For my devotions last week, I read Isaiah 32. The first verse starts like this: "Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall reign in judgment." The chapter goes on to list all of the types of things that occur when righteousness is the key foundation: Provisions are made for hard times (v. 2) Spiritual attentiveness is maintained (v. 3) People change (v. 4) The exceeding sinfulness of sin is understood, and excuses stop being made (v. 5-7) Those who are generous ("liberal") receive generosities (v. 8) Then, a curse is pronounced upon the land: trouble and failure will exist until the Spirit is poured out . At that time, the land is returned to its fruitfulness and prosperity. Judgment -- or, the execution of justice -- the dwells in that land. The righteous people dwell in that land. What happens when righteousness dwells in that land? "The work of righteousness shall be peace : the effect of righteousness [is] quietness ...

About one month ago, I endeavored to make granola on my own. My family loves granola so much that sometimes I wonder how many boxes we go through in a week... The two basic ingredients of this cereal -- oats and honey -- have medicinal properties. Because oats are high in fiber, you do not need a large serving to feel satisfied and stay full. Also, the fiber keeps the walls of your intestine squeaky clean, allowing your body to absorb the antioxidants (oat-unique avenanthramides ) contained in this awesome grain. In order to receive these benefits in their fullness, the grain should be cooked thoroughly for prime digestion. Accompanying this immune-booster is honey. A natural sweetener, honey is also anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and moisturizing. It generally has a glycemic index of fifty-five (55), and is even better when raw and largely unprocessed.  My son, eat honey because it is good, An...

God has designed our bodies to take a break. Engaging in one activity for long periods of time without a change of pace would kill us -- sinful world or not. During the French Revolution, one of the "amendments" made was a ten-day week. In other words, the people would have their normal routine of work and studies for nine days, and then a grand celebration with feasting and drunkenness would have its commencement on the tenth day. Just think of it: nine days . Naturally, they wore out. The fact is, our bodies need a more frequent and consistent resting time. That is why we should go to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday. Our body has a clock, and it needs to be heeded. At the Creation, God instituted measurements for time -- since, until then, there was no need for time; for "the earth was without form, and void." He made day : from one sunset to next one. He made the  month : from one new moon to the next...

Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?  Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?  Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,  Speed, for the moments are hurrying on. Heir of the kingdom, say, why dost thou linger?  How canst thou tarry in sight of the prize?  Up, and adorn thee, the Savior is coming;  Haste to receive Him descending the skies. Earth's mighty nations, in strife and commotion,  Tremble with terror, and sink in dismay;  Listen, 'tis nought but the chariot's loud rumbling;  Heir of the kingdom, no longer delay. Stay not, O stay not for earth's vain allurements!  See how its glory is passing away;  Break the strong fetters the foe hath bound o'er thee;  Heir of the kingdom, turn, turn thee away. Keep the eye single, the head upward lifted;  Watch for the glory of earth's coming King;  Lo! o'er the mountaintops light is now breaking;  He...