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Moments of Worship — Arts
Moments of Worship

A weekday podcast on Moments of Worship. Each episode releases at 4am.

Copyright: © 2024 Moments of Worship

Latest Episodes:

A Cry of Anguish: Psalm 22 Jan 17, 2025

My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my help are the words of my groaning.My God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest.Yet You are holy, You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You rescued them.To You they cried out and they fled to safety; In You they trusted and were not disappointed. (Psalm 22)

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God: Psalm 19 Jan 16, 2025

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. (Psalm 19:1-2)

God Is Our Refuge: Psalm 18:30-33 Jan 15, 2025

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God?—the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (Psalm 18:30-33)

Who Shall Dwell on Your Holy Hill?: Psalm 15 Jan 14, 2025

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; who swears to his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15, ESV)

How Long O Lord?: Psalm 13 Jan 13, 2025

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13)

I Will Recount Your Wonderful Deeds: Psalm 9 Jan 10, 2025

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Arise, O Lord! Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you! Put them in fear, O Lord! Let the nations know that they are but men. (Psalm 9:1-2, 9-10, 19-20, ESV)

How Majestic Is Your Name: Psalm 8 Jan 09, 2025

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8, ESV)

Sing for Joy: Psalm 5:11-12 Jan 08, 2025

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)

The Lord Is Our Shield; Psalm 3:3-6 Jan 07, 2025

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. (Psalm 3:3-6, ESV)
David wrote Psalm 3 during one of the darkest times of his life: when his own son, Absalom, was leading a rebellion against him. Can you imagine how hard that must have been? In the face of betrayal and overwhelming odds, David looked to God as his shield, his sustainer, and the lifter of his head.

Delighting in God's Word: Psalm 1:1-3 Jan 06, 2025

Picture a tree planted beside a flowing river. Its roots reach deep into the soil, drawing nourishment every single day. Regardless of droughts or storms, the tree remains unshaken. It thrives, yielding fruit in its time and keeping its leaves green and vibrant. This image from Psalm 1 vividly portrays the life of someone who delights in and meditates on God’s Word. Their stability and fruitfulness are direct results of being continually nourished by the living water of Scripture.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. (Psalm 1:1-3) (ESV)
The passage contrasts two paths in life: the way of the wicked and the way of the righteous. The righteous are deeply connected to God through His Word, and this connection sustains and prospers them.

Advent: Love That Lasts Forever Dec 20, 2024

Today’s Scripture comes from Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, ESV). As we celebrate Advent, we rejoice in a love that transcends every barrier and sustains us for eternity.
The love of this world is often conditional and fleeting. But God’s love is utterly unchanging because it is rooted in His perfect character. Consider Lamentations 3:22-23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV). God’s love isn’t dependent on our performance or circumstances. It’s as eternal as He is. This is why Paul can proclaim in Romans 8 that absolutely nothing—not even death—can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
Advent reminds us that this eternal love came down to us in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus secured this love for us forever.
This truth gives us hope in our darkest moments. Even when the trials of life overwhelm us, God’s eternal love remains constant. Isaiah 54:10 assures us: “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54:10, ESV).

Advent: Love That Casts Out Fear Dec 19, 2024

Our scripture for today comes from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” (1 John 4:18, ESV). In a world often plagued by anxiety and uncertainty, Advent calls us to find rest in the unshakable love of God—a love that overcomes fear and offers peace.
1. The Source of Fear: Fear often arises when we feel vulnerable, guilty, or uncertain about the future. But John reminds us that God’s love is perfect—it confronts and overcomes the root of our fears. In Christ, we have no need to fear punishment, for Jesus bore it all on the cross. Romans 8:1 declares this liberating truth: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1, ESV).If you are in Christ, there is no sin too great, no failure too deep, that His love cannot cover.
2. Love in the Midst of Fear: Advent is the celebration of God’s love breaking into a fearful world. When the angel announced Jesus’ birth, what was his first message? “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10, ESV). This “good news” wasn’t merely an announcement; it was a declaration that God’s love, embodied in Jesus, had come to defeat sin, death, and fear itself. Calvin wrote, “The love of Christ will never leave us void of courage, for it gives us confidence to approach the throne of God boldly.” Advent teaches us to live with confidence, not fear, because the Savior has come.
3. Love That Sustains Us: Even when life feels overwhelming, God’s perfect love sustains us. Psalm 23:4 reminds us: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4, ESV). This love doesn’t promise a life without hardship but assures us that God is with us in every trial. His love steadies us and drives out the fears that try to take root.

