Excuses

The Cost of Discipleship

Although Jesus knew He would face persecution and death in Jerusalem, He was determined to do there (v. 51). James and John, two gracious and devoted disciples, saw their master was not received. They had seen the Prophet Elijah on the mountain so they thought they could imit …

Loving God In Spite of Trials

In this passage James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold: The possession of an inner blessedness (v. 12a). Happiness is not affected by outward circumstances. It is for those who are poor, …

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Jesus gives a parable about a great banquet. In those days when you invited guests to dinner, you told them the day but not the exact hour of the meal. Then just before the feast was to begin, the host sent his servants to tell the guests the banquet was ready and they should …

Israel Rejects God And Demands a King

Many People are painfully aware that things would be far better in their lives if they had made wiser decisions. It is especially frustrating to realize what they are going through now is the result of one poor decision in our lives. This is such a time in the life of Israel.When …

IllustrationDaniel Webster had a Way with Words

Lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster was a powerful orator who gave early evidence of his quick mind and way with words. One day Webster’s father, who was to be absent from home, left Daniel and his brother Ezekiel specific work instructions. Upon his return, he found the task s …

IllustrationZig Ziglar – One Excuse is as Good as Another

Zig Ziglar writes: My brother, the late Judge Ziglar, loved to tell the story of the fellow who went next door to borrow his neighbor’s lawnmower. The neighbor explained that he could not let him use the mower because all the flights had been canceled from New York to Los Angel …

IllustrationGI’s on Passes Who Missed Roll Call

“The commanding officer was furious when nine GI’s who had been out on passes failed to show up for morning roll call. Not until 7 p.m. did the first man straggle in. “I’m sorry, sir,” the soldier explained, “but I had a date and lost track of time, and I miss …

IllustrationHelping Zeke do Nothing

Lawyer and statesman Daniel Webster was a powerful orator who gave early evidence of his quick mind and way with words. One day Webster’s father, who was to be absent from home, left Daniel and his brother Ezekiel specific work instructions. But on his return he found the task …