Persistence
May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23 Jesus came to bring us eternal life and to make God known. His prayer was that His disciples would be unified in the same way that […]
Purpose of the Law
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:20 The Jews thought if they observed the law, they would be righteous (made right by God). Paul explicitly tells them that righteousness apart from the law has been made […]
Redirecting Our Faith
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18 The Lord longs to be gracious and is full of compassion when He hears our cry for help. (Isaiah 30:18) I often […]
Restoration of Israel
This is what the LORD says “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and on the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances.” Isaiah 49:8 The […]
Yes You Can
I grew up in a can-do family. We all knew what was expected of us and we tried our best to do it. Perseverance was my Dad’s favorite word and he instilled this in each of his three daughters. As a Christian, I learned that this can-do quality can be great, but also could cause […]
Understanding the Times
The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, or the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know […]
First Assault: Weak Resources
The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:14 The power of the Midianites was so oppressive that the Israelites hid in caves and shelters. The Midianites camped on their land, destroyed their crops, and killed […]
Rebuilding Ancient Ruins
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:12 The Lord promised in Isaiah 58 to satisfy His people in a sun-scorched land and to restore Jerusalem, His holy city. He is the Repairer […]
The Glory of God Most High
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1 Psalm 19 declares the glory of God, describing God as God Most High. He is above all creation: In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun which is like a bridegroom coming from his […]
Removed Hindrances
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the […]