Everyone wants to experience what Philippians 4:7 calls “the peace of God which passes understanding.” God’s peace “passes understanding” in that it keeps our hearts peaceful and calm even though we understand perfectly well that there is no human or natural way that we can be extricated from some difficulty that threatens our future. Philippians … Continue reading
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without reproach; and it will be given to you. But you should ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5–6 Even … Continue reading
Jesus was handed over by the determinate plan and forethought of God … and put to death. But God raised him up again … since it was impossible for him to be held in death’s grip. Acts 2:22–24 In the midst of busyness and betrayal, in the heart of chaos and corruption, during the darkest … Continue reading
Joseph answered, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended evil toward me, but God intended your actions for a good purpose, so he could keep alive a great people.” Genesis 50:20 Joseph was the perfect child, and his brothers hated him for it. So they sold him into slavery. Despite … Continue reading
Have you ever taken inventory of the blessings that we have in Christ? It would be a long list! Three of the items on your list would surely be: (1) the promise of Psalm 50:15 that if we call upon God in the day of trouble, he will deliver us, so that we might glorify … Continue reading
Through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13–14 Killing two birds with one stone is the model of hunting efficiency. Serving someone through love is the model of godly efficiency. We don’t have to worry about remembering … Continue reading
It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect longsuffering as an example for those purposing to believe in … Continue reading
How easy it is to let anger, bitterness, and hatred rise in our hearts when we think we have been unjustly treated! Not only do we shape our sense of right and wrong to justify the ways we behave toward others; we also shape it to condemn the behavior of others who hurt us. Then, … Continue reading
He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, … that he might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Eternal … that he might test you, to do good for … Continue reading
Much is being said these days about how important regular physical exercise is for maintaining good health. According to statistics quoted in a recent Reader’s Digest article, it increases our life expectancy on the average of four years. But much greater benefits come from maintaining another kind of exercise program. Paul urged Timothy, “Train yourself … Continue reading