John Piper, in a sermon, “Pray for Kings and All in High Positions” No king, no president, no premier, no Ayatollah can stay the hand of the Lord when he has purposed to do a thing. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he … More Presidents and Prayer
As we approach some days of long readings in Isaiah, let’s just pause to understand Isaiah’s purpose in writing. Isaiah was a well-educated man, married with two sons and called to preach in Jerusalem during the period of 740 BC until after 701 BC. This was the period after King Uzziah died (ch6) and the succeeding … More The Sovereign God of Isaiah
Proverbs 20:24 A man’s steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way? Indeed, how can we understand our life, our steps? As Christians, we believe the Bible, which speaks of the providence of God in every area of our lives. God directs our steps, as “in him we live, and move, … More Our steps are from God…All by Grace…
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. This reminds me of Proverbs 16:9 that we read last month: The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Our planning, our thinking and reasoning will never … More God’s Purposes Never Fail
Bob Deffinbaugh comments: A slight shift in the events recorded in Esther would have doomed the Jews, except as Mordecai said, “help would come from someplace else.” Nevertheless, success in the small details mattered. As an Agagite, Haman may well have used his position against the Jews at the first provocation, whether it came from … More A Web of God’s Providence
“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: “The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33 If the disposal of the lot is the … More “God’s dice always have a lucky roll”
Bob Deffinbaugh comments on Esther 5-7 at Bible.org: Esther 6:1 On that night the king could not sleep. The Book of Esther reminds us that God does what we cannot do, thereby using our actions to achieve His supernatural purposes. As I read these chapters in the Book of Esther, I am more impressed with what … More Sleepless in Susa
Luke 19:26 ‘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. 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, the … More Are you among the faithful, the false or the foes?
2 Chronicles 22:7 “But it was ordained by God that the downfall of Ahaziah should come about through his going to visit Joram.” ESV Study Bible: 2 Chron. 22:5–9 Ahaziah’s decision to join Jehoram (a variant spelling of Joram), king of Israel, in his bid to recapture Ramoth-gilead from Hazael, king of Syria, comes at the behest of his “Ahabite” counselors. … More “But it was ordained by God…”
2 Chronicles 9:8 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on his throne as king for the Lord your God! Because your God loved Israel and would establish them forever, he has made you king over them, that you may execute justice and righteousness.” Where does Solomon’s greatness come from? Not from his … More God Crowns Kings
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 