Phil Steiger
Genesis 3:14-15 God created us to be in relationship with him, to build God-honoring families, and to turn the wilderness into Eden. When Adam and Eve listened to temptation, they lost more than just access to paradise. They lost guaranteed fruitfulness and spiritual life. But God did not leave them, or the rest of humanity... Continue Reading →
When the book of Exodus opens, we are told that the children of Israel “were fruitful and increased greatly” (Exodus 1:7). This is on the heels of the text telling us there were only about 70 family members who came to Egypt to live under Joseph’s care. Even after Israel was enslaved, it happened that,... Continue Reading →
Near the end of this rich and densely packed Psalm, David says, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (vs 19). I am increasingly thankful that my God’s throne is in the heavens and not in any hall of human power. I am becoming grateful to the... Continue Reading →
When we think about God’s grace, we should take in the entire spectrum of what Scripture has to say. Grace is unmerited favor. This is the aspect of grace in which God is good to sinners, giving them the gift of salvation when they least deserve it and most need it. Grace trains us in... Continue Reading →
You are in a spiritual battle. Even if you do not feel it, and even if you do not know what that means, you are in a spiritual battle. Since creation and the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, God’s enemy and ours, Satan, has been at work trying to destroy what God... Continue Reading →
Learning about the character of God can create a profound sense of awe and thanksgiving. It pulls us away from the temptation of thinking that God is just a big, powerful, really good person in the sky. God is the Creator of all things, utterly holy and righteous, and perfect in all he is and... Continue Reading →
“I may think all kinds of nasty things, but you will never see me act any of that out.” We think this way from time to time. We suppose that if we allow ourselves to indulge our thoughts, it will act like a relief valve, and we will not act them out. The truth, however,... Continue Reading →
So much of our daily lives are lived from what we feel. Our emotions can make or break a day, and can do the same for those around us. Whether we like it or not, our emotions can drag us around like a limp rag doll, and over time, can shape our lives. We need... Continue Reading →
“The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3b This really is an incredible thing. It is not incredible that your parents or siblings know your name. It is not surprising that your friends and coworkers know your name. But the God who is greater... Continue Reading →
“He must increase, and I must decrease.” John the Baptist John the Baptist was once asked what he thought about Jesus baptizing and attracting crowds. That was John’s ministry, and now this new guy was doing the same thing, drawing people away. When his disciples and some Jews brought him that question, he explained who... Continue Reading →
Every Thought Captive 