The overarching theme of Psalm 78 and God’s ultimate praiseworthy deed is His stubborn compassion for stubborn people. Derek Kidner, one of my favorite OT commentators, writes, “If Israel’s record is her shame, God’s persistent goodness emerges as her hope and ours for the unfinished story.” The Bible is a record of our family history. … Continue reading God’s Stubborn Compassion for Stubborn People – Psalm 78
When You Have Fallen in Your Spiritual Journey – A Prayer of Confession & Renewal
Good and gracious Lord, we praise and thank You that our moral failings do not take You by surprise. You told Peter he would deny you three times before the rooster crowed. Forgive us for the ways that we have denied You by loving the approval of others more than Yours. Grant us renewed boldness … Continue reading When You Have Fallen in Your Spiritual Journey – A Prayer of Confession & Renewal
Barabbas and Jesus – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Luke 23:18 - But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas (whose name means 'son of the father').” 23:22 - A third time he [Pilate] said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. God, our heavenly Father, we … Continue reading Barabbas and Jesus – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Reflections on Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Only those who have first tasted peace with God at the cross of Christ can become peacemakers. - James M. Boice The peace intended is not merely that of political and economic stability, as in the Greco-Roman world, but peace in the … Continue reading Reflections on Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Putting on Airs vs. Putting on Armor
A Prayer of Confession Gracious heavenly Father, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on Your armor. Forgive us for our self-promotion, self-protection and self-reliance. Pardon us for not cherishing and trusting in Your gifts of righteousness, faith, and salvation during times of temptation and spiritual conflict. Transform us by … Continue reading Putting on Airs vs. Putting on Armor
Awakened to the Lord – C.S. Lewis
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but … Continue reading Awakened to the Lord – C.S. Lewis
One Powerful Lesson for the Church
On November 18, 1978, at the direction of charismatic cult leader Jim Jones, 909 members of the People's Temple died, all but two from apparent cyanide poisoning," including over 200 murdered children. Mel White, a Christian writer and filmmaker and adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, set out to investigate the causes of the Jim … Continue reading One Powerful Lesson for the Church
The Lord is Your Portion
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
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
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