The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6–7, esv). When the apostle Paul set out to develop a case […]
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18, ESV). On your own, you cannot be like Jesus. You can’t will yourself to change your sinful patterns or to choose right. So how do you live a powerful life in Christ? How do you live out […]
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18–19, esv). So much time is wasted by looking back. In the world around […]
Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19, esv). Life is full of gray areas, choices that individuals or families can make—and even biblically defend, whichever side of an issue they may come down on. The drinking of alcohol, for instance, is one of those debatable areas. On one hand, […]
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you” (John 21:17, esv). Can you feel the tension and heartache […]
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him (Nahum 1:7, esv). God knows. Not just every fact that can possibly be known. He doesn’t just know, for example, which of His children are in bankruptcy court this morning, or how many of us could […]
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in […]
Behold, I am a servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38, esv). What do you think of when you hear the word surrender? For me it’s “Come out with your hands up!” Maybe you picture waving a white flag. But the biggest battle we face is […]
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, esv). Do you have a nativity set? In the familiar cast of characters, each has his or her own role to play. Each has a different relationship to the Christ-child, the central figure in […]
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. (Luke 1:26–27, esv). Times were tough in the nation of Israel. Occupied by the Romans, […]