It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. —John 6:63 (verses 60-71 are in our reading plan today.) J.C. Ryle: Our Lord says, “It is the Spirit who gives life.” By this He means that it is … More Spirit-stirring and life-giving words
Solomon 6:10 I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me. “His desire is for me.” Song of Songs is a story of redemption, of God bringing beauty and hope where there was once brokenness. This reminds me of Zephaniah 3:17– The LORD your God is in your midst,a mighty one who will … More God brings beauty and hope and love
Today we begin reading Lamentations. Here is Ray Stedman on Lamentations, to be continued over the next few days: What a description of the utter despair of the human spirit in the grip of deep distress and sorrow! And yet, in each of these chapters an insight is revealed, a lesson that God teaches through … More Lessons through sorrow
In our Bible reading plan, we come to 1 Peter 3:13-22. Verses 14-15 say, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks … More Picture this text as a sandwich
John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. (this is in our reading plan today) In reference to John 6:44, does God compel people to come to him? R. C. Sproul gives some background on biblical languages that helps us understand: That passage, of course, is very … More What does it mean “to draw”?
His mouth is most sweet,and he is altogether desirable.This is my beloved and this is my friend,O daughters of Jerusalem. Song of Songs 5:16 As we read Song of Songs 5 today in our Bible reading plan, here are some words from C. H. Spurgeon commending Christ: In these five words the spouse here gives … More “Yea, he is altogether lovely.”
And in the thirty-seventh year of the exile of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, Evil-merodach king of Babylon, in the year that he became king, graciously freed Jehoiachin king of Judah and brought him out of prison. And he spoke kindly to him, and gave … More Graciously freed
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9, part of our reading plan today) John … More Go on trusting in God’s future grace.
In John 6:35, Jesus said,”I am the bread of life.” Read John 6:25-40 and be helped by J.C. Ryle comments: Our Lord would have us know that He himself is the appointed food of man’s soul. The soul of every man is naturally starving and famishing through sin. Christ is given by God the Father, … More The Bread of Life
You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride;you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes,with one jewel of your necklace.How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!How much better is your love than wine,and the fragrance of your oils than any spice! –Song of Songs 4:9-10 C.H. Surgeon encourages our … More Spurgeon: “the love of the believer is sweet to Christ”
