VERSE: Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. — James 3:1 THOUGHT:It is a great honor and privilege to be one entrusted with the responsibility of teaching others about the mysteries of God. However, when given great responsibility you also face greater judgment. God’s treasure is people. Pure teaching refines God’s treasure; poor teaches …

VERSE:Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with His command through Moses. — Numbers 9:22-23: THOUGHT:It was God’s will, and God’s command …

VERSE:The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable – how much more so when brought with evil intent!Proverbs 21:27 THOUGHT: Thousands of people every Sunday give a monetary offering to God as a substitute for complete submission. The worst part is they are only giving with the motive of getting it back, plus interest. God is not so much interested in receiving an offering, than He is receiving a soul. APPLICATION:Examine …

VERSE:If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered. — Proverb 21:13 THOUGHT:How many of our prayers are focused on our own wants and needs? How often does God hear you cry out for the needs of others? This scripture is a reminder to have a mind like Christ who neglected His entitlement for the needs of the …

VERSE:So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?Luke 16:11 THOUGHT:If your desire is to be entrusted with true riches by doing things for the Kingdom – making lasting, eternal impact – your impact is going to be a reflection of what you have done with the natural things God has blessed you with. Worldly wealth is not limited to finances. …

VERSE:…for our God is a consuming fire —Hebrews 12:29 THOUGHT: you notice that it didn’t say “our God is fluffy and passive” or “our God is okay with luke-warmness”. It says “our God is a consuming fire”! Fire is used for several things, including illumination, destruction and purification. At the point of salvation, God illuminates the problem of sin, purifies the sinner’s soul, and destroys the work the enemy in …

VERSE:By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.— Hebrews 11:11 THOUGHT:“By faith Abraham…was enabled…” Abraham’s faith is what brought the promise of God to pass. Imagine if Abraham did not believe God. He would have never received God’s promise, even though it was God’s established will. God has made His …

VERSE:You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. — Hebrews 10:34 THOUGHT:How would you feel if you had your house, and everything in it confiscated? Would you joyfully accept it? I probably wouldn’t either. Why is that? What’s the difference between us and the early Church to whom this letter was written? The …

VERSE:Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. — Hebrews 6:7-8 THOUGHT:The land, in this metaphor, represents 2 different types of people. The first person drinks in …

VERSE:Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. — Matthew 22:29 THOUGHT:There is a certain segment of the body of Christ that is very well versed in the exposition of scripture. They know the doctrines of salvation and can quote dozens of scriptures by memory. They KNOW the bible. However, they have very little understanding of the power of God …