rebuilding the altar
Each New Year promises the opportunity to start afresh—the prospect of a new beginning. The Israelites had been a rebellious and disobedient people. After 70 years of exile, they were allowed to return home to Judea. They were also given the necessary help and resources to rebuild their temple (Ezra 1). They could start afresh with God. But how do you start afresh with Him?
contempt
Here are some things people might say to excuse themselves from worshiping and serving God: “I’m tired.”
“I feel unappreciated.”
“I don’t want to do it.”
Would we use such excuses with our employers? Hmm. . . I doubt it. So why is it that we dare to use them with God? That was exactly God’s question to His people in…
serving God leftovers
A few years ago, radio commentator Paul Harvey shared a true story about a woman and her frozen turkey. The Butterball Turkey Company set up a telephone hotline to answer consumer questions about preparing holiday turkeys. One woman called to inquire about cooking a turkey that had been in her freezer for 23 years. The representative told her the turkey…
