Reading the Word Ecclesiastes 7:19–22 (ESV)19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.21 Do not take … Continue reading Too Much Information
Reading the Word “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13, ESV) Understanding and Applying the Word What is the usual response to doing something wrong? We try to … Continue reading Concealing Our Sin
Today’s post is part of our Psalm Saturdays series from guest blogger Robert Chamberlain. You can read more about Robert after the article below. Psalm 124:1–8 (ESV)1 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side— let Israel now … Continue reading Escape!
Reading the Word “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1, ESV) Understanding and Applying the Word I do not know about you, but holding my tongue is hard to do. When someone … Continue reading A Soft Answer
Reading the Word Proverbs 11:16–17 (ESV)16 A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches.17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Understanding and Applying the Word At first glance these verses may … Continue reading Honor or Riches
Reading the Word 1 Timothy 1:12–15 (ESV) 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. Understanding and … Continue reading The Chief of Sinners
Reading the Word Psalm 32:1–5 (ESV) 1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to … Continue reading Do Not Hide Your Sin
Reading the Word Psalm 9:1–2 (ESV) (1) I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (2) I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. Understanding and Applying the Word O how loving and gracious our God is! Take the time to consider his kindness and grace in your life. As I read the words of verse 1, “I will recount all of your wonderful deeds”, I am reminded of the song Count Your Blessings. Let us do that and … Continue reading I Will Recount All of Your Wonderful Deeds
Reading the Word Jude 24–25 (ESV) 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Understanding and Applying the Word When we preach the gospel of grace we often forget that it is grace from first to last. We could not save ourselves from sin, so God sent his Son to pay our debt and save … Continue reading Grace Carries Us Home
Reading the Word Romans 2:1–11 (ESV) 1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is … Continue reading God Does Not Play Favorites
