A little patience…

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:6-7). I confess. I am an incurable mailbox watcher. I have often made the 100-yard trek to the mailbox at my office more than […]

Do you love the Word of God?

This morning we finished reading Psalm 119. One of the great themes of this Psalm is the affection, joy, and love the psalmist has for God’s Word. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. (v. 16) Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors. (v. 24) Make me […]

Protect yourself

To protect itself from aggressors, the Texas horned lizard (more commonly known as the horny toad) uses some unique defense mechanisms, as the Smithsonian reported a few years ago: When the creature is threatened by a large predator, it runs through an elaborate behavioral repertoire. First, the lizard will hiss and swell its body with […]

What good is a brother?

“To sum up, let all be…brotherly…” (1 Pet. 3:8; NASB) In the past couple of decades a new kind of profession has developed. This professional is, “a blend of consultant, motivator, therapist, manager, and friend. Who are these people? Personal coaches, who help people ‘define and achieve their goals — career, personal, or both.’ Coaches […]

Are you hungry?

“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:2-3; NASB) When our children were younger, we kept a growth chart for them on the inside of a closet door in our […]

Obedience and joy

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood…” (1 Pet. 1:1-2; NASB) Though far from my first act of disobedience, it is my earliest recollection of my […]

Faith or works?

“This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” (Titus 3:8; NASB). There is a popular question which debates whether the chicken or the egg was […]

God’s Word is settled

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps. 119:89; NASB) So many things in life are transitory and short-lived. While we know God is permanent, stable, and dependable, yet we often still feel unsettled. So this verse serves as an anchor to our storm-tossed souls, reminding us of the faithfulness of God and […]

He redeemed us

“who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:14; NASB) A few years ago, my wife and I discovered a television show on The Learning Channel which quickly became a favorite — “Junkyard Wars.” […]

Elder qualifications

This morning’s post is a re-post of an article from earlier this year, with some additional information from other posts included at the end of this post. The New Testament provides a clear picture of the kinds of men who are to lead the church as elders. Both Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-7 give […]

Treat others…how?

Grace Slan lived and died in a secret world where time stood still. When police entered her two-room flat in London they thought they had stepped into another era, a museum exhibit or a film set. Outside, planes buzzed overhead and traffic jammed city streets. Inside, the 81-year-old woman lived in a dark, solitary world […]

The discipline of discipline

“…discipline yourselves for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7b). Discipline. The word pictures a gymnasium filled with exercise equipment designed to conform the body to fitness. Physical wellness is the result of regular, continual exercise. The same is true of the soul. Spiritual wellness is the result of regular, continual spiritual exercise. But since […]

What do you want the word of God to do in you?

When one thinks about Psalm 119, the theme of the Word of God obviously comes to mind. The Word of God is explained, its authority is exalted, and even God Himself is worshipped in the process of expounding the value of God’s Word. Yet in reading a portion of the psalm this morning, it was […]

The church and truth

“but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15; NASB). Many years ago, my wife was able to go out of town […]

The primacy of prayer

Having lived during my college years in a military community, I’ve seen the stress of a husband and father separated from his family for six-month intervals. Such absences weigh heavily on all members of the family. One thing that becomes very important, then, is mail. It is the life-line of information and communication between these […]