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 2:1-10 is our Bible reading passage today. Here are a few select verses and commentary from John MacArthur. 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 … 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 (part of our Bible reading plan today) Pastor John MacArthur, in a sermon, ” Fitting Rewards from the Returning King”, on the Parable of the Minas in … 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, in our reading plan today 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 … More The prayer of the upright is His delight.
As we begin reading Esther in our read-through-the-Bible plan, here is an article by Donald Curtis, “Irony and Providence,” with insights on the structural elements of the book of Esther: Paired Events Nearly every event in Esther happens twice, the second time being a variation of the first. In the first chapter, there is a … More Irony and Providence
They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Titus 1:16 (part of our Bible reading plan today) David Guzik comments at EnduringWord.com: b. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him: These difficult people Titus had to deal with were … More Spiritual facade
J.C. Ryle has some insights on Jesus and Zacchaeus, in our Bible reading in Luke 19:1-10 today: These verses describe the conversion of a soul. Like the stories of Nicodemus, and the Samaritan woman — the story of Zacchaeus should be frequently studied by Christians. The Lord Jesus never changes. What He did for the man … More No one is beyond the power of Christ’s grace
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI) wrote the following reflection on Proverbs 14:26 (in our reading plan today) and Psalm 46. It was quoted at preceptaustin.org. Erma Bombeck wrote a column … More Do you want your children to have a refuge?
Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article by John Piper will help you apply what you have read: 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 of God’s Spirit … 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 (on Nehemiah 13, our reading for today) by Elaine Stedman, inspired by one of Ray Stedman’s sermons: Remember me with favor, … More Remember me with favor, O my God
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 