The Psalms are uncomfortably honest about us. We are not basically good people who occasionally make bad choices. Sin runs deeper than that. We are born with hearts bent away from God. We justify ourselves. We minimize our sin. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that God doesn’t see what we’d rather keep hidden. Psalm 14 … Continue reading When God’s Holiness Meets Our Sin
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The Power of a Gentle Tongue
Words carry weight far beyond their sound. Proverbs 15 shows us two paths laid open by speech: a soft answer that turns away wrath, and a harsh word that stirs up anger. A wise tongue that commends knowledge, and a foolish mouth that pours out folly. A gentle tongue that is a tree of life, … Continue reading The Power of a Gentle Tongue
The Distance Grace Made
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”— Psalm 103:12 David could have said north from south. But he didn’t. And that choice is staggering. Travel north long enough, and eventually you turn south. There is a pole — a point where the two directions … Continue reading The Distance Grace Made
Grace in Jesus’ Family Tree
The family tree of Jesus is not a showcase of human greatness. It is a monument to divine mercy.
Facing the Temptations to Shrug and Scheme
Jacob and Esau. Two brothers who demonstrate two responses to the promises of God. Esau despised his birthright. He traded eternity for a bowl of stew. He lived for what he could taste, touch, and feel in the moment. Spiritual things felt distant. Immediate comfort felt urgent. Hendrick ter Brugghen’s Esau Selling His Birthright (c. … Continue reading Facing the Temptations to Shrug and Scheme
God’s Grace in the Midst of Strained Family Relationships
Genesis 30 shows the messy, tense reality of Leah and Rachel’s relationship. Jealousy, competition, and longing for children dominate their household. Leah feels unloved; Rachel feels desperate. They manipulate, compete, and use surrogates to secure favor. On the surface, it’s a story of rivalry—but beneath it, God is at work. Even in their flawed strategies … Continue reading God’s Grace in the Midst of Strained Family Relationships
The Quiet Power of Words
Transformation of the tongue flows from transformation of the heart.
When God Seems Silent, Remember: God Has Spoken
John 1:1-18 God’s seeming silence in suffering can drive us to despair—even to the belief that life is not worth living. But Scripture insists: God is not mute, but He has spoken and not kept silent. And His final, definitive Word is Jesus Christ. If Jesus is not God in the flesh, God remains distant, … Continue reading When God Seems Silent, Remember: God Has Spoken
Grace for the Doubting: ‘My Brethren’
MATTHEW 28:8–10 Jesus first appeared to the women. For they were last at the cross, and first at the tomb. He entrusted them with the news of His resurrection. His first thought after rising in glory was for His scattered disciples. And His words are astonishing: “My brethren.” Though the disciples had failed, fled, and … Continue reading Grace for the Doubting: ‘My Brethren’
Praying for Your Church: A Flourishing Community of Grace
Click here: A Prayer Guide through Colossians 3:12-17 It is very sad and unfortunate that many view Christianity primarily as a moral code instead of the grace-filled relationship that it is. I, for one, grew up thinking that becoming a Christ-follower involved keeping rules with clenched fists. However, I have come to learn that … Continue reading Praying for Your Church: A Flourishing Community of Grace
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