So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here am I.” Then he said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do … More Reassurance from God
J. C. Ryle comments on Matthew 8:23-27 We are told of our Lord and His disciples crossing the sea of Galilee in a boat. A storm arises, and the boat is in danger of being filled with water, by the waves that beat over it. Meanwhile our Lord is asleep. The frightened disciples awake Him, … More Lord, increase our faith
Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. —Psalm … More Now I know!
Sin. Betrayal. Evil. Joseph’s brothers’ evil intentions to kill him shaped his life forever. The consequences from their actions are part of his history. Joseph doesn’t excuse their behavior or act as if it never happened. BUT he sees God’s hand in his brothers’ treachery. He believes that God was working His purpose out through their sinful … More Seeing God’s Hand
John Piper preached a sermon, “He Saw the Grace of God and Was Glad,” from Acts 11:23. Here is an excerpt; please read or listen to the entire sermon at DesiringGod.org The Grace of God Uses Suffering In other words, the good news about Jesus Christ came to Antioch because of persecution. Barnabas saw this … More God’s grace becomes visible when it makes the anguish of persecution a means of spreading the good news of Jesus.
A few comments on Matthew 8:18-20 “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go”: After witnessing the miracles of Jesus, many folks thought following Him might be more “glamorous” than it really was. I imagine that Jesus may have received many spontaneous offers like this. We, too, tend to buy in to the prosperity gospel … More Don’t believe the prosperity preachers
Sam Storms on Psalm 19 (from Enjoying God Ministries): The power of the Word of God is perhaps nowhere better seen than in Psalm 19. There we find six declarations that tell us what the Bible IS and DOES: 6 nouns, 6 adjectives, 6 verbs. The focus is on the identity, the quality, and the … More Psalm 19: Declaring what the Bible IS and DOES
The brothers of Joseph had committed great sins. They knew this, were no doubt plagued with guilt, but thought they had gotten away with it. Now, after obtaining life-saving grain in Egypt from Joseph (NOT knowing who he really was) they discover the payment for the grain was back in their sacks. Their immediate response? … More God: sovereignly summons and saves
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” —Acts 11:18 ESV God Granted Gentiles Pastor Steven Cole shares this insight, found (along with MANY valuable commentaries) at PreceptAustin.org: The Greek word for “Gentiles” is ethne, often translated … More Hurray for 3G Gospel!
J.C. Ryle comments on Matthew 8:5-13 We know little about the centurion described in these verses. His name, his nation, his past history, are all hidden from us. But one thing we know, and that is, that he believed. “Lord,” he says, “I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the … More J.C. Ryle: This is better than all other gifts and knowledge…a rare and precious gift.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 