When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee – Isaiah 43:2 Perhaps you are experiencing the drowning, crushing, burning power of …
Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man – Luke 2:52 This statement is a summary of eighteen years in Jesus’ life, from the time he was twelve years old until the narrative picks back up at age thirty. This was a time of relative obscurity, but it was the majority of our …
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away – Luke 8:13 In Luke 8, Jesus relates the parable of the sower. A man goes out to sow seed on his land. The seed falls on different …
Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might – Ephesians 6:10 You have perhaps had someone at one time or another seek to comfort or encourage you in the midst of a personal trial by slapping you on the back and telling you to “be strong.” The counsel was well-meant but not too helpful. If …
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favor of the LORD – Proverbs 8:33,35 We all have difficulty at times receiving instruction. But the instruction that the writer here speaks of is the godly way of true wisdom. Therefore, it is …
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines…yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation – Habakkuk 3:17-18 What a wonderful encouragement from such a dark and discouraging prophecy! While the prophet Habakkuk struggled with the fact that …
From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? – James 4:1 Have grudges, or petty differences, or personality clashes been tearing at your church lately? Has your own love for the Lord, and his people, been diminished by some strife …
If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet – John 13:14 What a shocking scene this is! Even the disciples, who had watched Jesus touch lepers and heal cripples and eat with sinners, were unprepared for this parting command and example. The night …
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil – Proverbs 3:7 Here is a lesson for young people, from a loving and godly parent: “do not think highly of yourself; do not trust your young and inexperienced instincts and emotions; do not trust your own wisdom.” Conversely, fear …
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you – Matthew 6:33 Life can often seem very complicated. Career decisions, family dynamics, academic ambitions — every area and issue of life has its own challenges. However, Jesus spotlights for us …