5 Kernels of Corn

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5 Kernels of Corn. 

An important part of American heritage is the story of the group of British Christians who fled persecution and planted the Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts.  

It was a daunting task to settle in such an undeveloped area, and the Pilgrims were ill-equipped. Their first winter in Plymouth, half of them died from disease and inadequate supplies. 

Things were so bad that they had to ration their supply of corn to five kernels per person per day. 

Several years later when crops were abundant, the Pilgrims started their Thanksgiving celebration by serving each person five kernels of corn as a reminder of what God had brought them through.

They understood what Paul meant when he wrote: 

“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” Philippians 4:12-13

Whether they were struggling through lean times or enjoying abundance, they knew they could trust God’s strength to get them through. 

Before our Thanksgiving meal, I serve five kernels of corn to remember our pilgrim heritage and God’s faithfulness. Why not make this your tradition too?
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Resource: David Manuel and Peter Marshall, The Light and the Glory (Fleming Revell, NJ, 1977).

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Bible Love Notes

God's View of Homosexuality

Our culture is convinced that homosexuality is an appropriate lifestyle.

But Scripture says otherwise.

Satan wants to ruin lives, and Christians who approve homosexuality join him in that effort. The most hateful thing a Christian can do is condone something that God says damages people's bodies, minds, and spirits.(1)

Let's take a look at Scripture's teaching on homosexuality so we don't fall prey to this serious error.

The Old Testament condemns any sexual relationship outside married, heterosexual partners (Leviticus 18:22-24; Leviticus 20:13).(2)

 Sometimes people discount the Old Testament laws because not all were permanent. It's true. Sacrificial and dietary laws were fulfilled in Christ. And some Old Testament laws were specifically for the nation of Israel. But that doesn't negate the Old Testament moral laws.(3)

However, we don't need Old Testament laws to prove homosexuality is a sin. The New Testament also condemns homosexuality (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:8-11; Jude 1:7).

Let's pray for people caught up in this serious sin and stand with Jesus against everything that damages people's souls.
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(1) My devotions address all aspects of faith in Christ. They don't unfairly emphasize homosexuality. But whenever I address homosexuality, I get negative feedback from professing Christians. Usually, they point out that homosexuality is no worse than other sins, which isn't true. See 1 Corinthians 6:18-19,  Romans 1:26-27, All Sins are Not the Same, and today's Bite Size Study to clear up that false notion. Sometimes they claim it's unloving to speak against homosexuality, but it is God's Word that speaks against it, and we are commanded to share God's Word. This defensive attitude toward homosexuality shows that culture has succeeded in producing a bias that has compromised many Christians. 
(2) There is not space in this 1-minute devotion to address polygamy, but I encourage you to check out today's Bite Size Study for an explanation. The Bite Size Study also addresses the question of whether someone can be born gay.
(3) To read more about Old and New Testament laws, see Which Old Testament Laws Apply?

Bible Love Notes

Never Popular, Always Wonderful

Christ's followers (and I'm glad to be one of them) love Jesus deeply.

However, there's a popular misunderstanding that needs to be corrected: Jesus isn't popular.

When His brothers mocked him, Jesus said, "The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil."(1)

People sometimes claim that Jesus is mostly upset with hypocrites. Not true. Jesus rebukes sin wherever He finds it.(2)

The real Jesus demands repentance, self-denial, and obedience.(1)

If we're genuine followers, we've counted the cost, we know we'll be hated, and we've promised to turn from our sins  (Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 10:22; John 15:18; 1 John 3:6).

We follow Jesus gladly because He's the only way, truth, and life. He's our ultimate joy, our Good Shepherd, our Redeemer, the giver of peace and abundant life (John 14:6; John 10:10-11; Ephesians 2:14).

Jesus never has been and never will be popular with the world.

But He always has been and always will be wonderful!
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(1) John 7:7 and these other passages refute this soft view of Jesus: Matthew 7:21; Matthew 10:33-38; Matthew 12:50; Matthew 18:3; Luke 6:46; John 2:15-16.
(2) Jesus hates hypocrisy, especially because hypocritical religious leaders are "blind guides" who mislead others (Matthew 15:14). But it's wrong to think Jesus hates hypocrisy more than all other sins. It's also wrong to claim that Jesus "hung out" with sinners. Jesus spent time with sinners, but He always shared the gospel and called them to repentance when He did. He "hung out" with His twelve disciples. Jesus is never soft on sin. In fact, He even rebukes His followers when they sin (Revelation 3:19).

Bible Love Notes