Roger Meyer

Olive oil has been used for millennia and is well regarded for many health benefits. This golden liquid, treasured by ancient cultures and modern chefs alike, plays a very important role throughout the pages of the Bible.

Selfless people do things for others without expecting anything in return, as we all should. But, when we consider human existence itself, it’s certainly not unreasonable to ask, “What’s in it for me?” Are the risks and rewards worth it? To live life well requires a tremendous commitment of our time and energy—is the cost and reward worth our time and energy commitment?

Does it seem like hatred and divisiveness in society have grown to disturbing levels in recent years? We see hatred and hateful attitudes not only in conflicts and wars between nations, but also in politics, in rhetoric, in censorship, and in murderous chants by angry demonstrators. Has the “love of many” truly grown cold, as Jesus Christ predicted in the Bible long ago?

We have all used various kinds of guides, whether a tour guide in a museum or historic site, a guide in a national park wilderness area, an education or career guidance counselor, or even a GPS helping us to our destination in the city or country. We especially need a guide through the wilderness of spiritual deception in the world today.

When Philip asked a man from Ethiopia if he understood what he was reading in the book of Isaiah, the Ethiopian answered, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” (Acts 8:31).

Many have been watching the news of the war between Israel and Hamas with concern and anxiety. News reports the threat of greater wars, hatred, violence, and rampant crime. Drugs, the demise of morality, economic woes, and political stalemate also weigh on our minds. What can we do? Where can we go for safety?

Since the depraved and unspeakably inhuman massacre of Israeli citizens in southern Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, there is increasing fear of wider conflict resulting in World War III.