James ends his letter by emphasizing prayer and loving one another well. Let’s look at four promises related to prayer. God hears us when we pray. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 NIV I love the story in Luke 18 of the wicked judge…
In Chapter 9, Paul expressed his grief over his kinsmen and how they had rejected Jesus. In Chapter 10, he returns with a bit more explanation. He illustrates that Israel had three problems. Israel’s three problems They had zeal without knowledge. They were committed, passionate, energetic, and worked hard at their religious activity but lacked…
John’s sermon John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. … The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and…
I’ve been thinking about repentance for several days. Tonight as my husband read Psalm 32 aloud, I was struck again by the delight and joy in repentance, in knowing forgiveness! The text below is my paraphrase, my personalization of Psalm 32. Joy in Forgiveness – Psalm 32 What blessed joy, pure delight —For You have…
In flesh’s solitude, I count it blestThat only you, my Lord, can see my heartWith passion’s darkness tearing it apartWith storms of self, and tempests of unrest.But your love breaks through blackness, bursts with lights.We separate ourselves, but you rebindIn Dayspring all our fragments, body, mind,And spirit join, unit against the night.Healed by your love,…
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” Elisabeth Elliot Over the next few weeks,…