3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Continue reading SCRITPURES OF THE DAY (MATTHEW 5:3-10)
WHAT DO THE BEATITIUDDES MEAN?
Jesus surprised his disciples by telling them what kind of people would be blessed by God. His list of traits are called the Beatitudes, meaning “to bless” or “to make happy.”
Continue reading THE BEATITUDES
This is the only place where the word firkin appears in the Bible. It was the main liquid measure of the Roman would in New Testament times. A firkin was equal to about nine gallons.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (WATER INTO WINE)
Isn’t it amazing how an entire life can change in a moment? That’s the way it happened for the unnamed woman we meet in John 4.
On a nothing-special day in the Samaritan village of Sychar, she was minding her own business when she realized her household water jar was empty. It was unbearably hot out. Perfect, she thought. She probably wouldn’t have to see anyone or talk to anybody. Grabbing her water jar, she slipped out the door. Continue reading WOMAN OF THE BIBLE (THE SAMARITAN WOMAN: MEETING THE THIRST QUENCHER)
Even in Bible times deer were game animals, and they were permitted in the Israelite diet because they chew the cud and “divide the hoof.” They are admired for their agility and grace, even in difficult terrain, and when they sense danger they are able to run swiftly. As the sole caretakers for fawns, does are gentle. In an arid environment like that of Israel, deer would have had to travel long distances to find water. Beautiful, graceful, swift, and sure-footed, deer were often used by the writers of Scripture to portray personal and spiritual qualities.