Ezra was ashamed to ask King Artaxerxes for an escort because he previously had told him, The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him. (Ezra 8:22) He was trusting in God’s sovereign goodness. As Romans 8:28 encourages us … More Trusting God and His Goodness
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery … More “Proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world”
Luke 14:16 -19 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to … More No excuse can justify a man in refusing God’s invitation
For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21 (in our read-through-the-Bible plan today) The Bible often refers to our life as “a path.” As you ponder your path today, consider these verses below. Ask God to show you and keep you on the path … More Ponder your path today
Phillip Graham Ryken writes in Thermelios about our passage in Ezra 7 today: Ezra was a great man—one of the all-time heroes of the faith. He had the will to lead; he had a heart for holiness; he had a mind for biblical truth. If we want to follow his example, we should ask what … More “The hand of the Lord his God was on him”
1 Timothy 3:4-5, part of our reading plan today, He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? John Piper comments: The word “manage” is a wonderful word with at least … More What should be the aim of leadership?
John Piper asks, “Whom Shall We Invite to Thanksgiving Dinner?” (Luke 14:1-14), in our Bible reading plan. Up till now Jesus has talked to the guests. Now he turns to the host. “Don’t touch that snake, lest it bite you and you die.” “Don’t climb that rope, lest it break and you fall.” “Don’t invite … More “Warning! This repayment may be dangerous to your health!”
Today we come to Proverbs 4 in our reading plan. John Piper mentions five biblical instructions for how to get real wisdom: First, desire wisdom with all your might. Proverbs 4:8 says, “Prize her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you for your embrace.” These are not cheap words. To prize something and to embrace someone are … More Got real wisdom?
Ray Stedman, in a 1965 sermon, “Ezra:The Way Back” comments on the events of Ezra 6, in our reading plan today: The minute the people began to turn back to God, he also turned the hearts of the kings, Darius and Artaxerxes, and they issued the decree that started the temple work again. Finally the … More Celebrating fellowship with God
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who … More What makes prayer so important?
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 