Advent: The Cost of Love Dec 18, 2024

Our scripture for today is Romans 5:8: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, ESV).

Love That Reaches Us at Our Worst: Romans 5:8 reminds us that God didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up before offering His love. While we were still sinners—broken, rebellious, and unable to fix ourselves—Christ came for us. In love, He took on flesh and entered into our suffering, pain, and darkness. As Charles Spurgeon once said: “The greatest love you will ever know is this—when you had no merit, no strength, and no hope, God loved you.”
Love That Costs Everything: Advent is the celebration of God sending His Son, but Christmas cannot be separated from Calvary. Jesus’ cradle points directly to His cross. Philippians 2:6-8 shows us the humility and cost of Christ’s love: “Though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6-8, ESV).
The Love That Redeems: Christ didn’t sacrifice His life reluctantly; He gave it willingly. He went to the cross to reconcile us to God. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5, ESV). The cost of love is great—but the fruit of His love is eternal: peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

Advent: God's Love to Sinners Dec 17, 2024

Our Scripture comes from the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-5: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing” (Luke 15:4-5, ESV).

Advent is the story of God’s pursuing love—one that refuses to let us remain lost but draws us home through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd. God’s pursuit of the lost is entirely His initiative. In our sinful state, we are incapable of seeking Him. The Westminster Confession reminds us of this truth: “Man, by his fall into a state of sin, has wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation” (WCF 9.3). Yet God, in His love, moves toward us. Romans 3:11 affirms: “No one understands; no one seeks for God.”

Advent: God Is Love Dec 16, 2024

Today, we’re reflecting on one of the most profound truths of our faith: that God is love. Let’s start with our scripture reading from 1 John 4:9-10: “In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9-10, ESV).
Advent reminds us that the heart of Christmas is God’s love breaking into our world through Jesus Christ.

Advent: Living Out Christ’s Peace Daily Dec 13, 2024

As we conclude this week’s reflections on peace during Advent, today’s focus is on living out Christ’s peace daily—walking in the way of peace. Our reflection is based on Luke 1:78-79, the words of Zechariah, John the Baptist’s father, as he prophesied about the coming Savior: “Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79, ESV). Jesus is our sunrise, shining His light into the darkness and leading us on the path of peace.
Luke 1:78 speaks of God’s tender mercy that brings the “sunrise”—a vivid image of Christ’s arrival breaking into our dark, troubled world. Pastor Alistair Begg reflects: “The way of peace begins not with our effort but with God’s initiative, born out of His mercy.” This way of peace isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey shaped by following Christ’s example and truth.

Advent: Reconciled Through Christ’s Peace Dec 12, 2024

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the gift of peace during Advent. Today, we’ll explore how Christ’s peace reconciles us—first with God, then with one another. Our focus scripture is Ephesians 2:14-16: “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Ephesians 2:14-16, ESV).
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to restore broken relationships and bring unity where there was once division. Let’s reflect on this powerful truth. Ephesians 2:14 begins with the bold statement: “He himself is our peace.” Christ’s death on the cross removes the barrier of sin that separated us from God. John Piper explains: “Peace with God is the foundation for all other peace. If we don’t have peace with Him, we can’t have true peace anywhere else.”
Romans 5:1 confirms this: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, ESV).

Advent: Making Room for Peace in the Chaos Dec 11, 2024

Today, we’ll focus on Luke 2:7, where Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is born into humble and chaotic circumstances: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7, ESV). Despite the noise and disruption surrounding His birth, Jesus came to bring peace. How can we make room for His peace in the chaos of our lives?
Peace Amid the Chaos of Jesus’ Birth: Luke 2:7 paints a vivid picture of Jesus’ entrance into a world of disorder—an overcrowded town, no place to stay, and a stable as His birthplace. Pastor David Platt comments: “Jesus chose to enter the world not in a palace but in poverty, to show that His peace is accessible to all, no matter their circumstances.” This scene reminds us that peace is not about perfect surroundings but the presence of Christ in our midst.
Our Chaotic World Today: Like the world into which Jesus was born, our lives today are often filled with busyness and noise—especially during the holiday season. John 16:33 offers reassurance: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). Even in chaos, Christ’s peace is available to us when we invite Him into our hearts and lives.

