“Apple trees bear apples, wheat stalks produce wheat, and forgiven people forgive people.” —Max Lucado We started a study of Psalm 32 in our last lesson. David begins at the end of the story, when he revels in the blessedness of God’s forgiveness (vv 1-2). But then he talks about the toll unconfessed sin takes. “When […]
Read More… from April 1, 2026 — Sin’s Disease, Symptoms, & Cure
CHRIST “the WISDOM of GOD”: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God” (1 Cor 1:24, 30). Paul writes that “the world through wisdom did not know God” (v 21). James adds that earthly wisdom is “sensual, demonic” and manifests itself in envy, self-seeking, confusion and every evil […]
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Prov 28:26). A.W. Tozer writes: “The world has divided men into two classes, the stupid good people and the clever wicked ones.…In the Holy Scriptures things are quite the opposite. There righteousness is always associated with wisdom and […]
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps 14:1). Is the Bible being unkind or painfully truthful in making this statement? The story is told of a Christian and an atheist who were debating the question of the dependability of the Bible. The atheist asked, “Can you prove to me that an […]
“How blest are they whose trespass has freely been forgiven, whose sins are wholly covered before the sight of heaven.” This psalm is called a Maschil or “Contemplation,” and we do well to follow the author’s suggestion. If you recall how Psalm 1 began, it has a certain familiarity with Psalm 32. Listen: “Blessed is the man who […]
CHRIST the REWARDER: “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me” (Rev 22:12). It cannot be mercenary to labor for rewards if the Lord Jesus offers them as an incentive. Paul writes: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me […]
“I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (Ps 119:31-32). Notice the strong verbs that David uses here. There is nothing passive or half-hearted about his commitment. When it comes to the Word of God—especially the […]
I was at a friend’s in Vancouver when two Mormons approached. As we engaged in conversation, I felt led to ask the older of the two, who was carrying the discussion, if he could say he loved the Lord Jesus. “I don’t know what you mean,” he replied. “Do you mean, do I admire him?” […]
“The psalm is like an April day, in which sunshine and rain chase each other across the plain.” —A. MacLaren In Psalm 31, David seems to play every note, both in the major and minor keys. In verses 1 and 2, we have David’s plea for help. “Deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear […]