“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s […]
“But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed…For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:11,13 With this statement, the apostle […]
“If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents…. And you will feel secure, because there is hope; you will look around and take your rest in security.” Job 11:14, 18 At first glance, these words of Job’s friend might seem wise. But I sense danger […]
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 In a devotion I read this morning, dwelling on the covenant God has made with us through Christ, Charles Spurgeon wrote, “[God’s people] see that the law was made void because it was a covenant of works and depended […]
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. And the LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?’ Now […]
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD […]
“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” 1 Corinthians 7:17a Reading this verse brings such encouragement to my heart. It is highlighting for me both the sovereignty of my God and the devotion to Him that is to characterize our lives. […]
“So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly…And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law…And […]
“Showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” Titus 2:10 Our actions, our speech, our reactions should adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. They should be outward evidence that what we believe—what Christ has proclaimed and Scripture reveals—is true and beautiful and life-changing. “For the […]
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” Titus 1:7-8 In this list of qualifications, one phrase stood out to me this morning: “a lover of […]
In Pleasant Places 