Dad asks his little one, “Do you love me–how much?” “Yes! I love you this much,” says the lad enthusiastically with arms stretched to their maximum spread. So it is that Scripture assures us that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish… Read More ›
Thorns should stand as two needed reminders for us: Thorns remind us of the curse of sin that rests upon every human being. Thorns pierce and tear human flesh, symbolizing the sweat and toil to which fellow human beings are consigned. Now read Genesis 3:17-19. 17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife… Read More ›
With the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to love those we don’t like. Loving is more than an intensification of “liking.” It is of a different order. Jesus put it this way: “Love your enemies.” – Matthew 5:44. But this is made even more difficult when so often one’s enemies are those… Read More ›
If God used those who were thought too young, might He not also use those who are thought too old? The God who grants maturity and restraint to the young, can grant strength and endurance to the old. When confusion and uncertainty comes and the way is dark, I must not look for an easy… Read More ›
What is it like for an adult to be weaned by the Lord? David tells us in the three verses of Psalm 131. 1 My heart is not proud, LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. 2 But I have calmed and… Read More ›
A grand purpose of prayer is to bring one into the Spirit–as taught in Romans 8 and Galatians 5– i.e. into a conscious abiding in Jesus, John 15. A God-centered view of life comes and stays only to the praying heart. Living amid “Christian” supports and props is a cheap substitute for prayer. The harsh… Read More ›
Strange as it might sound, contending with Alzheimer’s disease helped me think more clearly. I was not the patient—my wife was—and I was the primary caregiver. Our struggle continued for almost 20 years. Little did I realize back in 1950 as we made our wedding vows to stand with one another, no matter what, that… Read More ›
Scripture does not tell us that God will keep us from all need but rather that God will supply, or meet, our every need, as the situation requires. That very assurance is given us in Philippians 4:19. Furthermore, Paul admits in verse 16 that he experienced much need, but the faithful Philippian believers had sent… Read More ›
Years ago I was helped in my time of trial by the story of a sole shipwreck survivor who was washed up on a tiny deserted island. Every day he prayed and searched the horizon for rescue—all in vain. With his waning strength he had managed to build a little hut out of drift wood…. Read More ›
Mostly our thoughts come and go without adequate monitoring — let alone discipline and holiness. But if we set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, we may be greatly blessed by these thoughts. The Holy Spirit gives needed discipline. Apart from his help, “out of the… Read More ›