Now when the wall had been built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been appointed, I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. And I said … More Standing Guard
Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:7 ESV Here are insights on today’s Bible reading passage from John Piper, in “Brothers, Let Us Query the Text“— In 2 Timothy 2:7 Paul gave us a command and a promise. He commanded, “Think over what I say.” … More A reward for thinkers
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” —Luke 17:5 Here are insights on today’s passage from J.C. Ryle: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees. It does not come to full strength and perfection as soon as it is planted in the heart by the Holy Spirit. There is “little” faith and … More J. C. Ryle: Faith is a grace which admits of degrees.
A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight. Proverbs 11:1 Here are insights on today’s Bible reading passage from John Piper, in a 1987 sermon, “The Pleasure of God in Public Justice” The implications here are very far-reaching. But let’s get the specific picture clear in our … More Piper: God’s Interest in All Our Non-Religious Life
Nehemiah 6 tells of a tough situation in Nehemiah’s life. He and the people were just about finished building the wall, but his enemies were out to get him. they intended to do Nehemiah harm (v 2) they were spreading false rumors, “invented in their own mind” v8 (that Nehemiah and the people were intending … More We get His strength and He gets the glory
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. —2 Timothy 1:5, in our Bible reading plan today. Who knows what lifelong influence a mother and grandmother can have in the life of a … More A mother’s prayer…a choice blessing
John Piper, in a sermon, “Preparing to Receive Christ: Hearing Moses and the Prophets”, comments on the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, our reading for today. So the rich man in the parable is one of those who presumed to say, “I am secure as a child of Abraham.” But he bore no … More Delighting more in luxuries for himself than in love for Lazarus?
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. —Proverbs 10:19, in our Bible reading plan today. The NKJV translates this verse: “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking” Due to our fallen natures, if we speak a lot, we are going to sin. Therefore the … More So many words …
In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and sovereignty, and also elements of our responsibility. The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews. In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight …
1 Timothy 6:11 (part of our Bible reading plan today) says, But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. John Piper, in a sermon, “Battling the Unbelief of Covetousness” In the end covetousness destroys the soul in hell. The reason I am sure that this destruction … More The fight for faith
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 