. Matthew 15:8 says, “The things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” When life’s pressures hit, your words reveal what’s inside. David’s heart transformation in 2 Samuel 12:13, after his sin with Bathsheba, led to honest repentance: “I have sinned against the Lord.” Unlike Saul, who deflected blame, David’s words reflected a renewed heart, restoring his relationship with God. A 2021 study found 64% of online comments carry negative or hostile tones, often from unrenewed hearts. To speak purposefully, ask God to transform your heart, as David did in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” Through prayer, scripture, and worship, fill your heart with God’s truth, and your words will reflect His love.

You speak 30,000 words daily, 11 million yearly—each a seed that bears fruit, good or bad. Matthew 12 and Luke 6 remind us our words will judge us, revealing our hearts. This week, commit to intentional speech: guard your lips like David, control your tongue like Peter, and renew your heart through Christ. Careless words can destroy relationships and hinder the gospel, but purposeful words can heal and point to eternity. 

What do your words say about you?

Joshua The Conqueror

The writer of Hebrews compares our desire to have eternal life to the work of Joshua in leading Israel into Canaan (Heb. 4:8). For those who lead the church in the various ways, parents in Christian homes, elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers, mature Christians, etc., the same factors are at play in our mission to conquer for Christ.

Neal Pollard

The book of Joshua begins with an understated transitional statement, one that signaled perhaps one of the most pivotal events in Israelite history. “Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord…” The Lord now looks to Joshua, Moses’ servant, to accomplish the task first given to Moses, to lead the nation into the land promised to Abraham centuries before (Gen. 15:18). Can you imagine being in Joshua’s sandals, trying to follow only the greatest leader the people have ever had? And even he wasn’t able to get the people into the Promised Land before his death. 

It is not surprising, then, that having so great a task and following so great a leader Joshua needs encouragement for this work. Notice how the sixth book of the Bible opens, addressed to the man saddled with the responsibility of getting the people of God across the finish line of their purpose. There are at least five truths Joshua needed to keep in mind.

  • He should remember how he would be victorious (2-3). God emphasizes that He is giving the land to Israel. Israel is going to have to obey and work according to God’s commands, but the victories would come through and because of Him. 
  • He must understand the scope of his mission (4). God lays out specifically the mission, stating in broad terms to boundaries of the territory. The mission would not be a success until all of it had been taken.
  • He could have blessed assurance of God’s help (5). God fortifies Joshua with promises like, “I will be with you” (5), “I will not fail you or forsake you” (5). He reminds Joshua that He was with Moses, and He offered Joshua the same help. 
  • He would have to be a man of strong character (6-7). God calls Joshua to be strong, courageous, unafraid, and obedient. With such a lofty objective, God needed and expected leadership that was trustworthy and reliable. 
  • He had to rely on the Word of God (8-9). Not surprisingly, after a generation was denied the promise land through unbelief and disobedience, this would be critical! God says, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (8). God promises to be with him if he would follow Him! 

The writer of Hebrews compares our desire to have eternal life to the work of Joshua in leading Israel into Canaan (Heb. 4:8). For those who lead the church in the various ways, parents in Christian homes, elders, deacons, preachers, and teachers, mature Christians, etc., the same factors are at play in our mission to conquer for Christ. God gives the victory, the mission, the promises, the word, and the guidelines for our daily living. He is counting on us to partner with Him to gain the victory! 

Doing What Is Right


Neal Pollard

In his excellent lesson on the Sermon on the Mount, Mike Vestal pointed out that the word “righteousness” appears five times in a sermon he nicknamed “Righteousness 101.” Jesus preaches this sermon in an environment where the religious leaders preached and practiced a very shallow righteousness. Jesus teaches a true, deeper righteousness. The word Jesus uses refers to character and conduct, being just as one should be, upright and virtuous (Zhodiates, WSNTDICT). Jesus challenges us to do what is right in God’s eyes. 

These five occurrences of “righteousness” can help us know whether or not we are on that course. 

Do I have an appetite for what is right (Mat. 5:6)? Just as there are foods and drinks that each of us put in our list of favorites, our hearts and minds yearn for some things over others. Am I developing an increasing taste for God’s will? Do I not only do what is right, but long to do so?

Am I willing to sacrifice for what is right (Mat. 5:10)? How valuable and meaningful is my faith? What if it is tested and opposed? Will I stand by it? Or will I surrender and sacrifice it for acceptance and temporary calm? Will I choose man’s approval for a little while only to face God’s ultimate disapproval, or will I accept man’s disapproval for a little while to have God’s ultimate approval?

