by Mike Benson

Has it ever occurred to you that if we wanted to judge our Lord's success as a TEACHER, we probably wouldn't want to look at his disciples around the time of his crucifixion? Why not? Well, because one of his disciples betrayed him and then later committed suicide (Mark 14:10,11,18; Matthew 27:3-5). Another tried to start a fight, denied even knowing Jesus, and then cursed when someone suggested that he was a disciple (Matthew 26:51,52). In fact, the Bible says that eventually all of his disciples forsook him and fled (Mark 14:50).

Of course, it might be helpful for us to look on "down the line" and see these same men days, even years, after the crucifixion. Scripture says that all of the disciples, except Judas, were boldly preaching Christ as Lord (Acts 4:13,18-19,31; 9:29; 14:3; 19:8).

Teacher, when results aren't immediately forthcoming, when you wonder if you're making any impact, and when you're ready to throw in the towel because it seems like nobody is listening, it is then that you must not give up. Remember, it may take awhile before you ever see the fruits of your labor.

Think about it.

by Don Ruhl

The Holy Spirit says:

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision 
avails anything, but faith working through love. (Galatians 5:6). 

I know that the Scripture is addressing religious issues, but is it not also true that nothing else in life, whether of a religious nature or secular nature avails anything unless we have faith in Christ that leads us to work through love?

Therefore, for what do you labor in life?

by Don Ruhl

I have a question for you, well, actually the Lord has a question:

11 To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me? (Isaiah 1:11). 

He asked this of the rebellious leaders of Israel, so His motive was different than why I present the question here, but it is still a good question to ponder during the day. You make sacrifices for the Lord all the time. Why? What is your motive? What are you expecting from the Lord?

by Don Ruhl

Studying marriages of people you know is both fascinating and depressing. Fascinating because it is a wonderful union created by God for a man and a woman. Depressing because some do not fulfill the God-ordained role of marriage.

Why do young couples desire to marry? Generally they want to be with one another. Before marriage they can hardly think of anything else, but being together. After marriage they can hardly think of anything else, but doing their own thing.

Take a cue from Solomon and his wife, taking up their desire for togetherness:

11 Come, my beloved, Let us go forth to the field; Let us lodge in the villages. 12 Let us get up early to the vineyards; Let us see if the vine has budded, Whether the grape blossoms are open, And the pomegranates are in bloom. There I will give you my love. (Song of Solomon 7:11, 12).

See how they wanted to be together? In other places in the Song, they are separated and they are pained at the same time.

Revive the memory of why you married and seek that union again.