Advent: Peace That Passes Understanding Dec 10, 2024

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV).
The peace Paul describes here isn’t rooted in circumstances—it’s a divine gift that comes when we surrender our worries to God in prayer. Pastor Tim Keller wrote: “The peace of God is not the absence of fear, but the presence of God.” This peace guards our hearts and minds, protecting us from anxiety and despair as we trust Christ to carry our burdens.
Colossians 3:15: “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15, ESV). “Paul also reminds us in Colossians 3:15 to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. This means surrendering control and allowing His peace to govern our thoughts and actions, especially during uncertain times.”

Advent: The Prince of Peace: A Gift for a Troubled World Dec 09, 2024

Today, we’ll reflect on Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy that beautifully declares Jesus as the Prince of Peace: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, ESV).
In a world full of turmoil, what does it mean for Jesus to be our Prince of Peace? Let’s explore this together. Isaiah calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace.” This title is more than poetic; it declares His mission to bring reconciliation between God and humanity. John Piper writes: “The peace of God does not mean the absence of turmoil, but the presence of a sovereign, all-powerful Savior who secures our souls forever.” Jesus came not just to calm external storms but to restore peace in our hearts and with God. Romans 5:1 reminds us: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, ESV).

Advent: The Fulfillment of Hope Dec 06, 2024

Revelation 21:3-4: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Isaiah 25:8: He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken.
John Piper states, “God is the gospel. The best and final gift of the gospel is that we gain Christ. Every other benefit is secondary, because every other benefit only enables us to enjoy God. Heaven is not heaven because of streets of gold but because God is there.”

Advent: Jesus, Hope of the World Dec 05, 2024

The beauty of Advent lies in the overwhelming goodness of the good news: God sent His Son, Jesus, to atone for our sins. What we could never accomplish on our own, God did for us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2 is the ultimate good news: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
This isn’t just any good news—it’s the best news the world has ever heard. Jesus, the Savior, entered our brokenness to redeem it. The bad news doesn’t get the final word; the good news does. And this good news is for all people. It’s a message of hope and salvation.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV): “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Advent: The Source of Hope: Jesus Dec 04, 2024

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:5-6 (ESV)) Our hope is unshakable when it rests on God as our rock and fortress. John Flavel, The Fountain of Life Opened: states, “Christ is the fountain of all spiritual blessings, from whom hope flows as a refreshing stream.” Flavel emphasizes Jesus as the inexhaustible source of all hope and grace.
Where do you typically place your hope—relationships, success, material things? How does this compare to placing your hope in God? How does the promise of Christ’s return as our “blessed hope” influence the way you live today?

Advent: Hope in the Waiting Dec 03, 2024

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5-7)

Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (ESV) This verse encourages us to find strength and courage in the act of waiting on God’s perfect timing. But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) Waiting on the Lord renews us, transforming our patience into strength and endurance.

Advent: The Promise of Hope Dec 02, 2024

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. (John 1:9 (ESV)) Richard Sibbes in his book, The Bruised Reed states this: “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.” Sibbes reminds us that the hope promised in Christ is greater than any darkness we face.

The opening lyrics of “In Christ Alone” beautifully encapsulate the essence of hope found in Jesus: “In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song.” These lines remind us that Jesus is the foundation of all true hope. He is the light that pierces the darkness, the strength that sustains us, and the song that lifts our hearts.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)) This verse reminds us that our hope is alive because it is anchored in Christ’s resurrection, the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Giving Thanks for the Gift of Community and Fellowship Nov 29, 2024

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.(Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV) Fellowship isn’t just about gathering—it’s about encouragement, accountability, and helping each other grow in love and good works.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, ESV) God designed the church community to share both joy and sorrow. In doing so, we fulfill Christ’s command to love one another. John Calvin reflects on this beautifully: “We are taught to consider our neighbors’ necessities as our own and to bear their burdens willingly. By doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ, which is the law of love.” — John Calvin, Commentary on Galatians 6:2. Calvin reminds us that bearing burdens is an outworking of Christ’s love. It’s not optional—it’s the natural response of those transformed by the gospel.

Giving Thanks for Salvation in Jesus Christ Nov 28, 2024

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, ESV) What greater cause can there be for thanksgiving than that Christ has delivered us from so great a death and granted us eternal life?” — John Owen, The Glory of Christ Owen reflects on the profound gratitude that should fill the heart of a believer, knowing they have been saved from eternal condemnation through Christ’s sacrifice.
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV) Salvation isn’t just a future promise; it’s a present reality. Through Christ, we’ve been rescued from darkness into His glorious kingdom.

