Deuteronomy 24:5a, "When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, ..."
The Bible is full of different styles of verbal communication such as promises, prophecies, commands, probabilities, parables, principles, allegories, etc. It is not my desire, nor do I have time, to define all these different styles in this article. Sufficient to say that this verse contains a principle that would fit in any culture, at any time, and would be wise to heed now in our day.
In reading I Chronicles 28, I came across a word used four times in this chapter; only thirteen times in the entire Bible, but four times here. This word is found in verses 11, 12, 18, and 19 and it is the word "pattern".
My father is a missionary. My older brother is a missionary. I was raised a missionary kid. A lot of people probably think that's why I became a missionary. The idea of that used to annoy me. I wanted people to know that I was genuinely called by God to missions and not just someone who was carrying on "the family business."
Today we remember a sad day in American history. Every American, of age at the time, can recall specifics about 9/11. Each of us remember where we were, what we were doing, and who we were with. We remember the day because of what it symbolized - both what we had lost and what we have gained; both the heroes and the foes. What I choose to take from the day is the incredible way Americans of all colors, languages, and backgrounds served one another in the midst of a trying and difficult moment.
Years ago, as a youth minister, I heard a message directed to young people regarding the colt of Mark 11. I cannot remember the point, the lesson, or anything about the application of the message, but I have always marveled at the text. There are several things regarding the Lord's work that we read here.
