In our Bible reading passage today, 1 Kings 12, we read that after Jeroboam joined the people, they asked King Rehoboam to “lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you.” (vs 4) Notice that they didn’t ask that he end it altogether, just that he … More A turn of events from the LORD
The reading for today, 1 Samuel 29-31, brings us to the end of this book. Bob Deffinbaugh offers this encouraging commentary at Bible.org- God’s sovereignty is so apparent in the rescue of David and his men from military service, service to the Philistines and against Israel. God uses David and even his sin to achieve His … More Thousands of unguessable ways God rescues
Have you ever read Psalm 105 and counted how many times either God says, “I DID___” or how many times the Psalmist says, “HE (God) DID ______” Try it today; it’s in our reading plan! Here is one example from Psalm 105:16-17 When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, he … More God means what He says and does
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. Psalm 93:1-4 C. H. Spurgeon on Psalm 93 (Treasury of David): Whatever opposition may … More The Lord DOES reign!
In Joshua 18-19 we read that Joshua called together the people of Israel to divide up the land, the land that “lay subdued before them.” What method did Joshua use? He cast lots. Rolled the dice. Really? Yes. “Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to … More God is sovereign over the lots
Romans 8 is such a beautiful, wonderful passage of promise and hope. It was hard to know what part to highlight on our read-through-the-Bible plan. Here are John Piper’s comments: Verse 35 says that there will be tribulation and distress and persecution and sword. Verse 36 says that Christians are being killed all day long, … More O how different we will be if we believe that God is for us and no one can be against us!
When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he … More How do we discern God’s will?
“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who made man’s mouth? Who makes him dumb or deaf or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?’” Exodus 4:11 (Exodus 4-6 is our reading for today) John Piper, in a sermon, “Who Made Man’s Mouth?” from Exodus 4: The first thing this verse means is this: … More WHO made man’s mouth?
Sin. Betrayal. Evil. Joseph’s brothers’ evil intentions to kill him shaped his life forever. The consequences from their actions are part of his history. Joseph doesn’t excuse their behavior or act as if it never happened. BUT he sees God’s hand in his brothers’ treachery. He believes that God was working His purpose out through their sinful … More Joseph’s story: God’s plan, providence and purposes
The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, (Acts 11:22-23, read Acts 11:19-30 today) John Piper preached a … More The grace of God in spreading the good news through persecution
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 