God intended this

“Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” Genesis 50:19-20 D. A. Carson says in “For the Love of God, Volume 1, Feb 17 that we should reflect on what Joseph does not … More God intended this

Yet you are holy

    O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,         and by night, but I find no rest.     Yet you are holy,         enthroned on the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:2-3 ESV) Spurgeon comments: However ill things may look, there is no ill in thee, O God! We … More Yet you are holy

Joseph’s story: God’s plan, providence and purposes

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 Joseph’s story: God’s plan, providence and purposes

Lord of all

John Piper, in a sermon, “Exalting Jesus so the Spirit Falls”– gives many ways in which Peter exalted Jesus in Acts 10:24-48, our reading today.  Here is just one point: Peter lifts up Jesus as the Lord of all. Verse 36 (at the end): “You know the word which he sent to Israel, preaching good … More Lord of all

Jesus turns things around

John Piper in a sermon, “Jesus Still Turns Things Around” brings this encouragement from Acts 9, our reading for today: Luke drives this home by showing the persecutor becoming the persecuted. First, in verse 23 Luke tells us that the Jews in Damascus plotted to kill him. The hunter becomes the hunted. And he escapes … More Jesus turns things around

Control the Hawk?

God to Job: “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up and makes his nest on high?” In Job 39, we see a list of animals that Job can’t in any sense govern or rule. Adam was given … More Control the Hawk?