The Lord tests hearts

Proverbs 17:3 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts. God tests us, tests our hearts.  Repeatedy in the Bible, we read that HE refines us, tests us, just as precious metals are refined to remove impurities.  Read these other passages, and ask yourself what remains after going … More The Lord tests hearts

Divine Insomnia

On that night the king could not sleep. And he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king. And it was found written how Mordecai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to … More Divine Insomnia

Don’t be stupid

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 No one really loves getting disciplined, at the time, but when we look back, we can see the benefits.  We learn much through the loving correction of others, whether our parents or faithful friends.  Proverbs says we are stupid if we … More Don’t be stupid

Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight …

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 Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight …

Words of warning

Proverbs 7 contains some strong words of warning for those who think they somehow are the exception to the rules of wisdom- verse 7: I have perceived among the youths, a young man lacking sense, verse 23: as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. … More Words of warning