But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life. For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in Read more…
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” (v. 16) This verse is one of the most difficult tightropes you will ever have Read more…
3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. 4 With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! 5 I lay down and Read more…
Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. (vs. 4) I have been studying holiness this entire year, and it is obvious from all that Scripture says that God Read more…
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. (2) This Psalm of King David is especially touching. In it, he remarks on God’s transcendence, how He Read more…
You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a Read more…
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed… Therefore let those who Read more…
What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. (v. 9) This book of Ecclesiastes is the jaded musings of the aging King Solomon. It is filled with truth and wisdom, but you can Read more…
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they be secure who love you! Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!” For my brothers and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek Read more…
“The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise.” (v. 21) It is difficult to respond with grace and kindness when people criticize you. Many times, people fall to the temptation of jealousy or anger because of the hurtful words Read more…