His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. (John 12:16, esv). We can all attest to the 20/20 nature of hindsight; that moment of looking back on a complicated, confusing situation and […]
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered about him, and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing him, he fell at his feet (Mark 5:21–22, esv). We have so many reasons not to pray. […]
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, […]
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content (Philippians 4:11, esv). Do you want contentment but find it elusive? Be encouraged. Even the apostle Paul, an exemplary Christ follower, realized being content was something he had to learn. If Paul had to pursue contentment, let’s acknowledge […]
And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour (John 4:4–6, esv). To […]
Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee (John 4:1–3, esv). At first glance, this passage appears to be simply a travel note explaining a journey […]
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5–6, esv). Christians don’t generally set out to doubt God. For most of us, life’s pain simply catches us off guard. Doubt is like a […]
“You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3, ESV). We were made to worship, which is a theme that runs through the whole Bible. The essence of worship can be found in the first of the Ten Commandments: “You shall have no other gods before me.” This actually means no other gods before, after, or alongside God. […]
“See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 1:21, esv). In the Christian life, faith is so vital and doubt so detrimental that God places regular tests of faith in […]
“Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27, nasb). One of the great hymns we sang two or three times a month in the church where I grew up was the old invitation chorus, “I […]