“The Israelite foremen saw that they were in trouble when they were told, “You cannot reduce your daily quota of bricks.” When they left Pharaoh, they confronted Moses and Aaron, who stood waiting to meet them.” – Exodus 5:19-20 Have you ever prayed for help and things got worse? If so, then you can appreciate the […]
Read More“‘May your servant find favor with you,’ she replied. Then Hannah went on her way; she ate and no longer looked despondent.” – 1 Samuel 1:18 It is a remarkable change if you remember her story. Heartbroken by her infertility, this young woman pours out her hurt to God. After an embarrassing encounter with the priest, she […]
Read More“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” – Luke 6:40 Don’t be thrown off by the word, “disciple.” Jesus isn’t talking here about super spiritual people. He is talking about ordinary, everyday students. But don’t be thrown off by the word “student” either. Jesus […]
Read More“All humanity will come to You, the one who hears prayer. Iniquities overwhelm me; only You can atone for our rebellions.” – Psalm 65:2-3 Real prayer has that effect. In fact, it is one of the chief indications that you are encountering the Holy One. What is this indication of imminence? Awareness of sinfulness. It is […]
Read More“For the choir director: ‘Do Not Destroy.’ A Miktam of David. When Saul sent agents to watch the house and kill him.” – superscription of Psalm 59 Psalm 59. Usually, the subtitles in our Bible are later additions added to aid modern readers as they navigate the ancient biblical texts. Not so with the Psalms. The […]
Read More“Lord, make me aware of my end and the number of my days so that I will know how short-lived I am…Yes, every human being stands as only a vapor…Now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.” – Psalm 39:4-5, 7 I heard a man living with a terminal cancer diagnosis say, […]
Read More“…those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles…” – Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) Are you an eagle or a hummingbird? An eagle can fly for hours because it finds an updraft and floats upon it. A hummingbird is hours from starvation because it utilizes an enormous amount of […]
Read More“Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” – Peter 1:13 “Triple threat!” As the coach bellows out the words, the young basketball players immediately drop to a crouch with their heads up and hands ready. Ready for […]
Read More“Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the basic principles of God’s revelation again. You need milk, not solid food…But solid food is for the mature — for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.” Hebrews 5:12, 14 It seems simple, right? Everyone knows the […]
Read More“Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Don’t grieve”…The Israelites had not celebrated like this from the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day. And there was tremendous joy.” Nehemiah 8:20-11, 17 Weeping over their sin, […]
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Think These Things 