For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:7-8 (verses 1-12 in our reading plan today) Pastor Steven Cole comments: On a windswept … More The battle to tame the tongue
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. —John 2:1 (verses 1-11 in our reading plan today.) J.C. Ryle: The Christian who withdraws entirely from the society of his fellow-men, and walks the earth with a face as melancholy as if he was always … More Ryle: It is a real misfortune to Christianity when a Christian cannot smile.
Our passage for today, Jeremiah 13:23 says, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil.” In the same way, the nature of a tree determines or defines the kind of fruit it produces. Jesus said in Matt 12:33 that the tree is known by its fruit. Apple … More Spot-changing and other impossibilities
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm … More A threefold cord is not quickly broken.
October 6 James 3:1-12 (ESV) Taming the Tongue 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also … More October 6 James 3:1-12
October 6 John 2:1-11 (ESV) The Wedding at Cana 2:1 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And … More October 6 John 2:1-11
October 6 Ecclesiastes 4 (ESV) Evil Under the Sun 4:1 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I … More October 6 Ecclesiastes 4
October 6 Jeremiah 12-13 (ESV) Jeremiah’s Complaint 12:1 Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? 2 You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near … More October 6 Jeremiah 12-13
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?—James 2:14 (read on to verse 26 in our reading plan today) From the conclusion of John Piper’s sermon, “Does James Contradict Paul?” When Paul teaches in Romans 4:5 that we are justified by … More Faith and no works?
John 1:43-51 is our passage to read today. In verse 51, “And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John Piper explains: In this strange passage, Jesus is calling to mind the picture from … More The decisive, final connection
