David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? – 1 Samuel 17:29 The giant warrior Goliath stood and mocked the army, and the God, of Israel. While doubtless there were many that did not care one bit for this verbal abuse, none were willing to stand up to his savage bullying. That is, …
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints – Psalm 116:15 From our perspective it is the greatest grief we can imagine; from God’s perspective it is the delight of his heart. From our perspective, it brings a sorrow that only heaven can erase; from God’s perspective, it brings a …
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart – 2 Timothy 2:22 Youthful lusts are not limited to physical attraction. They include excessive desires for popularity, acceptance, worldly success, or academic achievement. …
Having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost…from you sounded out the word of the Lord – 1Thessalonians 1:6, 8 Every church ought to have good acoustics. Not that the music and message should just be heard easily inside the building — they should also be broadcast clearly …
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God – Isaiah 40:1 Have you ever noticed that parental tendency to repeat important words or phrases to our children, especially in a moment of crisis? “It’s okay, it’s okay”… “don’t be scared, don’t be scared”… “be careful, be careful.” It may be …
Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done – Luke 22:42 Someone has said that these words of Jesus are the most difficult—and most important—words that we can learn in any language: not my will, but Thine, be done. To say these words sincerely …
… how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? – Genesis 39:9 Joseph is here speaking to his boss’s wife, who is trying to seduce him to commit adultery with her. It would have been easy for him to give in. His family is far away; his life has been hard; no one need ever know of …
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you – Isaiah 35:4 This is a heartening exhortation, but all the more so because it comes from God himself. God says, “I am coming; I will save …
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed – Proverbs 13:20 There is an interesting insight within this proverb that gives hope, as well as warning. Notice the language of purposeful intimacy that is used in both the positive and contrasting negative …
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy – James 5:11 The end, or purpose, of the Lord for his people is full of pity and tenderness. When we feel deeply afflicted, it is …