“If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” (Jn 14:14). The proviso “in My name” means “according to My character.” “Ask the Father what I would ask,” says the Savior. How can we do this? Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 for the answer. God has prepared things for us, but we can’t naturally […]
Thomas Olivers (1725-1799), a Welsh orphan, billed himself as “the worst boy known in Tregynon for thirty years.” Thrown out of town at age 18, he arrived in Bristol, England, where he heard George Whitefield preaching on the words of Zechariah 3:2, “Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” As Olivers recounts, “When […]
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and pursuit of the wind” (Eccl 1:14, Darby). The “pursuit of happiness” is described by Solomon as chasing after the wind; instead, happiness sneaks up on you as you serve others and pursue the will of God. […]
CHRIST our DEBT-PAYER: “Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). C.H. Spurgeon tells the following story: “Thomas Olivers was a loose living man till he was renewed by grace through the preaching […]
“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mk 9:24). Who of us doesn’t need to pray this prayer? You may have heard of the great gospel pioneer, John G. Paton, who labored in the New Hebrides islands (now Vanuatu), east of New Guinea. As he sought to translate the Gospel of John, he struggled to find […]
The gospel is free so everyone can afford it. Its terms are so simple that “wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein” (Isa 35:8). It is a universal offer: all are welcome. If someone asks, “What about Hindus and Muslims?” we answer, “Yes, He invites them too! The gospel is also easy to verify […]
“So He said to them, ‘When you pray, say:…Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins…’” (Lk 11:2-4). “Give” and “forgive”: think big eternal thoughts, but rejoice in small daily pleasures—remember the same God who gives you everlasting life also gives you your daily food. […]
CHRIST our KEEPER: “Now to Him who is able to keep you…” (Jude 24). “The Lord is your keeper” (Ps 121:5). The word “keeper” means “guard,” “watchman,” “protector,” and “preserver.” How will He keep you? He can keep you from stumbling (Jude 24), keeping you as the apple of His eye (Ps 17:8). He will […]
“Now behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, ‘The Lord be with you!’ And they answered him, ‘The Lord bless you!’” (Ruth 2:4). What beautiful greetings for God’s people to share! It is still true that, in the month of April, you approach Bethlehem through fields of ripened grain. And it is […]