Like varied threads that traverse a weaving, these five themes appear time and again in the Psalms. It’s helpful, especially on a long journey, to watch for important landmarks. They make the trip more interesting and mark our progress on the way. As we begin our study of the Psalms, let’s anticipate the themes that […]
“The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory” (1 Sam 2:7-8). Britain’s Queen Mary was known for her touch of humanity. On […]
Shortly after my salvation, I witnessed to my mother. Not so politely, she asked me never to speak to her again about the Lord. Then ten years later, she was told she had only three months to live. Here was a millionaire who had everything in the world’s eyes, but deep inside she was empty. […]
If you open your Bible in half, you will most likely find yourself in the Hymnbook of the Saints. In the Pentateuch, you’re in God’s law court, where He lays down the moral principles of His world. In the History section (Joshua–Esther), you see the way men responded to God’s law, usually by trying to […]
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.…praying always with all […]
Arthur Gook, missionary to Iceland, tells this story in Can a Young Man Trust His God? “A man attending gospel meetings at Akureyri became anxious about his spiritual state and felt the need of help, but couldn’t pluck up the courage to ask. He was leaving for a prolonged stint some distance away and the […]
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, ‘Where is your God?’…Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Ps 42:3, 5). Mother was sitting by […]
We have come far short of the example of the apostles, much more of Christ; we are far behind the servants, much farther behind the Master. We have had little of the grace, the compassion, the meekness, the lowliness, the love of God’s eternal Son. His weeping over Jerusalem is a feeling in which we […]
“He who waters will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25). When the Lord has given blessing by a tract or little book, Do not leave it idly lying in some soon-forgotten nook. There are others to be watered, lost and hungry souls to feed; Seek to share the grace and blessing that has reached you […]