“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit” (Eccl 7:8). Often hard beginnings lead to good ends; small seeds can grow into fruitful trees. Proud spirits like glory from the start; patient spirits are content with slow, steady progress in God’s will. […]
Why should the wicked fear God’s mercy? Because His mercy for us means wrath upon our oppressors. Psalm 59 has one of the most complicated arrangements. It’s remarkable that a man on the run, as David was, took the time to weave his thoughts into such exquisite designs. The psalm is divided in two, with […]
Read More… from June 5, 2026 — A Prayer, Asking God—For God!
CHRIST OUR REFUGE: “You have been…a refuge from the storm…” (Isa 25:4). The steamer Empire State scarcely caused a ripple that autumn evening. It was 10:30 pm. Most passengers had retired below deck when suddenly a deafening blast rocked the ship. A boiler had exploded! Panicking, everyone rushed toward the upper deck; the melee that […]
“I will pray to the Lord for you” (1 Sam 7:5). Howard Hendricks’ father was not saved. He had tried many times to share the gospel, but his father would reply, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll work it out with God.” One day a Christian in Detroit handed a cassette to Butch Hardman: “Here’s a […]
Charles Finney writes: “I once labored in a village in New York where Universalism prevailed. The leading man among them had a sick wife who sympathized with his views. I called to see her, and endeavored to expose the fallacy of her delusion. After I left, her husband returned, and his wife, her eyes being […]
Does it surprise you that the God who grows oak trees from acorns and displays rainbows through water drops and builds mountains from atoms would also delight to do great things through resources that anyone else would discard? […]
Does it surprise you that the God who grows oak trees from acorns and displays rainbows through water drops and builds mountains from atoms would also delight to do great things through resources that anyone else would discard? […]
“We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 4:3-4). You may have heard it said that problems are opportunities in work clothes. Paul points out that your troubles today could strengthen your resolve, refine your character, and feed your hope! […]
Mercy and wrath are united in the character of God. His wrath defends those who trust in His mercy. Psalms 57, 58, 59, and 75 are arranged to be sung to the tune, “Do Not Destroy” (Heb, Al-taschith). This is curious, because those psalms seem to be requesting a lot of destroying from Heaven’s armory! I’m reminded of […]
Read More… from June 4, 2026 — Destroy Or Not—Is That The Question?