Recognition and Response He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”… Read More »
Make Restitution
Make Restitution “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he who started the fire shall make full restitution.” Exodus 22:6 But what restitution can be made by one who throws the firebrands of error or stirs the coals of lust… Read More »
Renouncing Retaliation
Renouncing Retaliation “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.” Romans 12:19 Revenge is one of our most natural instincts. It is the way the world works, for we live in a “dog eat dog” world, where if you get in my way I will get you out of the way.… Read More »
Meditations on Faith
Meditations on Faith “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” Acts 8:36 These words may address any hesitations the devout reader may have about the ordinances. Perhaps you say, “I am afraid to be baptized; it is such a solemn thing to declare myself to be dead with Christ and buried with Him. I… Read More »
The Patient Savior
The Patient Savior They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you… Read More »
Greater Than Moses
Greater Than Moses “The crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him.” Mark 9:15 How great the difference between Moses and Jesus! When Moses had been forty days upon the mountain, he underwent a kind of transfiguration, so that his face shone with exceeding brightness, and… Read More »
The Walls Dedicated
The Walls Dedicated Read Nehemiah 12:27–43 “And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy.” Nehemiah 12:43 Think about your favorite book or movie or television show. What was the best part? What do you remember most fondly? Every good story moves up, up, up, with building tension,… Read More »
Covenanting to Obey
Covenanting to Obey Read Nehemiah 10:1–39 “We will not neglect the house of our God.” —Nehemiah 10:39 Growing up Southern Baptist, I was presented with several options at the altar call each week. The speaker called those who did not know Jesus to repent and trust in Him; those who knew Jesus but had been… Read More »
God’s Faithfulness
God’s Faithfulness Read Nehemiah 9:32–38 “In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.” —Nehemiah 9:33 Sometimes the distressing situation we find ourselves in is a result of our own poor choices. Sin has consequences, and we live with the fall because of our disobedience.… Read More »
Read, Confess, Worship
Read, Confess, Worship Read Nehemiah 9:1–5 “They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.” —Nehemiah 9:3 Several years ago, my wife and I were part of… Read More »
