“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. This beatitude prompts a look at our heart’s desire. What hungers and desires operate within us? Which of them commands our utmost loyalty? - John W. Miller … Continue reading Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
Reflections on “Blessed are the meek!”
Christ was master of the paradox. His teaching is salted with shining contrasts like: Last is first, giving is receiving, dying is living, losing is finding, least is greatest, poor is rich, weakness is strength, serving is ruling. For Christ, paradoxes were an especially effective way of getting people to see essential spiritual truth – … Continue reading Reflections on “Blessed are the meek!”
Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
“Blessed are those who mourn” is, paradoxically, a more necessary message than “Rejoice in the Lord always,” because there can be no true rejoicing until we have stopped running away from mourning. - Simon Tugwell, The Beatitudes The disciples bear the suffering laid on them only by the power of Him who bears all suffering … Continue reading Reflections on “Those Who Mourn”
Jesus Has Fully Paid It All
In the Scriptures, remembering that Jesus fully paid the ransom price for our liberation from sin motivates… The heavenly host to worship… All church leaders to discharge faithfully their ministry… And all believers to a lifestyle of personal purity. “Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in … Continue reading Jesus Has Fully Paid It All
Three Benefits of Taking the Lord’s Supper from John Calvin
Here, then, is the singular comfort that we derive from the Supper. It directs and leads us to the cross of Jesus Christ and to his resurrection, to certify us that whatever iniquity there may be in us, the Lord nevertheless recognizes and accepts us as righteous—whatever materials of death may be in us, he … Continue reading Three Benefits of Taking the Lord’s Supper from John Calvin
What Marriage Is
Marriage is not a federation of two sovereign states. It is a union – domestic, social, spiritual, physical. It is a fusion of two hearts – the union of two lives – The coming together of two tributaries, which, after being joined in marriage, will flow in the same channel, in the same direction… carrying … Continue reading What Marriage Is
God’s Cure for Shame – A Worship Reflection
W.H. Griffith-Thomas wrote a wonderful devotional commentary on Genesis. He sets forth God's Cure for Shame in the below: “Redemption is not only promised in Genesis 3, it is also pictured. Man attempted to cover his shame by the leaves of the fig tree, but this was far too slight a covering for so deep … Continue reading God’s Cure for Shame – A Worship Reflection
A Wonderful 75 Minute Investment in Your Marriage or Future Marriage
"Cultivating a Healthy Marriage: Part One" The above link will lead you to a recording of a seminar led by Tim and Kathy Keller. Presently, it is free to download from the Redeemer Presbyterian Church's resource website. If I could only recommend one resource to couples for marriage enrichment or marriage preparation, this would be … Continue reading A Wonderful 75 Minute Investment in Your Marriage or Future Marriage
Receiving the Riches of Glory – 2 Corinthians 8:9
Dr. James Montgomery Boice, the late pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, captures the essence of Advent: “Jesus descended from the peak of glory to this lowly position in order that He might raise us from our lowly position to His glory.” The significance of the incarnation is not only that we know the … Continue reading Receiving the Riches of Glory – 2 Corinthians 8:9
The Delight That Removes Distress – 2 Corinthians 8:9
What is distressing to you right now? What is causing you stress? It could be a lingering illness, the shaky economy, joblessness, or spending the holidays with your extended family. How easy it is to succumb to discouragement and depression and to lose hope. How does the Lord strengthen us to face the distressing and … Continue reading The Delight That Removes Distress – 2 Corinthians 8:9
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