Sowing and Reaping

John Ritenbaugh, reiterating that a major part of holiness entails loving one another, explores some ways in which we can fulfill this objective. We are to do unto others as we desire others to do to us, acknowledging that there is a reciprocity involved i. . .

In the days after 9-11, a few brave souls linked the tragedy to America's increasingly immoral lifestyle, but many of these people were shouted down.

John Reid, inspired by the early farming experiences of one of his sales colleagues, reflects that the Feast of Tabernacles (a harvest season) depicts the reward of diligent management of time and resources. The images of plowing (breaking up clods), sowin. . .

God often works through disasters, natural and manmade, letting His people know His displeasure with their sins. John Ritenbaugh argues that the terrorist attacks of September 11 are a divine warning, especially to His church, to return speedily to a right. . .

John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on his memory of a local legend in his youth, an 85-year-old woman named Mother Barker, who frequently walked several miles, doggedly sacrificing for her family by toting groceries and provisions, makes several observations abou. . .

No act is insignificant because of two natural principles: the tendency for increase, and what is sown is reaped. These principles play major roles in our lives.

James Beaubelle, distinguishing "old age" from "good old age," asserts that the latter can only be attained by (1) Godly Wisdom, (2) Obedience to Law, and (3) the Fear of the Lord. We must seek all three to live to a good old age of pea. . .

Contrary to the assertions of Satanically-inspired men, the consequence for all sin is death. God's law applies to everyone, not just the Israelites.

John Ritenbaugh, focusing upon Deuteronomy 30:15-20, stresses that the choices we make on the day-to-day basis have long-term spiritual consequences. Only the immature think their behaviors will not catch up with them (Numbers 32:23). If we learn to fear a. . .

Every action has a corresponding reaction; even the little things we do matter. Sin produces increase (the leavening effect) just as righteousness does.

John Ritenbaugh, reiterating that only by a massive returning to God will a positive change take place on the political landscape, declares that such a returning is not likely to happen. A group of people to rectify the ugly situation has not emerged. Like. . .

John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on the multiple nuances of the Hebrew words translated into the English word "wisdom," suggests that an acquired skill for living represents the common denominator in all of these definitions. Godly wisdom is only atta. . .

At the root of American industry's troubles are policies and practices that will result in conflict, injustice, and the demise of many companies.

Hannah gave up the very thing she asked for. Her willingness to give God her most precious possession stands on par with Abraham's renowned sacrifice of Isaac.

Kim Myers, drawing some analogies from how the world keeps New Year's resolutions, cautions God's called-out ones not to approach God's Holy Days with the same level of non-commitment. Though we know that righteousness exalts a nation, we also know that Am. . .

Richard Ritenbaugh warns that these laments contain little that is jovial or uplifting, but instead are saturated in despair, sorrow, mourning, and even recrimination against God on the part of a personified Jerusalem, whom God depicts as a grieving widow,. . .

The young often lack the wisdom to distinguish mere fun from real joy. Sometimes such wisdom has to come from the hard knocks that result from bad decisions.

John Ritenbaugh discusses the limited window of opportunity recipients of a dire prophecy have to take action. The one who hears the warnings does not have an abundance of time to repent and return to God. A lion's threat is not idle. If no action is taken. . .

Once, reason and common sense were valued in America. ...

Human nature has a perverse drive to take risks, pushing the envelope, taking unwise chances, foolishly gambling away the future. Foolishness is sin.

Charles Whitaker warns that our society is too connected with the present, too enamored of technology, too surfeited on abundance to pay attention to lessons from history or the basic laws of cause and effect. Our technology will not allow us to advance be. . .

Gideon incrementally moved from a position of weakness and fear to a position of strength and valor as he increasingly started to trust in God to give victory.

To fulfill one's purpose, one must be singularly focused on what one wants to accomplish. Divided minds result in no productivity or even devastation.

Focusing upon the "causeless curse" principle in Proverbs 26:2, John Ritenbaugh suggests that both blessings (health) and curses (disease) are governed by law. The principles governing spiritual well-being are reflected in the physical creation. . . .

In this sermon on spiritual cause and effect, John Ritenbaugh, using the old cliché, "You can't put the cart before the horse," reveals that there is a definite cause and effect, "reap what you sow" principle introduced in Genesis 2:16 . . .

In this keynote address of the 2000 Feast of Tabernacles, John Ritenbaugh, drawing on descriptions in Amos 2, suggests that those entrusted with leadership (power within the community, power within the nations) are taking advantage of their positions, meta. . .