Giving Thanks that God Never Changes Nov 27, 2024

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV) Christ’s consistency offers comfort in a changing world. His promises and love remain true through every season. Thomas Watson states,“God is the same when He chastens and when He comforts. His hand may change, but His heart remains unchangeable.” — Thomas Watson, A Body of Divinity
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17, ESV) God’s unchanging nature guarantees that His gifts are always good. Unlike shifting shadows, His faithfulness never falters.

“God is an unchangeable sun, ever shining, ever glorious. Though clouds may hide His face, His light is constant.” — John Owen, The Glory of Christ)

Giving Thanks for God’s Provision Nov 26, 2024

In 19th-century England, George Müller felt called by God to care for orphaned children. At a time when poverty was rampant and resources scarce, he decided to trust solely in prayer and God’s provision rather than asking people for financial support. One morning, in one of Müller’s orphanages, the children sat down for breakfast. The table was set, the children were ready, but there was no food in the house. Müller didn’t panic; instead, he confidently prayed, thanking God for the meal He was about to provide, even though there was no visible sign of food.
As soon as the prayer ended, there was a knock at the door. It was the local baker, who told Müller that God had woken him up in the middle of the night, urging him to bake bread for the orphanage. He delivered enough bread for all the children. Moments later, another knock came—it was the milkman. His cart had broken down in front of the orphanage, and to prevent the milk from spoiling, he offered it to Müller and the children.
That morning, the children ate their fill, and Müller’s faith was once again affirmed. Over his lifetime, Müller cared for over 10,000 orphans, relying entirely on prayer and faith in God’s provision.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Giving Thanks for God's Creation Nov 25, 2024

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1, ESV) Every part of creation points back to God. The skies, mountains, and oceans aren’t random occurrences but purposeful works that speak of His greatness.
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” (1 Timothy 4:4, ESV) All that God has created is inherently good and worthy of our gratitude. Thanksgiving turns ordinary blessings into reminders of God’s provision.

The Holy Spirit: Our Helper in Weakness Nov 22, 2024

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us, and His power is most evident when we acknowledge our weakness and depend on Him fully. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Thomas Goodwin states, “The Spirit is the promise of Christ’s presence. Though Christ is in heaven, the Spirit is Christ with us, supplying us with all grace in our hour of need.” (The Work of the Holy Spirit, Reformation Heritage Books, p. 98)

Psalm 73:26; “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”cThough human strength and resolve may falter, God is our unchanging source of strength and ultimate satisfaction.

Richard Sibbes; “As a mother is tenderest to the weakest child, so does Christ most mercifully incline His Spirit to strengthen the weakest believers.” (The Bruised Reed, Banner of Truth, p. 32)

Walking by the Spirit: Overcoming the Flesh Nov 21, 2024

Imagine a fierce game of tug of war. On one side, you have a team of well-trained athletes pulling with all their might. On the other side, a group of equally determined competitors tugs back. Now picture yourself holding the rope in the middle, feeling the tension as both sides battle for dominance. This is what it’s like to walk as a Christian—caught between the desires of the flesh and the power of the Spirit. The question is: Which side will you lean into?
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:16-17)
John Piper states, “Walking by the Spirit means not only that we do not yield to the desires of the flesh but also that we do walk in paths of righteousness. The Spirit writes the law on our hearts and enables us to fulfill its just requirement by causing love to be our primary motivation.” (Source: Future Grace: The Purifying Power of the Promises of God, John Piper)

The Spirit of Truth: Leading Us into All Truth Nov 20, 2024

In the Christian life, the Spirit of Truth, illuminates the Word, guiding us into truth and helping us navigate the complexities of faith in a world filled with falsehood. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13)
John Owen states, “The Spirit of truth, as promised by Christ, abides with the church to guide it into all truth, not by the giving of new revelations, but by opening the meaning of Scripture that has already been given.” (The Holy Spirit, Works of John Owen, Vol. 3)

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living with Boldness Nov 19, 2024

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 reveals that believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly witness for Christ, beginning locally and extending globally, as part of God’s mission to reach all nations.
John Piper; “The Spirit is not given to make us timid. He is given to make us radically bold in our witness and radically loving in our relationships.”; Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being. (Ephesians 3:16)

Walking in the Spirit: A Life of Surrender Nov 18, 2024

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5;) Notice here Jesus does not say apart from me you can do some things or most on your own. He says “nothing.” Zero!
Alistair Begg (Truth for Life) “To walk in the Spirit is to follow Christ daily, submitting our will to His. It is a walk of faith, trusting that His Spirit will lead and empower us for every step.” (Begg, Alistair. Truth for Life: 365 Daily Devotions. Moody Publishers, 2021.)
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. (Galatians 5:16-17)

