After we were brought safely through, we then learned that the island was called Malta (Acts 28:1, esv). I think we can all agree that this life—even the Christian life—is no merry-go-round at Disneyland. It’s generally hard, gets harder, and sometimes feels like it’s close to nearly blowing apart. Such was the experience of Paul, […]
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word (Psalm 119:105–107, ESV)! What is God’s will for my life? Am I even on the […]
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13, esv). It doesn’t take a long look at the world around us to wonder if the whole thing has gone crazy. In the midst […]
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 […]
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: […]
We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12, esv). Have you ever walked anywhere accidentally? I’m not asking if you’ve been on a walk and ended up somewhere unplanned. I mean, […]
“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if […]
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4, esv). The bulk of 1 Corinthians 13, the renowned love chapter, can be summarized in three statements: On the majors—action. On the minors—acceptance. In all things—love. Let’s start with the majors. There come times in close relationships […]
“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. Let us know; let us […]
They reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from” (John 9:28–29, esv). When you start with a false assumption, it can never lead you to truth. Everyone today who […]