Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. Psalm 1:1 I’ve had several people say to me something like this: “We must get into the world to experience ungodly situations and ungodly people in order to grow stronger.” This kind of thinking has swallowed up many immature Christians and eventually turned them against God. Sure, we’re in the world (John 17:15) and we’re exposed to non-Christian situations (school, job, neighborhood), but we need to be careful that exposure to those […]

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 God gave the prophet Jeremiah a direct call. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” God said. “Before you were born I set you apart” (Jer. 1:5). God encouraged him not to fear his enemies, “for I am with you and will rescue you” (v. 8).Jeremiah later lamented his commission with ironic language for a man with a prenatal calling. “Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man […]

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 How often do we face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It’s in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus. Our first instinct may be to back away in fear. But that’s exactly when we need to look to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2), who will raise His nail-scarred hand and […]

The LORD examines the righteous, But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Psalm11:5 A dear saint of God, almost a century old, said, “As I look back over my long life, the dealings of God that were bitterest at the time are now sweetest as I remember them and under­stand His purposes.” The songwriter put it like this: “When fierce temptations try my heart, I’ll sing, ‘Jesus is mine!’ And so, though tears at times may start, I’m singing all the time.” Most of us must confess we find it difficult to sing in times […]

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 An ancient poem by Aeschylus (526–456 bc): Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God. “Wisdom through the awful grace of God” is a remarkable statement. It means that God’s grace fills us with awe and gives us the opportunity to grow in wisdom during life’s most difficult moments. […]

It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” 2 Samuel 16:12 It seems to me that as the years go by, we grow—as David did—in the awareness of God’s protective love. We become less concerned with what others say about us and more willing to give ourselves over to our Father. We learn humble submission to God’s will. We may, of course, ask our opponents to justify their charges, or we may meet them with steadfast denial if they charge us falsely. But […]

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 Television shows like American Idol have become a global phenomenon. Millions wait anxiously to find out who will be the next singer eliminated in the musical talent hunt. Dreams of fame and fortune, however, are not at the heart of the search that is truly timeless. That search is God’s own pursuit of hearts that are available for His work in the world. In Isaiah, the Lord asks: “Whom shall I send, and […]

Isa 11:6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them.. Isaiah 11:6 Can you imagine a world minus sin? Have you done anything recently because of sin? At the very least, you’ve complained. You’ve worried. You’ve grumbled. You’ve hoarded when you should have shared. You’ve turned away when you should have helped. Because of sin, you’ve snapped at the ones you love and argued with the ones you cherish. You have felt ashamed, guilty, […]

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly As light excels darkness. Ecclesiastes 2:13 Knowledge is not the same as wisdom. King Solomon was a man of vast knowledge (1 Kings 4:29-34). In his better moments, he used his God-given capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life (Eccl. 1:16-18). In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old he built altars to their gods (1 Kings 11:1-11). His […]

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.   Proverbs 3:7 This verse made me think about our need to develop a teachable spirit, seeking wisdom beyond our own. In Proverbs 3, the attitude the father recommends to the son is one of humility: “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord” (v.7). In chapter 2, he says, “Incline your ear to wisdom . . . ; search for her as for hidden treasures” (vv.2,4).  Having a teachable spirit will help us gain wisdom from God and others. Reading a chapter from Proverbs […]