Do I do from the heart what is right (Mat. 5:20)? Righteousness requires more than an outward refraining from wrongdoing. It governs what’s going on in our hearts. Down inside, I have got to stamp out feelings, desires, passions, and attitudes that prevent and oppose good character and true virtue. Not only that, but failing to win that battle in my heart more often than not will show up in my conduct. 

What is my motive for doing what is right (Mat. 6:1)? Jesus challenges me not just to do the things I should do, but do them for the right reasons and in the right way. One of the fundamental, flawed reasons to do right is to be seen by others and to have their praise and admiration. I can steal my own blessing by a showy spirituality. 

Is there anything I put before doing what is right (Mat. 6:33)? Is uprightness my number one priority? In context, the challenge is making the Messiah rather than money the master. But, in principle, Jesus’ Lordship is being challenged by many rivals. Am I seeking what He wants and what He wants for me above all else?

Repeatedly, God encourages us to do what is right. He says if we do what is right, we will avoid so much of what plagues the lost world (Ex. 15:26). In so doing, it will be well with us (Dt. 6:18). In so doing, He will be with us (1 Ki. 11:38). In so doing, we find God’s favor (1 Pet. 2:20). Jesus says do right and it will bless you (Mat. 5:6). Do right and you will receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:10). Do right and you shall enter the kingdom of heaven (Mat. 5:20). Do right and you will be rewarded by your Father in heaven (Mat. 6:1). Do right and God will supply all your needs (Mat. 6:33). 

Does Humanity Have A Goal?

Gary Pollard

Another one of the most commonly asked questions is, “What is humanity’s goal?” This seems to be a “purpose” question, but one that specifically asks if we’re pursuing some kind of unity. Many have tackled this question, and most of them are far more qualified to deal with it than I am. But the ancient writings God gave humanity have proved reliable for millennia, so I’ll lean on its principles in this abridged look at our unifying goal(s). 

The concept of a “unity” has been explored for a very long time. It serves as the foundational principle for many world religions because we all have an intuitive sense that we’re connected somehow, or that we all come from a common source. We understand that all of us together are greater than any one person, so our destiny must be just as awesome! 

The short answer (from a believer’s perspective) is: Humanity’s goal is to see God. 

  1. We believe that the Logos created our planet and made it habitable. The universe is the creative expression of his nature and power.  
  2. Humanity’s original goal was the explore the Earth and enjoy it (Gen 2.1-15). 
  3. We were in a state of perfect harmony with the Creator and his creation. 
  4. We lost that when we chose to pursue forbidden gnosis. 
  5. All of history (and what remains of our future) is a story — its unifying narrative is our journey back to that initial harmony. This story is only possible because the Creator sacrificed himself to change our inevitable destiny! 

Our immediate goal is to emulate the Creator’s character as much as we can. This necessarily means we acknowledge his existence and primacy. He is light and love, so we try to be the same. Done properly, this benefits all people (especially people who struggle). Why voluntarily pursue other peoples’ needs over our own? Why struggle against the body’s impulses? Why view other people as more important than self? Why hold on so tightly to a belief in a God no one has seen? He promised us a return to perfection, an eternal life without any suffering, and a fully-repaired, personal relationship with the Creator (cf. II Pt 3.13; I Jn 3.1-3, Rv 21.1-2). 

Now I am coming to you. I will not stay in the world, but these followers of mine are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name — the name you gave me. Then they will be one, just like you and I are one (Jn 17.11). 

A person has only one body, but that body has many parts. Yes, there are many parts, but all those parts are still just one body. Christ is like that, too (I Cor 12.12). 

There is one body and one spirit, and God chose you to have one hope. There is one master, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God and Father of us all, who rules over everyone. He works through all of us and in all of us (Eph 4.4-6). 

Three Qualities For Success

Neal Pollard

I am blessed with a wise woman for a wife. My three sons would tell you that every time they consult her for wisdom, she never disappoints. I think that is because she draws, as the source of her wisdom, on God’s Word. She has filled her heart with it, and that’s what comes out when she interacts. Especially does she want to get that right when offering guidance to her sons. 

King Lemuel seems to have had a mother like that. She teaches her son an “oracle” (sayings or inspired utterances) that first deals with how he uses his professional possession (Proverbs 31:1-9). The bulk of the chapter (31:10-31) will deal with who he looks for as a wife. His mother pleads with him emphatically. I’m not sure where I see a more intense plea anywhere in Scripture: “What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?” I don’t know if this is written in reaction or in proaction, but her concern is palpable. Each bit of counsel is followed up with the next, divine wisdom meant to prepare him or repair him. What are they? 

