Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. —Matthew 5:5 The Greek word for “meek” means gentle, humble, considerate, courteous. Therefore, as John Stott observed, the meek person is one who exercises “self-control, without which these qualities would be impossible.” Meekness is not weakness; the meek are strong, […]
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. —Matthew 5:4 The mourner here is not one who grieves over earthly loss, but one who mourns over their sin; their loss of innocence, righteousness, and self-respect. Our sins bring sorrow—causing grief to us, to those we love, to God . .
Today’s post begins the third volume of A Daily Walk in the Word. We have written and posted two years of 365 daily essays—a total of 730. Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with the beatitudes, and I’ve felt an urge to begin this volume with those qualities. So the next eight posts will
The Poor in Spirit Read More »
Just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do. —1 Peter 1:15 What are you going to be when you grow up? Not what are you going to do; not what profession are you going to follow; not what role are you going to fill? But
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. —Psalm 23:5 You like to dine with friends. But God sets a table for you in the presence of your enemies, for some foes—those that lodge within—are always present: terrorists of temptation, failure, sin; of envy, hatred,
Dinner with Enemies Read More »
I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David . . . —Hebrews 11:32 Hebrews 11:4–31 chronicles the names and stories of people of faith. Then the author says he doesn’t have time to tell about others—but chisels the names of a few of them
Flawed but Faithful Read More »
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. —Hebrews 13:8 Generations come and go: “Moses my servant is dead” (Jo 1:2); “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). Those we know and love have their day, fill their place, serve
I am with you always. —Matthew 28:20 “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen,” runs the old spiritual. There’s some truth in that: no one can get inside your head and heart and know your pain. Maybe some of the misery was your own fault: maybe you chose the wrong road . . . or the
Your Compassionate Companion Read More »
It was a beautifully manicured patch of green in Llano Cemetery, where the county buried its unknown dead. Who was “Infant Lara” I wondered, and why did she die alone? And why did he whose bones were beneath the stone that said “Unknown” die alone? I had been called to say words over another unknown.
Noah did everything just as God commanded him. —Genesis 6:22 You won’t turn many pages in your Bible until you hear the voice of God telling you to move in a certain direction; to obey a certain command. And when you hear that voice you have to make a decision. God told
