“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) The sermon on the Mount describes what human life and human community looks like when they come under the gracious rule of King Jesus… Still today the indispensable condition of receiving the kingdom of God is to acknowledge our spiritual poverty… Thus, … Continue reading Reflections on “The Poor in Spirit”
Devotional Thoughts
Scripture Praying – Psalm 1
Psalm 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields … Continue reading Scripture Praying – Psalm 1
Your Name in the Lamb’s Book of Life
If you have turned from trusting yourself and placed your faith in Jesus alone for salvation, then you did this because the Father gave you to Jesus so that you would come in faith to Him (John 6:37). You came to believe on Jesus because the Father drew you to Jesus (John 6:44). All of … Continue reading Your Name in the Lamb’s Book of Life
Psalms of Ascent – What do they teach us about our Lord?
The Lord gladly answers us when we call out to Him in our distress (Psalm 120) The Lord exercises His watchcare over us when we face physical and spiritual dangers (Psalm 121). The Lord is worthy of our thankful praise for He extends peace to us (Psalm 122). The enthroned God of heaven delights to … Continue reading Psalms of Ascent – What do they teach us about our Lord?
A Scripture Prayer based on Psalm 120
As the pilgrims ascended for worship in Your city, the city of peace, where you and your glory dwells, they longed to encounter You there. We too long to have a fresh encounter with You. We long for the day when the final door will open and we will ascend and pass into your glory … Continue reading A Scripture Prayer based on Psalm 120
The Significance of Bethlehem
Let us now go even to Bethlehem, and see — Bethlehem’s wonder! Every year the Christian takes, in thought, the shepherd’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem. In this district lay the fields of Boaz in which Ruth gleaned. Here the son of Obed was born. David was anointed in Bethlehem. Best of all, in Bethlehem, Christ was … Continue reading The Significance of Bethlehem
The Transcendental Interferer
The coming of Jesus Christ initially disrupts us. It was true for Joseph and Mary… for the wisemen…for the shepherds. C.S. Lewis, in his book Surprised By Joy, explains: “No word in my vocabulary expressed deeper hatred than the word interference. And the Bible placed at the center what seemed to me a Transcendental Interferer” … Continue reading The Transcendental Interferer
Taking Time to Treasure God’s Truth
"Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). The truths of Christ are worth keeping; and the way to keep them safe is to ponder them. Meditation is the best help to memory. The truth will never disclose its inmost sweetness to us, nor take such a solid grip of … Continue reading Taking Time to Treasure God’s Truth
The Blessed Hope of Eternal Life in Christ
Put in story form that a child can understand: Then Aslan turned to them and said: “You do not yet look as happy as I mean you to be.” Lucy said, “we’re so afraid of being sent away, Aslan.” "No fear of that,” said Aslan. “Have you not guessed?” Their hearts leaped and a wild … Continue reading The Blessed Hope of Eternal Life in Christ
A Prayer: Let Us Get Home Before Dark
Father of spirits, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,we lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,that we may run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Few, they tell us, finish well… Lord, let us get home before dark. Before the darkness of staining your … Continue reading A Prayer: Let Us Get Home Before Dark
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