Third Verse

Matthew 5:14–16
by Blake J. Matthews

There was once a nomad, travelling across the dessert in the Middle East. He woke up in the middle of the night hungry. Remembering that he had some dried figs, he lit a lamp and grabbed a fig. After taking a bite, and to his disgust, he noticed a worm in it. Without hesitation he threw it outside his tent and reached for another fig and took a bite. Shocked and disgusted he saw another worm after biting into it. This fig, too, quickly found its way out of the tent. Now realizing that at his rate, he would soon be out of figs and still be hungry, he did what most of us would do in that situation, Read the rest of this entry »

By Blake J. Matthews
Scripture taken from the NASB unless otherwise noted.

Some things are very black and white. Personally, I like that. When things are clearly black or white I don’t ever have to wrestle with how much is too much, or how far is too far. As believers, we usually don’t go around asking how much murder, stealing or adultery we can get away with before it’s sin. That doesn’t mean that we don’t ever have to wrestle with the sin itself, just not whether or not something Read the rest of this entry »

By Blake J. Matthews
Scripture taken from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

Do you own a fire extinguisher? What motivated you to get a fire extinguisher? Was it fear? Do you have a phobia of fire? Was it peace of mind? Does having a fire extinguisher make you feel safer? Do you sleep better at night having one? Was it a past experience? Have you ever been burned in a fire? Have you ever lost property to a fire? Was it a matter of fulfilling laws or regulations? Certain businesses and establishments are required by law to have one. They have to be inspected and be visible.

Now think back to the moment when you Read the rest of this entry »