“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 the world hates you. Remember the word that I … More A.W. Pink: “the more Christlike we are the more shall we be antagonized and shunned.”
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 festivals (Joel 1:16). The hungry cattle lowed pitifully, and the starving sheep bleated … More Longing for restoration
“…but words will never hurt me?” Really? Dr Riddlebarger says that the accusations made by Job’s friends may have hurt more than the sores on his skin. He comments on Job 29, our Bible reading for today: Chapter 29 of Job is very poignant, given what Job once enjoyed in light of his current suffering. … More Sticks and stones may break my bones…
“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 Here is encouragement from Horatio Bonar, Scottish hymn writer and pastor: I. Christ’s open door. The figure here is probably … More Christ’s open door
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved You. Continue You in my love. If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” —John 15:9-10 I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you … More Real or fake?
Today we wrap up our reading of Hosea 14: Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. The ways of the Lord are right. There are only two ways … More The ways of the Lord are right
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger comments on Job 28: Divine wisdom is therefore most fully revealed in special revelation–God’s speeches and acts of redemption. Such wisdom is codified in God’s law–particularly in the covenant of works God established with Adam in Eden, the specific terms of which are republished in the Ten Commandments. The realization that true … More Seeking true wisdom
Seven times in Revelation, in the letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor, Jesus commands: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). The Spirit speaks through the Bible: Are we listening? Do we pay attention to the Bible? Are we hearing what the Spirit … More The importance of listening
John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John Piper asks, in a sermon “Praying From The Fullness of The Word” Do I really know—have I really experienced—what Jesus means by the Word abiding in me? Do I experience—do you … More Abiding in Christ vs legalism
My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy. Hosea 11:9 Wow, God’s grace at work! That is why he … More Seeing God’s grace in Hosea
