At the Table
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5 esv Have you made a few enemies in your lifetime? The right answer to that question should be, “I hope so.” Please don’t get me wrong—we don’t enjoy having enemies, and we […]
The Exchanged Life
[We are] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:10–11, […]
What Will Never Change This Year
So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to […]
And Finally
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to […]
Keep On!
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4, ESV Consider this statement made by James, the half-brother of Jesus: “for […]
The Altitude for Living
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8, nkjv When God’s Word talks about giving “thanks to the Lord,” it isn’t saying just go through the motions. God is looking for our heart response, our genuine gratitude. Gratitude means to express that a kindness received is […]
Ruled Out
But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. Romans 7:6 esv What are the five things Christians aren’t supposed to do? Maybe for you and your […]
Authority Issues
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 esv The Word of God isn’t just any book. It is God’s owner’s manual. It is God’s manifesto for human life.It is the authoritative Word from the Creator of the universe about […]
By Faith Alone
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6 esv The message of faith permeates not only Hebrews 11, but the entire New Testament. You’ll find faith on every page and in every […]
Despairing Hearts, Desperate Plans
Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing […]