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 […]
Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:25–26, esv). The mother of James and John once […]
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 […]
For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths (Proverbs 5:21, esv). That’s right, God sees you. He “ponders all [your] paths”—He doesn’t miss a single detail of your life. He hears your conversations with your spouse. He sees your checkbook. He knows your unspoken fears. Your […]
“Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11, esv). A new blue bike, a skateboard, a light-up football, a U.S. soccer jersey, Xbox games, a fast sled, a trampoline, an iPad, a trip to Disneyland . . . Ever seen a child’s Christmas wish list that looked like that? Boundless consumerism in a little […]
“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. […]
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is […]
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (2 Timothy 2:8-9, esv). The ancient catacombs are six hundred miles of tunnels underneath Rome that were in use for […]
“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 […]
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:21, esv). “Thank You, God.” How often do those words cross our lips? How often does genuine gratitude fill our hearts? This isn’t a […]