“My brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God” (Josh 14:8). The pessimists and optimists see the same lush valleys and rich farmland; they see the walled cities, too. The difference will be whether we measure the giants against ourselves or God […]
“We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done” (Ps 78:4). The best inheritance for our children is recounting to them the reasons for our stedfast confidence in the Lord; our yesterdays can show […]
“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord” (Lev 19:18). Holding a grudge is like feeding yourself rat poison and waiting for the rat to die. The Lord tells us the surprising antidote: kill them—with kindness. […]
“…and, behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, keeping watch above His own” —J.R.L. Have we been noticing the story behind the story? Is it possible that this is a prototype of a much bigger plot and far greater victory? As noted earlier, there are just two Bible books named after women: Ruth […]
Their house had burned to the ground. They were living in a shack. They had every reason NOT to invite us for lunch. But they couldn’t help themselves. […]
“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it” (Gen 28:16). Our Lord reminds us He is the ever-present link between God and men (see Jn 1:51), promising He will be with us always (Mt 28:20). Let’s live in the joy and power of His nearness today. […]
“The tongue destroys a greater horde,” The Turk asserts, “than does the sword” (P.B. Strong). Do you recall how Haman spoke about the Jewish people in such a way that they were put in the worst possible light? They’re different, he said. And they’re everywhere. And so on. It’s like saying, “He’s a good brother, […]
“I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink” (3 Jn 1:13). Similarly 2 John concludes: “I did not wish to do so with paper and ink” (v 11). Is there a note I should send to someone today? On the other hand, who needs […]
“You are in for trouble,…if you think what you do in the dark can’t be seen” (Isa 29:15, CEV). Haman is a very different man as he slouches his way home after his humiliating experience, leading Mordecai in honor through the city streets. Mortified by Mordecai! “Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered” (Est […]