The Holy Spirit’s Presence: Dwelling Within Us Nov 15, 2024

Imagine a seed planted deep in fertile soil. Though invisible to the naked eye, within that seed lies life, potential, and power waiting to emerge. With the proper care, it begins to sprout and grow, producing fruit in time. Similarly, the Holy Spirit dwells within the believer, an invisible yet powerful presence that transforms us from the inside out, enabling us to bear fruit for God’s glory. This image serves as a reminder of the Spirit’s quiet yet vital work within us. Just as the seed’s growth depends on the life within, so our spiritual growth depends on the Spirit who indwells us, sanctifies us, and ensures that we abide in Christ.
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (John 14:16–17)

The Fruits of the Spirit: Reflecting God’s Character Nov 14, 2024

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Tim Keller offers this insight: “The fruits of the Spirit are not individual traits that we work to achieve but evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives as we rely on God’s grace, not our strength.” (Galatians for You, Timothy Keller). The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians remind us that this fruit is evidence of the Spirit’s work in us—not something we can manufacture on our own.

The Holy Spirit and Prayer: Interceding on Our Behalf Nov 13, 2024

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)

Romans 8:26-27 teaches that the Holy Spirit helps believers in their weakness, especially when they don’t know how to pray. The Spirit intercedes on their behalf with unspoken groanings, communicating their deepest needs to God. Because the Spirit’s intercession aligns perfectly with God’s will, believers can be assured that their prayers, even when imperfect, are heard and transformed into petitions that glorify God and fulfill His purposes.

Listening to the Voice of the Holy Spirit Nov 12, 2024

Just as the faint whisper in the forest requires intentional stillness and focus to hear, listening to the Holy Spirit calls for a similar posture of the heart. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21 ) Listening to the Holy Spirit refers to the act of spiritually discerning and responding to the guidance, conviction, and truth revealed by the Spirit of God.

And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (Ezekiel 36:27)

The Power of the Holy Spirit: Transforming Lives Nov 11, 2024

Just like a microphone needs power to function and make the speaker’s voice heard, we as believers need the power of the Holy Spirit to live out our faith and amplify God’s message to the world. Without His presence and strength, our efforts fall short. It’s the Spirit’s power that enables us to be transformed, so we can reflect Christ’s character, live in holiness, and be effective witnesses of God’s love and truth.
Theological Definition: This refers to the active, divine influence of the Holy Spirit in believers, bringing about spiritual new birth, sanctification, and transformation into the likeness of Christ. In Christian theology, this concept emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is not only the source of God’s power and presence but also the agent of transformation, working in believers to convict them of sin, regenerate their hearts, produce godly character (the fruit of the Spirit), and empower them for service and witness. ; If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:11)

The Holy Spirit: Our Comforter Nov 08, 2024

Jesus promised that even though He would no longer be physically with us, we would not be left on our own. In John 14:16, He says, And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever. Here, the Greek word translated as “Helper” or “Comforter” is Parakletos, meaning “one who comes alongside.” This is the Spirit’s role in our lives—one who guides, strengthens, and comforts us, even in our darkest moments.
Theologically, the Holy Spirit as Comforter means He is our divine helper, advocate, and sustainer. As Puritan pastor Thomas Watson wrote, “The Spirit is called the Comforter because it is His special office to give consolation to us in our trials, to draw the soul closer to Christ, and to seal God’s love in our hearts.” The Spirit’s comfort is deep and lasting, drawing us closer to Jesus and filling us with the assurance of God’s unchanging love.

The Holy Spirit: Our Divine Guide Nov 07, 2024

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (John 16:13 )
John Piper; “The role of the Holy Spirit is to awaken us to see the glory of Christ, to guide us in all truth, and to sustain our faith when trials come.” (Desiring God by John Piper, p. 67.)
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (Psalm 143:10)

Jesus Is King Nov 06, 2024

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
R.C. Sproul states: “When we say ‘Jesus is King,’ we are declaring that all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him. Every knee will bow to Him, either now in reverence or in the future at judgment.” (R.C. Sproul, “The Holiness of God”) All the kings mentioned in the Old Testament and in the modern age will bow before Jesus.
Charles Spurgeon states this about Christ as King: “If Christ be King, He has dominion over our hearts and lives. Every Christian is called to bow to Him in every area, recognizing no higher authority than the King of kings.” (Charles H. Spurgeon, Sermon #508, “The King’s Highway Opened and Cleaned)

