I will put my law within them and I will write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will not need to teach each other to know Yahweh. From the least to the greatest, all of them will know me; and I will forgive their iniquity … Continue reading
You were called to freedom, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-centered action, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13 It is good to be free. Some we know think highly enough of freedom to invest a good portion of their lives securing and preserving it for others as well … Continue reading
It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. … For you were called to freedom; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:1, 13 Because we are … Continue reading
In the gospel the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to proclaim, he announced that God was bringing about liberty and freedom. By declaring that entry into the kingdom of God was available, he offered the freedom of a righteous community enjoying God’s providence. By absorbing God’s punishment for our sin, Jesus freed us from suffering its … Continue reading
The authors of Scripture insist that God works with a “mighty hand and an out stretched arm,” and that it is to our advantage to let our awareness of this truth affect how we live. For example, before imparting the behavioral code we know as the Ten Commandments, Yahweh reminds Israel that he is the … Continue reading
The Bible clearly teaches that thanksgiving is essential to prayer and fellowship with God. We should never draw near to God without expressing our thanks. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). Thanksgiving should accompany all our prayer requests. “In everything by … Continue reading
I love you, Lord, because you have heard my pleas for mercy, and listened to me. It seemed as if the ropes of death tightened around me, I was confronted with trouble and sorrow. Because of your reputation for integrity I prayed, “Please, rescue me!” You have been gracious, righteous and compassionate to me. You … Continue reading
For non-Israelites who love my name and want to serve me––all who genuinely observe the Sabbath as they uphold my covenant––I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them happy in their prayer to me. For my dwelling place will be known as a dwelling where all peoples may pray. Isaiah 56:6–7 Regardless … Continue reading
Blessed are those who endure testing, because, having become trustworthy, they will receive the crown of life, which God promised to those who love him. James 1:12 When God created human beings, he crowned us with glory and majesty, making us just a little lower than himself as he commissioned us to subdue and govern … Continue reading
David sang, “I love you, O Yahweh, my strength, my craggy summit, my fortress, and my deliverer. You are my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the weapon that saves me. I call upon Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1–3 … Continue reading