In Joshua 18-19 we read that Joshua called together the people of Israel to divide up the land, the land that “lay subdued before them.” What method did Joshua use? He cast lots. Rolled the dice. Really? Yes. “Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to … More God is sovereign over the lots
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. —John 6:16-18 ESV J. C. Ryle comments on this passage at Grace … More Storm: Christ knew it, and Christ appointed it, and it was working for their good.
You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. —Song of Solomon 4:7 In today’s reading, Solomon summarizes his impression of his bride by declaring that there is no flaw in her. Is love blind? Perhaps when we look through the eyes of love, we gain such a perspective. If we look at this passage from a spiritual … More Is love blind?
“I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me,” declares the LORD. “I also withheld the rain from you when there were yet three months to the harvest; I would … More Yet you did not return to me
And the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any wood, the vine branch that is among the trees of the forest? Is wood taken from it to make anything? Do people take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it? Behold, it is … More Infinite mercy of Jehovah- “you will know that I am the Lord”
Job lost everything: his wealth, his health, and his ten children. All swept away in one satanic storm. Reduced to a heap of flesh, ashes, and tears—rebuked by friends and jeered by strangers—righteous Job wrestled over the purpose and presence of God in the midst of unbearable pain. In this book, John Piper recounts the … More Wresting over the purpose and presence of God in the midst of pain
“The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.”— Proverbs 16:33 “God’s dice always have a lucky roll,” said Sophocles, one of classical Athens’ three great tragic playwrights. Here’s what Charles H. Spurgeon has to say, in Morning and Evening: If the disposal of the lot is the … More Spurgeon: If the disposal of the lot is the Lord’s, whose is the arrangement of our whole life?
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, … More Esther: Better do my duty and die for my people than shrink from my duty and die with them.
Pastor Ray Stedman, “A Pair of Queens,” on Esther 2: The chapter closes with an account of how the entrance of Mordecai and Esther into the life of this king involved also deliverance from a plot which threatened the very life of the king: When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting … More When life is at stake
In Nehemiah 4, we come to two statements which contain elements of God’s awesome power and sovereignty, and also elements of our responsibility. The setting is the rebuilding of the wall and the fierce opposition from the enemies of the Jews. In verse 9 we read: And we prayed to our God and set a … More Pray and set a guard
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 