DON’T ABUSE AUTHORITY (3). This is written to a man in a position of considerable authority. She warns him not to surrender his influence to physical desires or social vanity. The “women” in verse three are contrasted with the woman of noble character described in the beautiful poem at the end of the chapter (31:10-31). These women would take his strength; the virtuous woman would add to it. “Those who destroy kings” are individuals who don’t have his interests at heart. He is not to allow those people into his circle of influence. Have you ever seen people who ingratiate themselves by positioning themselves close to someone they see as powerful and influential? They flatter them with praise. These deplete rather than distribute strength. Neither of these groups care about Lemuel. They care about themselves. 

DON’T ABUSE ALCOHOL (4-7). This admonition is written to warn him against impairment that comes from a different source. Wine and strong drink are the enemies and the contrast to wise decision-making. Why? It causes one to forget the law (5) and the afflicted (5). It is only a temporary escape from their troubles (6) and it actually adds to their troubles (7). Frequently, Proverbs warns against the negative influence of alcohol. “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise” (20:1, NLT). “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine” (23:29-30). In three decades of ministry, I’ve encountered a lot of people struggling with addiction to alcohol. Sometimes it was learned from the home they grew up in. Sometimes it was discovered through friendships or on the job. I cannot tell you how many marriages, homes, careers, and lives have been adversely affected (often tragically) through the abuse of alcohol. Perhaps we are wise to heed the rest of Proverbs 23: “Do not look upon it…” (31). If we keep our eyes off of it, our lips won’t touch it. 

DON’T ABUSE THE ABUSED (8-9). This passage suggests that one of the cruelest forms of abuse is silence. Lemuel’s mother advised him to “open” his mouth. Some are too powerless to advocate for themselves. They need someone with the power and influence to speak for them. She says to represent the voiceless and penniless (8). She says actively help the poor and needy with righteous judgment and thoughtful defense (9). We all know disenfranchised, marginalized people, people nobody notices, cares about, or helps. That cannot be us. Compassion and sensitivity to the plights of the downtrodden should fill our hearts. 

The king’s mother shares three qualities with her son to give him success: discernment of character, self-control, and compassion. But these things can help peons and peasants like you and me. In this way, Lemuel’s lessons are lessons we can learn, too! 

Don’t Be Hating

Gary Pollard

What is hate? In the New Testament, hate is μισεω (miseo) and has a few definitions. According to one of the best Greek-English lexicons out there, it can mean “anything from ‘disfavor’ to ‘detest’ depending on its context” (BDAG, μισεω). In other words, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean complete detestation. 

“Hate” is kind of a loaded word today. It’s been hijacked by activists seeking to condone depravity. It’s been a little watered-down as a result. 

Any rational person would understand if we hated someone for good reason. Our justice system has divided homicide into categories at least partially for that reason. They’re all wrong, but some forms of hatred are more understandable than others. 

That’s human thinking. The short version is that it is always wrong to hate anyone for any reason (Mt 5.43ff). What about terrorists who target civilians and use them as human shields? They are our enemies. What are we supposed to do for our enemies? Love them, pray for them (5.44). God brings justice on his terms. A soldier fighting these groups may well be that instrument of justice (cf. Rom 13.4). But most of us aren’t soldiers. That’s just an example, so apply this (minus the soldier part) to illegal immigrants, to the sexually depraved indoctrinating our children in public education, to the Federal managerial state destroying our country, and to any other group/movement/individual we might hate because of their behavior and worldview. 

It can be extremely difficult to do (speaking from personal experience here), but God demands perfection in this context — we have to love our enemies, we have to pray for our enemies. We don’t usually select random people as targets of our hatred. We usually have good cause! That doesn’t excuse a poor view of even the worst of people. God will deal with them, our job is to love and pray for them. 

Finally, our church family is never, ever, ever a place for hatred. Hatred (μισεω, BDAG) means “having a strong aversion to” or “to disfavor” (instead of giving preferential treatment). We’ll end by letting God speak for himself: 

“We know that we have left death and have come into life. We know this because we love each other. Anyone who does not love is still in death. Anyone who hates a fellow believeris a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life” (I Jn 3.14-15). 

