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, […]
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). In Philippians 4:11 Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Paul knew how to be content in highs and in lows, in abundance and in […]
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1, esv). I doubt you’ve ever had an angel talk to you. But if it were to happen to you someday, I’m guessing his speech would be more articulate […]
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, esv). Names are illuminating—especially when God Himself does the naming. So when Scripture says “his name shall […]
Do you not know? Do you not hear? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them […]