When Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4, esv). It’s not hard to imagine the desperation of these two biblical sisters, Mary and Martha, who sent a messenger to Jesus, […]
And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. The children struggled together within her . . . ” (Genesis 25:21–22, esv). Everyone is born with a disposition, but it doesn’t always show up as dramatically as twins warring in […]
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence (Psalm 139:7, esv)? To hear us justify it in our own heads, it sounds like all we’re doing is innocently trying to free ourselves from someone’s overbearing control or from a hassle we don’t need. That’s why we’re leaving this […]
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him (Psalm 34:8, esv)! When we go through hard times, we need truths to cling to for dear life. We need the truth of God’s presence: He is always with us. We need the truth of God’s sovereignty: […]
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:19–21, esv). Are you […]
You know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (James 1:3, esv). If you could have anything you wanted in life, what would it be? What would make your life just perfect? People have been dreaming up answers to that question for centuries, and have either been doing their best to pursue it or […]
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor […]
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6–7, esv). Let’s say you’ve got some unpleasant news to deliver to someone you’re worried about offending […]
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47, ESV). “My soul magnifies the Lord,” was the opening line in Mary’s worship song. It wasn’t a random thought. She was expressing what we all know to be true: there is more to us than just who we […]
Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of hosts: “Because you have spoken this word, behold, I am making my words in your mouth a fire, and this people wood, and the fire shall consume them” (Jeremiah 5:14, esv). Just what is this Book? Every now and then we get a glimpse of the Bible’s […]