Too often we think too little of Jesus Christ. We are consumed with thoughts about our schedules and concerns about our children and fears about the economy and election and desires for new possessions (that new outfit or piece of technology). And we forget to think about Christ. But consider Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). He […]
Read More Consider Jesus ChristEven as a young elementary student, I knew what “Heads up!!!” meant there was an incoming ball on a swift and direct trajectory with me head and I was about to get beaned. So “heads up” meant, “watch out” and “cover up” at the same time. Danger was approaching. And most of the time I […]
Read More Heads up!It became something of a western movie caricature — a family or group of families is moving into new territory and has no military protection. They find themselves in a narrow crevasse, surrounded on both sides by steep cliffs. Then high on one hill, they see a lone Indian scout. All the members of the […]
Read More Help! Who can help me?When someone wants to look for a new job or when he wants to communicate to a group his personal accomplishments, he’ll put together a resume. This document includes a brief summary of his life — birth, education, and family — as well as his professional progress and achievements. It’s a means of saying, “this […]
Read More Christ, greater than…Ask a disobedient child or a wayward teen, “Do you remember when I told you…?” and you are sure to get “No” for a response. Imagine a boss training a new employee: “This is the most important thing you will do each day. Remember to…” Listen in to a conversation between two retired men talking […]
Read More Remember?Too many people presume that God is too loving to condemn them — or anyone — to Hell. Yet Scripture asserts that God’s judgment is sure. It will come and it cannot be avoided. Consider Peter’s logic in 2 Peter 2:4-10: If [a better translation is “since”] God condemned the fallen angels to Hell (v. […]
Read More God’s judgment is sure…and His grace is greatSome time ago I was having a problem with my e-mail. Try as I might, I could not send e-mail. My computer just didn’t want to talk to the server. Yet it was retrieving e-mail just fine. Grrrr. This has been a problem that had recurred periodically but would then go away. Not on that […]
Read More Diligence and the Christian life“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 […]
Read More A little patience…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 […]
Read More Do you love the Word of God?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 […]
Read More Protect yourself“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 […]
Read More What good is a brother?“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 […]
Read More Are you hungry?“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 […]
Read More Obedience and joy“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 […]
Read More Faith or works?“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 […]
Read More God’s Word is settled
Words of Grace 