Comfort, comfort my people. —Isaiah 40:1 Our nation is a tangle of crime, immorality, abuse, injustice, corruption. But God still has loyal people in the land. Always has had. In Isa. 40:1 he charged Isaiah, “Comfort, comfort my people.” The prophet calmed their despair by reminding them that God […]
In Times Like These (1) Read More »
It is by grace you have been saved. —Ephesians 2:5 The Message translates 2 Cor. 1:13, “Don’t try to read between the lines or look for hidden meanings.” Not everything in your Bible is easy to understand. But there is no fine print. No “gotchas.” Paul’s focus
The Free Gift of Grace Read More »
Making the most of every opportunity. —Ephesians 5:16 Is your life being crucified between the two thieves of regret for yesterday and dread of tomorrow? When you wake up tomorrow, today will be yesterday. It will be an irreversible loss if you wasted it. It may have had wonderful things in store for you, but
Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. —Luke 10:40 What are your priorities? This is where self-deception is the flavor of the day, so get clear-eyed honest. Here’s the bottom line: the way you spend your time reveals your priorities. And
Her children arise and call her blessed. —Proverbs 31:28 Irene was washing dishes and chatting with a neighborhood friend when her four-year-old son barged through the door with a picture in his hand. Tugging on her skirt, he pointed to the picture and started asking questions.
I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve. —Ecclesiastes 2:11 John Broadus had a major flaw: he couldn’t say “No.” A gifted speaker, John was inundated with invitations, to which he always said “Yes.” His fame grew. He was on
Story Number 1. “Follow me,” Jesus said. He said he would, but but he wanted to wait until his father died and he had banked his inheritance (Lk. 9:59). Another said, “Count me in … but first I need to be sure my family is OK with it” (Lk. 9:61). Jesus was now on his final trek
The Danger of Delay Read More »
You received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” —Romans 8:15 The spirit of Old Testament religion was fear—know your place and keep your distance from the holy God. The Jews were so afraid of God they wouldn’t even speak this name. His
From Yahweh to Abba Read More »
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. —Psalm 139:1 Ps. 139 acknowledges El Roi—“the God who sees”; the One who knows everything there is to know about you. O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. He knows all
Your God Knows All Read More »
I the Lord do not change. —Malachi 3:6 You have known a kind, lovable person who became bitter and belligerent, right? An optimistic, compassionate person who became cynical and cold. That isn’t God’s persona. He is faithful, merciful, just, good. Always has been; is now; always will be. Your word, O
People May Change but God Doesn’t Read More »
