An Appointment in Samara
In Psalm 39:4 we read, “Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am.” These words remind us that life on this earth is temporary and uncertain.
Continue readingCategory: Grace
“Accept Jesus,” or “Be Accepted By God”?
Nothing is more important than understanding what the Bible teaches about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. What we understand and personally believe about this historical and supremely spiritual event determines our eternal destiny. Therefore, there is no
Continue readingFatherhood of God: Forgiveness
“But You are a God of forgiveness,” the Levites prayed on behalf of the repentant people of God (Nehemiah 9:17). What a marvelous declaration! The spiritual leaders continued to describe their covenant-keeping God: “Gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and
Continue readingTwo Very Different Ways to Treat Sinners
There are basically two different ways we treat fellow sinners. We either act like self-appointed judges who, like the Pharisees, act out of our supposed self-righteousness, or we act like needy sinners who never step very far away from the
Continue reading3 Benefits to Thinking about Hell
Fear is a powerful motivator. Granted, fear is often used by Satan to hold us in his grip, but fear—when connected to the fear of God—can motivate us to turn away from our sin toward Jesus Christ and God’s gifts
Continue readingPithy Statements that Confront My Heart’s Idolatries
James 4:1-10 continues to be one of the most significant passages of Scripture that the Holy Spirit is using in recent years to awaken my heart and mind to the reality of idolatry within me. The more I grow in
Continue readingGrace for Our Weakness and Need
God’s grace is not only sufficient for our salvation, but for every step on our road of sanctification and growth in holiness. Nancy Leigh DeMoss and Tim Grisson, with Life Action Ministries, write in their workbook, Seeking Him: Experiencing the
Continue readingGrace has Arrived on the Scene
Grace is the gift of God brought to sinners through the giving of His Son who willingly humbled Himself, dwelt among us, died a cruel death in our place, and was raised from the dead to give us life. This
Continue readingConsider Jesus–the Savior Who Understands Abuse
The one who has been abused, or is still being abused, has many needs. Protection, safety, and defense are some of the practical needs that must be met as a result of God’s command to love our neighbor as we
Continue readingLet Your Grace Prove Altogether Sufficient
Fulfil in us all Your good pleasure. Carry forward the work of faith by Your divine power. Since You have begun a good work in us, perform it until the day of Christ Jesus. Gracious Lord, perfect everything that concerns
Continue readingNUGGETS [9/28/13]
Here are 6 articles that I found interesting and personally edifying this week. Distracted Shepherds? – Matthew Olson writes, “Technology certainly speeds things up, but not all of the effects are good. Pastors are not exempt.” Supporting the NANC Proposed
Continue readingWhat Grace Is Mine
Another wonderful modern hymn from Keith and Krystyn Getty… What grace is mine that He who dwells in endless light Called through the night to find my distant soul And from his scars poured mercy that would plead for me
Continue readingIn Much the Best Life Faileth…
Here is Psalm 130 put into the form of a hymn by Martin Luther. The actual hymn title is “From the Depths of Woe,” but I have titled this post after what I think is one of the most powerful
Continue readingSpurgeon on ‘Whiter than Snow’
Last night’s sizeable snowfall brings back memories of growing up in Wisconsin. As a boy, my brothers, neighborhood friends, and I literally spent hours a day outside having snowball fights, playing ‘King of the Hill,’ and building snow forts with
Continue readingPersevering Grace
HEAVENLY FATHER, there is not a moment of any day when I do not need Your persevering grace—Your empowering strength—to carry me through life in this fallen world. Even as one of Your redeemed children; the world, the flesh, and
Continue readingTruths that Shatter the Lies of Disability
One of the highlights of Desiring God’s recent conference, God’s Good Design in Disability, was the 10-minute testimony of Krista Horning. From her life’s painful and shameful experiences with multiple disabilities flows a beauty and grace that can only be
Continue readingI Am Already Accepted
This morning’s meditation in the book of 1 John ministered grace to my heart and mind by reassuring me of God’s love for me in Christ. Specifically, the Spirit repeatedly highlighted the truth that in Christ I am already accepted
Continue readingThe Blessing of Brokenness
When we think of the many faces of our rebellion against God it is the obvious sins we recognize most easily. Outward, behavioral sins such as those of the body, speech, or addictions are readily acknowledged. However, it is the
Continue reading
