I’m a follower of Jesus, wife, mom, and Mimi to 8 grandbabies here and 5 grandbabies I’m waiting to meet in in heaven. I live in the Twin Cities and serve as the Minister for Women‘s Ministry at The North Church in Mounds View, MN.
Donald Curtis, in an article “Irony and Providence,” comments on the structural elements of the book of Esther: Paired Events Nearly every event in Esther happens twice, the second time being a variation of the first. In the first chapter, there is a long banquet and a short banquet. In the second chapter, there is a … More Esther Puzzles: Irony and Providence
Pastor Steven J. Cole of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, in a sermon on Titus 1:10-16 Paul writes (1:13), “But reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.” “ Them” may refer to the false teachers, as the preceding context would indicate. But, being sound in the faith would point to believers. “To … More Deception, Disease and Demise
Pastor Mark Driscoll has been preaching through the book of Luke. Zacchaeus was not just a wee little man, he was a man idolizing money and power and taking advantage of his neighbors. But when Jesus calls out to Zacchaeus, his life is changed forever. Zacchaeus immediately repents and offers restitution to anyone he’s wronged, … More Repentance, Restitution and Rejoicing
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) Erma Bombeck wrote a column about the conflicts that sometimes occur as siblings divide family items after a parent has died. Whether it’s the mixing bowls, grandma’s quilts, or the Christmas ornaments, people are often convinced … More The Legacy of Refuge
Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article will bless you- John Piper, at Desiring God Blog: Here’s another reason I am joyfully committed to expository exultation, that is, preaching. Look at this amazing statement of what biblical exposition is like when it’s done well—in the power of God’s Spirit and riveted … More Getting “the sense”
How prone are we to self-deception? Are we really able to be honest with ourselves as we talk with God? Do we remember daily the true source of our righteousness? Remember me with favor, O my God (Nehemiah 13:31b). Some people think this sounds self-serving, that Nehemiah is concerned that God is going to forget … More God Will Remember and Help
Charles H. Spurgeon, in a sermon, “What God Cannot Do!” from 1864: Titus 1:2 “…God, who never lies…” Then again, the Scriptural idea of God forbids that He should lie. Just review your thoughts about God, if you can. What idea have you formed of Him? If you have read Holy Scripture and have gotten the … More Spurgeon: “I could neither love, worship, nor obey a lying God.”
J.C. Ryle comments on the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43 The miracle described in these verses is rich in instruction. It was one of the great works which witnessed that Christ was sent of the Father. (John 5:36.) But this is not all. It contains also some lively patterns of spiritual things which deserve attentive … More Ryle: Means and Mercy
C. H. Spurgeon, in a sermon, “How a Man’s Conduct Comes Home to Him” on Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (KJV) The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man … More Spurgeon: What a man is by sin or by grace will be the cause of his sorrow or of his satisfaction.
And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. —Nehemiah 12:43 C.H. Spurgeon comments: “For the Lord had made them glad with great joy.” God alone can give us this great joy. … More Spurgeon: How Does God Give Joy?
