You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! —Psalm 85:3-4 C.H. Spurgeon, in “The Treasury of David” connects Psalm 85 and the book Judges: How often did the longsuffering of God take away from Israel the punishments which had … More Restoration and Mercy
Pastor Kim Riddlebarger on Judges 8, today’s reading: In 1 Timothy 6, the apostle Paul warns us of many of the same things that Gideon brought upon Israel. He speaks of men who “teach a different doctrine[which]does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness.” Ironically, Gideon … More Beware whose example you follow
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10 that we are to take heed of the examples of the Old Testament, because we should learn from them and not repeat their mistakes. In verse 12 he warns: Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. C. H. Spurgeon comments in “Morning and … More Faith and confidence in Jesus alone
J.C. Ryle on Mark 6:5-6 (today’s reading is Mark 6:1-13) And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. Two remarkable expressions are used in teaching this lesson. One is, that our Lord “could do no mighty … More Ryle: Let us watch our own hearts
Sam Storms comments on Psalm 84 (our passage for today) and Psalm 63: Some people are terrified of appearing needy. Obsessed with their public image and how they are perceived, they put on a false front of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Not David! That’s one of the things I admire most in the author of so many … More A relentless and chronic ache for joy
In our read through the Bible plan, today we come to Judges 6-7 and the story of Gideon. Here is a section from a sermon by John Piper: “The Gideon Venture,” when the church was considering a building project, sending out part of the congregation to plant a new church, and doing all of this without … More Piper: “God’s Gideon Plan”
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as … More “Life is not a game with no lasting consequences.”
In Mark 5:21-43 we read that Jesus healed two different women, one a young girl and one who had suffered for years with a disease that doctors could not cure. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” J.C. Ryle’s insightful comments: … More Ryle: Just the Savior that human nature needs
Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek your name, O Lord. Let them be put to shame and dismayed forever; let them perish in disgrace, that they may know that you alone, whose name is the Lord, are the Most High over all the earth. —Psalm 83:16-18 Charles H. Spurgeon, at The Treasury … More Humbled by His mercy
Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day: “That the leaders took the lead in Israel, that the people offered themselves willingly, bless the Lord! “Hear, O kings; give ear, O princes; to the Lord I will sing; I will make melody to the Lord, the God of Israel. —Judges 5:1-3 … More Recounting His greatness and responding in praise
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 