Jesus Is Lord Over All (Election Day) Nov 05, 2024

Today, November 5th, marks a monumental day for the United States and the world. Candidates have been campaigning for years for this moment and the presidency is in the balance. The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)
All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’ (Daniel 4:35)
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21)

Jesus, Our Sinless Savior Nov 04, 2024

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Tim Keller states, “Jesus didn’t just live a good life—He lived a perfect life. He is the only human being to ever live fully in alignment with God’s design. His sinlessness not only shows us what a perfect life looks like but also provides the very righteousness we need to stand before a holy God.” — The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, by Timothy Keller, p. 231
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15) His sinlessness means that He is the only one who can bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus’s perfect life uniquely qualifies Him to be our advocate before God, offering us a confidence that, through Him, we are fully accepted.

Jesus, Word Made Flesh Nov 01, 2024

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. (Hebrews 1:1-3
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-3, 14)

Jesus Our Rock: The Firm Foundation Oct 31, 2024

There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2) This verse is part of Hannah’s prayer of praise after the birth of her son, Samuel. It reflects the strength, holiness, and faithfulness of God, portraying Him as the one true and unshakable Rock.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24-25)
May you and build our lives on the Rock that Is Jesus Christ!

Jesus Is The Way, Truth and Life Oct 30, 2024

In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
I. Jesus is the way to God as He gave His life for our redemption.
John MacArthur states, “Christ is not one way among many; He is the only way to the Father. To reject Christ is to reject God.” – From Only Jesus: What It Really Means to Be Saved (Thomas Nelson, 2020).
II. Jesus is the truth as He is our absolute standard.
1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” John 1:17 “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

III. Jesus is the Life
Jesus being “our life” also points to the promise of life beyond this world. In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” For believers, physical death is not the end as we will live eternally with God because of Jesus.

The Compassion of Jesus: Reaching the Brokenhearted Oct 29, 2024

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. (John 11:33-35)
Dane Ortlund states in Gentle and Lowly, “His mercy is not calculating and cautious, like ours. It is unrestrained, flood-like, sweeping, magnanimous” (pp. 179-180). Ortlund shows that our worst moments are not barriers to God’s mercy but opportunities for His love to overflow even more
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, ‘If you will, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, ‘I will; be clean.’ (Mark 1:40-41)

Jesus, Our Healer: Physical and Spiritual Oct 28, 2024

Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, ‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. (John 9:6-7)
Jesus heals our physical sickness brought forth from the fall and greater than that He heals man from our sin. What a wonderful healer Jesus is!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

Jesus, the Prince of Peace: O What A Savior Oct 25, 2024

The world around us feels heavy. From the turmoil in Israel to political unrest and a culture drifting further from God’s design, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Sin is not only practiced openly but often celebrated. These troubled times make the call for peace feel urgent—and this world desperately needs the Prince of Peace.
The title “Prince of Peace” in Isaiah 9:6 carries profound theological meaning. Jesus is not merely a peaceful leader; He is the one who reconciles us to God through His life, death, and resurrection. Humanity’s sin placed us at enmity with God, but through the cross, Christ bridges that gap, restoring fellowship with the Father (Romans 5:1). This peace—rooted in reconciliation and grace—is far deeper than mere absence of conflict; it’s a wholeness that comes only through a relationship with Jesus.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus, Our Redeemer: Bought with a Price Oct 24, 2024

Imagine receiving a letter from a bank, stating: “Your entire debt has been paid in full.” You owed more than you could ever pay, but someone—a complete stranger—covered it all without expecting anything in return. You’re free from the crushing weight of that debt forever. This mirrors what Jesus did for us. Our sin created a debt we could never repay, but through His death on the cross, Jesus canceled it completely (Colossians 2:13-14). His redemption offers us the freedom to live without guilt or shame.
Just as the surprise letter announced that the impossible debt had been paid, Jesus has canceled our spiritual debt through His death on the cross, setting us free from the weight of sin.”
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6)

Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life: Conquered Death Oct 23, 2024

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25-26 )
Jonathan Edwards states, “The resurrection of Christ provides the most convincing miracle that could assure us of a happy victory over sin and death.” (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume 1) Edwards argues that the resurrection is central to Christian faith, serving as the most powerful evidence of Christ’s divine mission and the assurance of eternal life for believers .
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (John 6:40)

