So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23–24, esv). Forgiveness is the starting point in restoring relational harmony—there are […]
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 […]
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2, esv). Do you know why you’re here? On earth? Have you thought much about that lately? At this point in history, it’s easy to just skim information, watch random video clips, or amuse ourselves with whatever’s trending. The Bible, however, […]
Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing […]
Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:17–19, esv). It’s hard for us to imagine what this scene was like. […]
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men (Psalm 107:8, nkjv)! When God’s Word talks about giving “thanks to the Lord,” it isn’t saying just go through the motions. God is looking for our heart response, our genuine gratitude. Gratitude means to express that a kindness received is […]
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2–4, ESV). Consider this statement made by James, the half-brother of Jesus: “for you […]