“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people.” (I Peter 2:9, KJV) God’s people have always been special to Him. The King James Version of Exodus 19:5 describes them as a “peculiar treasure,” a possession He values and holds dear to Himself. The…
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a…
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13, NLT) Recently, a friend left for a country where she feels God has called her to work. She was excited, joyful, eager to reach her new home. I was happy…
Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:1-2, Christian Standard Bible) Have you ever noticed how often the Bible…
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (II Peter 3:18, NKJV) Sometimes a little phrase in a single verse brings me to a halt in my Bible reading. One morning recently I stopped at…
Exodus 14:19-20 MSG “The angel of God that had been leading the camp of Israel now shifted and got behind them. And the Pillar of Cloud that had been in front also shifted to the rear. The Cloud was now between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel.…
Exodus 14:22-25 MSG “The Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground with the waters a wall to the right and to the left. The Egyptians came after them in full pursuit, every horse and chariot and driver of Pharaoh racing into the middle of the sea. It was now…
Exodus 3:9-10 MSG “The Israelite cry for help has come to me, and I’ve seen for myself how cruelly they’re being treated by the Egyptians. It’s time for you to go back: I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the People of Israel, out of Egypt.” As I…
Hebrews 11:1-2 MSG “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” We…