“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…
“And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” (Luke 18:37-38) How busy is your schedule? Most of us feel harried and hurried with a “to do” list stretching much too long. Our day is full—no…
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. (Psalm 94:19, ESV) Have you ever had someone ask how a loving God could allow the heartbreaking things we see around us? To them, He either does not exist or has no power. When bad things happen,…
My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray; they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place. (Jeremiah 50:6, NKJV) History is a great teacher, but we don’t always allow ourselves to learn from…
Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria’ . . . Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and…