“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9). For the believer, failure is never final. David and Samson and Gideon and Thomas and Peter—even Lot (2 Pet 2:7)—tell us that. Skirmishes lost, but the […]
“The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet” (Nah 1:3). THAT’S nice to know! Is your life a whirlwind today? Are the storms rolling in? Your Lord has His way in whatever life sends your way. The clouds you fear are only […]
“Be subject to rulers and authorities, be obedient, be ready for every good work, speak evil of no one, be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:1-2). A checklist for right behavior? Perhaps. But the following verses remind us: this lifestyle results from the Father’s love and kindness, and the Spirit’s regeneration […]
“So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: ‘Rise up, O Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.’ And when it rested, he said: ‘Return, O Lord, to the many thousands of Israel’” (Num 10:35-36). Life on the journey—rise up, then rest up. Some […]
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 Jn 2). To succeed in everything we do to glorify the Lord; to be healthy in body so we can be efficient servants; and that our souls may flourish—3 prayer requests to offer up for […]
“So Elisha said to her, ‘What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?’ And she said, ‘Your maidservant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.’ Then he said, ‘Go, borrow vessels from…all your neighbors—empty vessels…then pour it into all those vessels’” (2 Ki 4:2-4). Think […]
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thess 3:3). Interesting words! To establish: set you in a certain direction. To guard: protect you from every direction. Today the One you can always count on has your back while He moves you forward. […]
“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage (KJV), but being examples to the flock” (1 Pet 5:3). Wise people learn two key things in life: let the Lord be Lord over us, and don’t try to lord it over His people. The sweet example of servanthood will have greater impact today than being pushy. […]
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Jos 1:9). It’s a tough world out there. Burdens to lift. Enemies to defeat. Disappointments to bear. Crises to face. The Lord says, “Don’t be weak […]