DAILY, WEEKEND, AND HOLIDAY INTERNET EVANGELIZE TO THE WORLD MINISTRY

  March 25: Thoughtless Iconoclasm Numbers 29:1–40; 1 Corinthians 11:17–12:11 ; Psalm 24:1–10 When we learn something new about life and faith, it’s tempting to use our knowledge and freedom to tear down religious constructs and artifices—exposing truth in a way that’s not helpful or edifying. If we’re honest, pushing boundaries and living edgy and unfettered gives us a rush. Paul warns the Corinthian Christians against this attitude: “All things are permitted, but not all things are profitable. All things are permitted, but not all things build up” ( 1 Cor 10:23 ). Paul sets up a contrast, juxtaposing the clauses to set apart what should really be the Corinthians' focus. Paul stresses that instead of flaunting freedom, we should be focused on what is helpful and constructive for the community. Seeking the good of the other person should be our first reflex. And it’s not simply limited to the Christian community. Paul states: “Therefore, whether you eat or you drink or whateve...

  February 3: Wisdom Can Quickly Become Folly Exodus 7–8 ; John 1:35–51; Song of Solomon 1:8–14 What we need to hear and what we want to hear are rarely the same thing. Leaders who encourage honesty, allow for errors and establish an environment of trust usually hear what they need to hear. A dictator, on the other hand, will never learn what they really need to know. People shield them or stay away from them; an environment of fear is only destructive. With this point in mind, the story of Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh becomes even more intriguing. Pharaoh surrounded himself with people who would tell him what he wanted to hear ( Exod 7:22 ), not what he needed to hear: “You’re oppressing the Hebrew people, and they will rise up against you. And furthermore, we’re afraid of their God, and we can’t really do what He can do. We’re small-time dark magic; their God is a big time.” Instead of speaking this truth, Pharaoh’s advisors went on pretending and conjuring up cheap tricks. Pl...