Hard work is useless

Psalms 120-134 are called “Songs of Ascent.” It seems most likely that these were songs that were sung by worshippers as they made their way to Jerusalem from their homes around Israel for one of the three annual religious festivals. These songs allayed the fears of the singers as they contemplated the trustworthy character of […]

Running with endurance

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Heb. 12:1b; NASB) File this under strange, but true (and a little funny). The following statements were taken from registration sheets and comment cards returned to the staff of the Bridger Wilderness area: Trails need to be wider so people can walk holding […]

The Trinity

Recently a friend gave me a copy of Michael Reeves’ book, Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith. I have enjoyed what I have read of the book so far very much. In these videos, Reeves explains the significance of the Trinity to the Christian life. See more […]

Where is your faith?

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1; NASB) “Where is your God now?” It is a hard question, often asked under the most burdensome circumstances. Job’s friends and wife asked the question. And even though they didn’t ask it, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Esau, Joseph, Moses, […]

“Come on in”

“Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,…let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:19, 22; NASB) Normally my office door stays wide open […]

Two articles worth reading today

From Justin Taylor: I recommend that you read Russell Moore’s “Christians, Let’s Honor the President” and Collin Hansen’s “From Me, Yesterday.” Both exemplify Christian engagement with politics in the best sense. Here’s an excerpt from Moore: We are going to disagree with the President on some (important) things; there will be other areas where we […]

The election is over. Now what?

Yesterday was election day. Today the election is over. And the results are (mostly) in. If your candidate or referendum won, then you likely are happy. If your candidate or referendum lost, then you likely will be tempted with sadness or discouragement or even despair. But for the believer in Christ, nothing has changed. Not […]

A better sacrifice

A small boy was consistently late coming home from school. His parents warned him one day that he must be home on time that afternoon, but nevertheless he arrived later than ever. His mother met him at the door and said nothing. His father met him in the living room and said nothing. At dinner […]

Praying for today’s election

Sunday, I reprinted the pastoral prayer I offered that morning for our congregation and country. Since then, I have seen Al Mohler’s list of ten components of a prayer for our nation and this election. Here is a summary… First, we should pray that God will bless America with leaders better than we deserve.… Second, […]

He’s sitting down

It is a regular temptation to overvalue certain possessions. When we drive a new vehicle off the car lot, we forget that within a few years, we will certainly be driving it back onto that lot with a certain measure of discontentment, seeking a new and better source of transportation. Similarly, we are prone to […]

A great high priest

As believers in Christ, we don’t often think about priests. We think about them when we read the Old Testament — particularly the Pentateuch — and as we read through and attempt to comprehend the various duties of the priests and the function of the Law in Israel’s spiritual life. It all seems rather confusing […]

A prayer for election week

“To You I lift up my eyes, O You who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious to us. […]

Free eBook: What is the Mission of the Church?

Each month Christian Audio makes one book recording available for free. The selection this month is Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert’s recent book, What is the Mission of the Church? Making Sense of Social Justice, Shalom and the Great Commission. This is an excellent book and worth your listen.

He promised

Two children standing beside swings on a playground are in earnest discussion. One seven-year-old is attempting to persuade his buddy of his intention to follow through on a promise. He has failed to convince his friend when he utters words that have convinced children for decades: “I cross my heart and hope to die if […]

Cultivating discernment

Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert cartoon strip, has made a career of lampooning inept business management. Some time ago, he used his creativity in a new medium. Using the alias Ray Mebert, a false wig and mustache, and the permission of the company’s co-founder, he guided a group of computer hardware executives to draft […]