Crushing load

Today we come to Amos 1-2 in our Bible reading plan. “Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves.” (Amos 2:13, KJV) “Behold, I will press you down in your place, as a cart full of sheaves presses down. (Amos 2:13, ESV) As I read commentaries on … More Crushing load

J.C. Ryle: We must carry the cross if we would wear the crown

John 16:1-11 is our Bible reading passage for today.  “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.  And they will do these things because … More J.C. Ryle: We must carry the cross if we would wear the crown

Job feels abandoned

Dr. Kim Riddlebarger on Job 30, our reading for today: Men who are regarded like dogs by polite society, now look down on Job. His present predicament and degree of suffering is almost beyond words. But what is worse, Job feels as though he’s been abandoned by God. In verses 16-23, Job cries out, “and now … More Job feels abandoned

Spurgeon: He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it.

Today in our reading plan, we finish reading Joel 2-3. “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered.”—Joel 2:32 C. H. Spurgeon: WHY do I not call on His name? Why do I run to this neighbor and that, when God is so near … More Spurgeon: He who makes the promise will find out ways and means of keeping it.

A.W. Pink: “the more Christlike we are the more shall we be antagonized and shunned.”

In our reading plan, we come to John 15:18-27. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore … More A.W. Pink: “the more Christlike we are the more shall we be antagonized and shunned.”

Delusional Me

Ray Ortlund writes at “Christ is Deeper Still”: “You say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17 (we read 3:14-22 in our Bible reading plan today.) Michael Spencer’s provocative article prompts me to turn to Revelation 3:14-22. Here’s the … More Delusional Me

Longing for restoration

Today we begin reading the book of Joel in our Bible reading plan. The consequences of Israel’s disobedience in Joel’s day were hitting hard- for both man and animal. A combination of locusts and drought had destroyed the crops. Everyone was suffering. Additionally, the shortage of food had affected the cycle of temple sacrifices and … More Longing for restoration

Christ’s open door

“I know your works—behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it—for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name.”—Revelation 3:8, verses 1-13 in our Bible reading plan today. Here is encouragement from Horatio Bonar,  Scottish hymn writer and pastor: I. … More Christ’s open door