Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, … More Esther: “better to die FOR my people than WITH my people”
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us … More Piper: “verses 12 and 14 are like a sandwich around verse 13”
In these times of instant news and events being spread across the world like wildfire through social media such as “X” and Facebook, it might be hard to remember that in the time of Jesus, no one was tweeting or posting their Facebook status. J.C. Ryle comments: Let us mark, for another thing, in this … More Courting public notice
The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor. —Proverbs 15:33 C.H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: When a man is sincerely humble, and never ventures to touch so much as a grain of the praise, there is scarcely any limit to what God will do for him. Humility makes us … More The sauce of humility
When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. Now Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him. And in those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the … More God intended deliverance…for the king and for us
Titus 2:5,8,10 5 … that the word of God may not be reviled. 8 …so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 10 …. so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. John MacArthur in a sermon, “Sound Doctrine Backed By Sound Living” from Titus … More Life-changing truth
I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. —Luke 19:26 Pastor John MacArthur, in a sermon, ” Fitting Rewards from the Returning King”, on the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19: You’re either among the faithful, … More John MacArthur: Fitting Rewards from the Returning King
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. —Proverbs 15:8 John Piper, in a sermon, “The Pleasure of God in the Prayers of the Upright” My hope is that the effect of this message will not only be that you feel encouraged to pray, … More The prayer of the upright is His delight.
Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article will help you apply what you have read: 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 … More Understanding and rejoicing in the truth
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? Here is a devotional by Elaine Stedman, inspired by one of Ray Stedman’s sermons: Remember me with favor, O my God (Nehemiah 13:31b). Some people … More Remember me with favor, O my God
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 