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 Pastor John MacArthur, in a sermon, ” Fitting Rewards from the Returning King”, on the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19: You’re either among the faithful, … More Are you among the faithful, the false or the foes?
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is his delight. —Proverbs 15:8 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 that you feel encouraged to pray, … More God delights most deeply not in making demands but in meeting needs
Donald Curtis, in an article “Irony and Providence,” comments 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 long banquet and a short banquet. In the second chapter, there is a … More Irony and Providence
Pastor Steven J. Cole of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship, in a sermon on Titus 1:10-16 Paul writes (1:13), “But reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith.” “ Them” may refer to the false teachers, as the preceding context would indicate. But, being sound in the faith would point to believers. “To … More You don’t correct error by hints or nice suggestions.
Pastor Mark Driscoll recently preached through the book of Luke. Zacchaeus was not just a wee little man, he was a man idolizing money and power and taking advantage of his neighbors. But when Jesus calls out to Zacchaeus, his life is changed forever. Zacchaeus immediately repents and offers restitution to anyone he’s wronged, which … More Repentance and restitution leads to rejoicing
In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) Erma Bombeck wrote a column about the conflicts that sometimes occur as siblings divide family items after a parent has died. Whether it’s the mixing bowls, grandma’s quilts, or the Christmas ornaments, people are often convinced … More Do you want your children to have a refuge?
Since we have just finished reading Ezra and Nehemiah, this article will bless you- John Piper, at Desiring God Blog: 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 and riveted … More Understanding leads to rejoicing
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 by Elaine Stedman, inspired by one of Ray Stedman’s sermons: Remember me with favor, O my God (Nehemiah 13:31b). Some people … More Remember me with favor, O my God
From the ESV Study Bible: Prov. 13:1–6 Headed by the call to be a wise son (10:1), these proverbs also utilize a play on words (cf. 10:6–32) relating to both speech (hears/listen, 13:1; mouth, vv. 2–3; lips, v. 3; falsehood,v. 5) and eating/desire (eats, v. 2; desire, v. 2; craves and richly supplied, v. 4) in order to assure those who seek to guard their mouth (v. 3) through righteousness … More Mouth guards in Proverbs
Pastor P. G. Matthew, of Grace Valley Community Church, in a sermon “Covenant Renewal”: Nehemiah 10:28 speaks of “the rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters … More No partial obedience!
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 