But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. —John 4:23 John 4 includes some of the most influential verses regarding the discipline of worship – how better to understand whether or not […]
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1–2, esv). Let’s take an informal survey. Question: […]
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours (James 5:17, esv). Don’t you love the transparency with which God’s Word describes real men and women? On almost every page of Scripture you meet people “just like us.” Take Elijah, for example. James 5:17 says that God’s prophet Elijah was “a man with a nature like […]
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6, esv). When Paul coaches us, “Do not be anxious about anything,” it’s easy to react with indignation. “Really, Paul?! Have you looked at my life lately? Don’t be anxious about […]
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves (Philippians 2:3, nasb). Are you having a tough day today? Been a little down in the dumps lately? There’s a way to fix that—but not by “working on it.” The way to increase your joy […]
,Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered (Proverbs 21:13, esv). God is not hard of hearing. In fact, when we don’t know what to pray—when we’re in such distress that we can’t even construct a sentence to describe it—the Holy Spirit “intercedes for us […]
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:7) It’s tempting […]
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). We all have favorite memories of Christmas. Maybe it’s a family tradition, a vivid scene from childhood, […]
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). “And the government shall be upon his shoulder.” Why is this simple sentence such good news? […]
Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth (Luke 18:7–8, esv)? What’s the worst thing happening in your life […]