A Recipe For Successful Living

Neal Pollard
  • Concerning Money: Don’t judge a book by its cover (7). The wealthy face threats and dangers that the poor do not (8). Get rich quick schemes usually fail (11). People who are “too smart” to learn earn poverty and disgrace (18). A good name is better than wealth (22; cf. 22:1). The resources of the poor are often robbed by injustice (23).
  • Concerning Desire: You can tell a lot about a person by what he wants (2). Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (12). A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools (19). Godliness with contentment is great gain (25; cf. 1 Tim. 6:7). 
  • Concerning Laziness: The lazy person wants but never gets, but the hard worker gets by diligence (4). 
  • Concerning Teachability: A scoffer ignores rebuke (1). The wise take advice, but strife follows the rebellious (10). Those who hate the word destroy themselves (13). Good teaching is a fountain of life helping us avoid deadly traps (14). Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly (16). 
  • Concerning Speech: The difference between life and ruin is determined by how well you control your tongue (3; Jas. 3:2ff). A faithful messenger brings healing (17). 
  • Concerning Character: The righteous hate falsehood (5). Righteousness paves a protected path (6). The light of the righteous rejoices (9). The righteous are rewarded with good, not disaster (21). The righteous have enough, but the wicked never do (25). 
  • Concerning Common Sense: Good sense wins favor (15). Every prudent man acts with knowledge (16). 
  • Concerning Friends: To be wise, walk with the wise (20). 
  • Concerning Child Training: Spare the rod, spoil the child (24). 

Proverbs are general truths, tried and found to be the rule rather than the exception. All of God’s Word serves as a guidepost for success in every way it can be measured. These proverbs are short, insightful, and inspired tidbits of helpful guidance, intended to help us know the way to strengthen our relationships and steward our resources. Many are the sad, foolish persons who ignored these instructions to their own hurt. Many who thought they came up with brilliant insights do not know that they are merely echoing the sounds of God’s wisdom. 

Vindicated Faith

Gary Pollard

I Peter 1.5 — God’s power protects us because of our faith. If we’re doing our best to follow God, he’ll make sure we’re ready for the end. The Bible is vague on how he does this, but this verse might give the best glimpse into that process: his power keeps us ready. We’re told that none of this will happen in our current life. The exciting new life we’ll have won’t be available until the end. 

1.6 — Sounds like a bummer, especially since we might have to go through really hard times because of the unstoppable hope we have. 

1.7 — If we make it through these difficulties with our character and confidence intact, God considers that to be more valuable than refined gold. This is the best return-on-investment scenario in God’s eyes. 

1.7 — It benefits us, too, though — “when our faith is proven to be pure, the result will be praise and glory and honor when Jesus comes back.” Jesus will showcase his Christian family to the entire world. Millenia of mistreatment and hostility will melt away in an instant. All people throughout earth’s entire history will see how incredible Jesus and his family are. It’s the same terminology as the “glory” a country gets after they win a war. The U.S. stood on the global stage for decades as the most powerful country in world history. When Jesus returns — before we even get to our new home — Christians will experience that on a whole different level. For the first century church and for us today, that means absolute vindication. The world thinks we’re crazy or irrational for believing in an all-powerful God and living a Christian life on a promise we won’t even realize until after we’re dead. Jesus will personally prove them wrong when he comes back!

The Lord Endures Forever

Carl Pollard

I’m not much of a runner. And when I say not much I mean I’m not a runner at all, period. Reason being my endurance is awful. I once tried to go on a run to the kitchen and had to drop out at the living room. But very much unlike me, Serge Girard, a French ultra runner, has run 14,031 miles in just under a year! To break that down, that’s 1,169 miles run in a month or 39 miles a day! This ultra runner has incredible endurance, and we could even say it’s almost superhuman. Serge Girard has amazing endurance, but it is nothing at all compared to the endurance of God.

Psalm 111 is a beautiful description of how God “endures forever.” A quick glimpse at this psalm and we learn that the Lord endures for all eternity. He endures through His righteousness (vs. 3). The Psalmist begins by setting the stage by using the Hebrew word for “Hallelujah.” Then says “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart.” When he says “with all my heart,” this seems to imply that he is coming to God with every intention of giving his all to the LORD. 

The psalmist gave thanks with all his heart for a reason. Verse 2 says, “Great are the works of the LORD; they are studied by all who delight in them.” If we as Christians truly delight in the Lord then we should be studying the works of the Lord! When we study His works we learn about the great God we serve. Verse 3 shows us the Lord’s endurance. “Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness ENDURES forever.”

As One who is unerringly faithful to His covenant with Israel, God constantly executes justice on behalf of His people. In the bringing of Israel out of Egypt, His works declare His righteousness. This impeccable characteristic of His nature does not nor will it ever change. What a great comfort to know that God will always be there for us, even in our darkest times! We will only learn about our God if we take the time to study and grow in the knowledge of His Word. Knowing that the God who delivered Israel from slavery listens to us when we pray is truly life changing. 

He is always there for us. Because the Lord endures forever!