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
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 …
Nehemiah 1:4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. And I said, “O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, … More Prayer from a deep reservoir of faith
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who … More What reaches farther in its effects than anything else we can do?
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble! (Psalm 143:8, 11) John Piper, in a sermon, … More When you come to God, fill your mouth with arguments
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 John Piper relates this story in a sermon, “Devote Yourselves to Prayer” There is a story about D. L. Moody making a visit to Scotland in the 1800’s and opening one of his talks at a local grade school with the rhetorical question, … More Piper: The God who loves to be asked for things
Yesterday, we saw Hezekiah’s wonderful pattern of prayer in 2 Kings 18. Today in Philippians, we have more encouragement to pray “in everything,” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, … More Paul: “…but in everything by prayer…”
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Psalm 120:1 Charles H. Spurgeon says: However, when cries to man would be our weakness, cries to God will be our strength. To whom should children cry but to their father? Does not some good come even out of that vile thing, falsehood, when it drives us … More Crying out to God in distress
And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was … More Ryle: We ought to imitate our Master
Some of you reading this have been reading your Bible daily this year, and are getting to know more of God in the process. Some of you have just started, and I welcome you to this journey. Some started with great intentions in January, and are having a hard time keeping up and may be … More The criteria for coming to Jesus is messiness.
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 