Jesus, the Bread of Life: Nourishment for Our Souls Oct 22, 2024

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35)
John Piper states, “Jesus did not come into the world mainly to give bread, but to be bread.” Piper emphasizes that the true purpose of Christ’s miracles was to reveal Himself as the ultimate source of life and fulfillment, not just a provider of temporary physical needs. (Desiring God, The Bread of Life)
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (John 6:48-51)

Jesus, the True Vine: Abiding in Him Oct 21, 2024

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:4-5)
Friend, when we abide in Jesus we bear fruit. The converse of not abiding in Jesus is not bearing fruit. We should pray daily that we bear much fruit for the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Light of the World Oct 18, 2024

Isaiah 9:2 proclaims, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” This prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus, who said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Through Christ, the light of truth breaks into the spiritual darkness caused by sin. As the Spirit of God draws people to Christ, they are transformed—no longer lost in darkness but brought into the light of eternal life.
John 9:5 adds, “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Even today, His light continues to shine through us as His followers.

Jesus, the Lamb of God: The Sacrifice for Our Sins Oct 17, 2024

Imagine a soldier who throws himself on a grenade to save his comrades, sacrificing his life to protect others. In a similar but infinitely greater way, Jesus laid down His life for us. His death was to redeem sinners, reconciling us to God. This sacrifice demonstrates Christ’s boundless love, as He took the punishment that rightly belonged to us.
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 1:29) This verse highlights Jesus’ unique role: He is not merely a teacher or prophet but the sacrificial Lamb who bears the burden of sin.

“…saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!’” (Revelation 5:12)

Jesus, the Good Shepherd: Caring for His Sheep Oct 16, 2024

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:1-4)
This psalm reminds us that God leads, nourishes, and protects us, no matter what valleys we face.
Puritan pastor Thomas Watson once said, “As a shepherd leads his flock into rich pastures, so Christ leads His sheep into the blessed pastures of His grace.” Thomas Watson, “The Godly Man’s Picture” (1666).

Our Great High Priest: Jesus Understands Our Weakness and Intercedes for Us Oct 15, 2024

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16) (ESV)
This passage shows that Jesus doesn’t just know about our struggles; He has felt them firsthand. Because He understands our weaknesses, we can confidently approach God, knowing we’ll find mercy and grace.

Matthew Henry explains it well:

“As our High Priest, Jesus is ever living to make intercession. He has finished the work of atonement by His death, and now lives to see that work applied to all who come to God by Him.”

Jesus’ work isn’t just in the past—it’s ongoing. He is continually applying the grace He purchased for us.

Our Humble Savior: Have the Mind of Christ Oct 14, 2024

Isaiah 53:3-5; He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Think of this dear friend, Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our sins. This is humility in Love.
Mark 10:45; For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

The One who is the image of the invisible God, whom all things were created through and for, and who holds all things together is the Christ who came to serve and die for our sin. What a Savior!

Jesus Is Truth: Our Absolute Oct 11, 2024

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

“If Jesus is who He says He is, then He’s not just a great teacher but the very embodiment of truth. His words are the final authority on everything we know to be true.” – The Reason for God, Tim Keller
We see in the Gospels that the Word, Jesus, became flesh. Jesus is full of grace and truth. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

Our Patient God Oct 10, 2024

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:16 (ESV)

In theological terms, God’s patience (often referred to as His “long-suffering”) is understood as God’s willingness to delay His righteous judgment against sin, allowing time for repentance and spiritual growth. It is an aspect of His mercy and grace, demonstrating His desire for people to come to a saving knowledge of Him rather than face immediate consequences for sin.

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 (ESV)

Our Perfect God: Perfect In Every Aspect Oct 09, 2024

God’s perfection refers to the absolute and complete nature of His being, attributes, and actions. It means that He lacks nothing in goodness, wisdom, power, justice, and love. His nature is free from any flaw, error, or deficiency. This perfection extends to all His actions and plans, which are always in alignment with His perfect will, purpose, and character.

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30)

Our Compassionate God: Caring for His Creation Oct 08, 2024

A compassionate God is one who is deeply aware of the suffering and needs of His creation and actively moves to alleviate that suffering.

Psalm 103:13: As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. God cares much for His own and His kindness is displayed throughout the Bible.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
In“The Reason for God”, Tim Keller writes: “The Christian Gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me. This leads to deep humility and deep confidence at the same time.”

