Thomas Brooks, a Puritan pastor, counsels believers to confront all temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life) with the words of the Psalmist: “The LORD is my portion” (16:5; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5). He exhorts: Every blast and every wind of temptation will overset and overturn … Continue reading The Lord is Your Portion
Devotional Thoughts
In the Presence of a Holy God – Isaiah 6
It was a devastating blow. Like all devoted citizens, Isaiah had venerated King Uzziah. For fifty-two years, King Uzziah had led Judah in an administration of peace and prosperity. It was an era of expansion and achievement. Now he was dead. The throne sat empty. It was unfortunate that the king had rebelled against the … Continue reading In the Presence of a Holy God – Isaiah 6
In the Midst of Trouble – Psalm 138
A Prayer Guide... 1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 … Continue reading In the Midst of Trouble – Psalm 138
A Prayer of Adoration – from Psalms 3-5
Who is like You O LORD? You are a shield about Your people (3:3). You answer the prayers of Your people when they cry aloud to You (3:4). You sustain Your people when they sleep and when they rise (3:5). You are the LORD to whom salvation belongs (3:8). You are a God who gives … Continue reading A Prayer of Adoration – from Psalms 3-5
Praying Psalm 2
Psalm 2 - The nations that rage will become the inheritance of the Messiah (vv. 1,8). Father, you have given to Jesus the ends of the earth as His possession. He declares, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth." "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of … Continue reading Praying Psalm 2
Reflections on “The Poor in Spirit”
“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”
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