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 →
God’s Throne Above All Others. Psalm 103:19
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 →
God’s Grace Secures Our Final Hope. Titus 2:11-13
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. Ephesians 6:10-20
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 →
God Cannot Lie. Titus 1:2
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 →
Even My Thoughts. Psalm 19:14
“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 →
Shaping What We Love and Hate. Psalm 139
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 →
He Knows Your Name
“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.”
“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 →
Approaching the Throne of Grace
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 When it comes down to it, this is a stunning reality. The fact that we have direct access to the presence and power of God is nearly... Continue Reading →