John Piper, in “A Hunger for God” p 166: Israel had been taken into Babylonian exile. They had been there for decades. Now the time had come, in God’s reckoning, for their restoration. But how could this happen? They were a tiny, obscure ethnic minority in the massive Persian empire. The answer is that God rules empires. And … More God’s predictions are as sure as He is powerful!
We come now to Mark’s account of Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. J.C. Ryle comments on Mark 14: 43-52 Let us notice, secondly, in these verses, how all things in our Lord’s passion happened according to God’s Word. His own address to those who took Him, exhibits this in a striking manner–“the Scripture must be fulfilled.” There was … More No accident or chance, but God’s plan!
Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies. Awesome is God from his sanctuary; the God of Israel—he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God! —Psalm 68:34-35 Charles H. Spurgeon in the “Treasury of David”: Let us never by our doubts or … More Ascribe power to God…with delight!
John Piper, from Part 1 of a sermon series on Job, “Reverent in Suffering”: Did you notice that in the two heavenly scenes God handed Job over to Satan’s power? But when Satan had done his work of taking Job’s wealth and family, Job said in 1:21, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken … More The Absolute Sovereignty of God is our Rock of Refuge in Suffering
What can we learn about God this month as we read through the book of Job? In chapter 1 we read: [Satan Allowed to Test Job] [6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. [7] The LORD said to … More Learning about God from Job
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all … More Can True Christians Be Devoured by the Devil?
Isaiah 43:10-13 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I … More If we lose the sovereignty of God, we eventually lose God.
“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”
In Acts 1 we have an unusual situation. The apostles have met and are deciding who should replace Judas, the betrayer of Jesus. Clearly, Jesus was the One who had chosen the 12. How should they choose a successor? They do two things: they pray and they cast lots. Hmm. In Proverbs 16:11 we read, … More Dice, prayer and missions
Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III, of First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi: 1. There are some things that you don’t have to pray about. In answer to Balaam’s question, ‘Can I go and earn some big bucks from Balak by cursing Your people?’ God has said ‘No, you may not go with them, and no, you may … More Lessons from an Ass
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 