Inspirational Writing by David Harlen Brooks
These days, Hollywood and the viewing public are enthralled with movies about superheroes. But superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Thor have weaknesses their enemies can exploit. Isaiah 5:9 describes a different superhero. Neither a myth or the creation of a brilliant cartoonist, Isaiah called Him Mighty God. We call him Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is... Continue Reading →
Isaiah was no doomsayer. But if you only read certain parts of his book, the future looked bleak for the Israelites. Because Israel embraced idolatry, exploited the poor, and practiced systemic injustice, God’s judgment — invasion, destruction, and captivity in a foreign land — followed. However, the southern kingdom’s final chapter wasn’t written yet. Isaiah... Continue Reading →
In reply, Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." — John 3:3 Seeing the kingdom of God is more than glimpsing it from a distance. It's more than liking someone’s photos from a packaged tour posted on social media. Seeing is entering.... Continue Reading →
What was Jesus doing? Cooking fish? He just completed the most important task of his mission to Earth. Cooking fish sounds anticlimactic to me.
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. — Proverbs 18:10 A name can draw instant recognition — for good or ill. My first name and family name are quite common. Combining the two narrows the search range on Facebook but you will still find a... Continue Reading →
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. Psalm 28:7 My heart made whooshing sounds when I was a child. I never heard it, but the doctor could with a stethoscope. I frequently had to take a timeout when playing with my neighborhood buddies. I eventually... Continue Reading →
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. — Psalm 32:1,2 (NIV) Have you felt like banging your head against a wall because of something you’ve done? It nags you and... Continue Reading →
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. — Proverbs 10:11 Someone I know plays a radio most of the time. Though I was in another room, I could hear the program host ranting for several hours. I couldn’t follow the topic well through... Continue Reading →
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” — Luke 9:62 Several had claimed they wanted to follow Jesus but other priorities got in the way. Jesus' reply above seems a little harsh, but is it? Look at it this... Continue Reading →
Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. — Psalm 63:3 On one level, life is the flow of blood cells through our veins, the steady pumping of the heart to move that blood along, and the chemical messages our brain sends out to direct every organ, tissue, and cell. ... Continue Reading →
Outpost of the Kingdom 