Yes, God helps those who help themselves—to the resources He’s made available to us in Christ. We are approaching the conclusion of Round 3 of the grand debate. The following six chapters (Job 26–31) are Job’s last effort to answer his critics, make his appeal to God, and find any sense in the broken shards […]
“I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel” (Ps 31:12). Supposedly designed to look like a stairway to heaven, Wat Arun (“Temple of Dawn”) dominates the western side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. The Buddhist holy site is noted for its colorful, glazed ceramic […]
“How Thou canst think so well of us, Yet be the God Thou art, Is darkness to my intellect, But sunshine to my heart.” —F.W. Faber 1236. Job concludes his speech with a challenge: “Now if it is not so, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?” (Job 24:25). As if he needs […]
“Look upon me and be merciful to me, as Your custom is toward those who love Your name” (Ps 119:132). The Lord has a long history of coming to the aid of His friends. They are described as “those who love Your name.” What exactly does that mean? His name is descriptive of His character. […]
“… making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are […]
“I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment” (Lk 16:27-28). What a strange request! A call to evangelize—from hell! I’m reminded of the small community of Delburne, Alberta. There’s […]
It was just a gentle rebuke but my childish heart felt the full weight of my grandfather’s persuasive life. […]
Oh the tragedy that the unrepentant wicked will see the Lamb all right, but in His wrath, not His love. It’s more like a squeak than a bellow, but Job finally declares that he believes God will act in justice against wicked men. “But God draws the mighty away with His power; He rises up, but […]
“The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain” (2 Tim 1:16). The name Onesiphorus comes from joining two words. The one means to “bring joy” or “be profitable,” as used in Philemon verse 20, there a play on the similar name “Onesimus.” […]