By David Faust Hellen Keller observed, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” On one occasion the Lord promised the Israelites who went to battle, “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand” (Leviticus 26:8). That’s favorable math! The principle of synergy […]
By David Faust When I was a Bible college professor, one day a ministry student told the class about a problem in the small urban church where he served as the preacher. “Our congregation constantly talks about the ‘good old days’ when the church was large,” he explained. “A picture taken years ago hangs on […]
By David Faust Jesus never said, “Blessed are the powerful.” However our culture persistently communicates the message, “Assert yourself. Be the boss. Climb the ladder. Make a name for yourself.” The account of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles 26 cautions us about the perils of personal power. God made him successful. Precocious in his youth […]
By David Faust Recorded in 2 Chronicles 7 is how King Solomon and the Israelites dedicated the temple in Jerusalem: They knelt in awe as fire fell from the sky and God’s glory filled the temple. They sacrificed thousands of cattle, sheep, and goats. Musicians sang and praised God with their instruments. In the aftermath […]
By David Faust At the dinner table it’s rude if you don’t pass the food. At church another kind of plate passes your way. How do you feel when the offering plate moves down your row? It’s tempting to view the offering with indifference (“I gave at the office”), skepticism (“I don’t trust the budget […]
