PROVERBS 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Matthew Westerholm wrote: we cannot study our way to sanctification. We must recognize that most of us know much more about the Christian life than we live. Proverbs 27:17 provides this clue: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” We need … More Sparks that sharpen
Today in our read-through-the-Bible plan, we come to Isaiah 49-50. Here is a helpful article from Marshall Segal of Desiring God: Spiritually, we struggle to make sense of our surroundings. The eyes of our heart squint, searching for even a fragment of the light of Christ. In those days (or weeks, or years), we will … More He knows the words you need to hear
For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Hebrews 10:34 John Piper, in a sermon, “The Present Power of a Future Possession” So Hebrews 10:34 is saying that the key to the … More Piper: The KEY to Joy
J.C. Ryle comments on Luke 23:39-43: We are told that two malefactors were crucified together with our Lord, one on His right hand and the other on His left. Both were equally near to Christ. Both saw and heard all that happened, during the six hours that He hung on the cross. Both were dying … More Saved from despair and presumption
Like a pendulum, when we think about our future, many of us tend to swing between two opposite and wrong ends. Sometimes we worry over the future and what it holds…will we have a job? Will we have enough to eat? Will I get cancer? We fret as if we do not remember that we … More Swinging like a pendulum or trusting in God’s purpose?
John Piper, in an article, “Biblical Texts to Show God’s Zeal for His Own Glory” Probably no text in the Bible reveals the passion of God for his own glory more clearly and bluntly as Isaiah 48:9-11 where God says, For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I … More God’s Passion for His Own Glory
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. —Hebrews 10:14 We come to yet another passage of Scripture where we see the work of Christ in our lives as “already/not yet” He HAS perfected those who are being perfected…. He HAS sanctified those who are being sanctified… … More Christ has perfected once and for all those who are being perfected.
J.C. Ryle on Jesus’ gracious words of intercession from the cross: (Luke 23:32-37) We read that when He was crucified, His first words were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” His own racking agony of body did not make Him forget others. The first of His seven sayings on the cross was … More Our gracious Intercessor
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me…” How many times did we hear that as a kids? In our American culture, sarcasm and jesting are common. Ever had someone make fun of you, only later to say, “Just kidding!!” According to Proverbs, words DO indeed have the power to hurt. … More Use your words to heal instead of hurt.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. —Isaiah 44:3-4 John Piper, in a sermon from Isaiah 44:1-5, “A Precious Promise: The Outpouring … More Piper: Pour the Word of the Spirit into your mind and heart every day
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 