The God Who Forgives: Forgiveness and Healing Oct 07, 2024

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:10-12) (ESV)

Tim Keller (Pastor and Author) "God’s forgiveness doesn’t come in response to repentance; it is the result of what Jesus has already done for us. When we turn to Him, we are met with the embrace of a Father who has already forgiven us.” (Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God, 2008)

The God Who Satisfies: Draw Near to Him Today Oct 04, 2024

The God who satisfies refers to the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate source of fulfillment, contentment, and joy for the human soul. Unlike temporary or worldly pleasures that can leave us longing for more, God alone is able to meet the deepest needs and desires of our hearts, offering lasting peace, joy, and contentment.

Psalm 63:1-5 (ESV) O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.

The Justice of God: Understanding Divine Fairness Oct 03, 2024

Justice refers to one of God’s essential attributes, denoting His moral perfection and righteousness in His actions, both in relation to Himself and to His creation. In Scripture, God’s justice involves giving people what is due to them—rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked—based on His perfect knowledge and standards of holiness.

Deuteronomy 32:4 “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”

The Majesty of God: Bowing in Awe Oct 02, 2024

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psalm 96:6
May we as the Sovereign Grace song Behold Our God chorus states: Behold our God, seated on his throne. Come, let us adore Him. Behold our king, nothing can compare; Come, let us adore Him. (Behold Our God, Sovereign Grace Music)
Augustine of Hippo states, Great are you, O Lord, and exceedingly worthy of praise; your power is immense, and your wisdom beyond reckoning. — The Confessions, Book I, Chapter 1

God's Invincibility: He Cannot Be Overcome Oct 01, 2024

Martin Luther wrote the well known hymn, “A Mighty Fortress.” We sing the first line: A mighty Fortress is our God, A Bulwark never failing;

In this context, a bulwark refers to a defensive wall or strong fortification. The phrase “never failing” emphasizes that this defense is unfailing or reliable in every circumstance. Luther sought to illustrate God as a fortress and bulwark, symbolizing His protection and strength against spiritual adversaries. This imagery reflects biblical themes of God’s invincibility and steadfastness.
Psalm 24:8 (ESV) “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!”Today we are looking at the Invincibility of God.

God Is Our Refuge: Safety, Comfort and Rest Sep 30, 2024

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Almighty God is a place of shelter and refuge. I think of a strong roof above my head or a heavy blanket laid on me. God’s provision for us is strong, solid, deep, consistent and rich. It is always there standing firm.

Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

John Owen “We rest in the goodness and power of God, finding in Him alone the refuge that our souls require.” Reference: John Owen, “The Glory of Christ”

God’s Immanence: He Is with Us Sep 27, 2024

God is above His creation but He is also fully present in it, active, and engaged. Do not fear as God is with You: Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) (ESV)

God’s Transcendence: Above All Things Sep 26, 2024

Transcendence refers to the concept of God being above, beyond, and independent of the physical universe and its limitations. It describes God’s existence and nature as being wholly other than and infinitely greater than His creation.

God is Above His Creation: Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Sep 25, 2024

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. (Genesis 1:26)
Wayne Grudem states it like this regarding the trinity. “In one sense, the doctrine of the Trinity is a mystery that we will never be able to fully understand. However, we can understand something of its truth by summarizing the teaching of Scripture in three statements 1. God is three persons, 2. Each person is fully God. 3. There is one God.” ("Bible Doctrine," Grudem, p.120)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

Our Infinite God: Absolute Power and Understanding Sep 24, 2024

Job 11:7-9 (ESV) states, “Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limit of the Almighty? It is higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know? Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.”

Our God is deeper than the deepest oceans and more vast than outer space. Psalm 145:3 (ESV) “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.”

Our Creator God: God's Perfect Design Sep 23, 2024

John Piper states, “God created the world to display the worth of his glory. The whole world is full of his glory. God created us to enjoy that glory, to reflect his glory, and to live in it as a people who treasure him above all things.” (Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist (1986)).

God’s creation is magnificent in its beauty from the beautiful sky and oceans down to a small frog hopping on the sidewalk. His greatness is truly unsearchable and amazing. Marvel today at God’s beautiful work as you drive in to work or sit on your porch.

Our God Is Faithful (Boston Edition) Sep 20, 2024

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)May we trust Christ this day and all days that He will be faithful to complete the work He began in us.
To God Be the Glory!

God Our Provider: He Cares for His Own Sep 19, 2024

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:25-26)

God provides for the birds. He will surely provide for you. Take a moment and think of all the ways God has provided for you in your life. You could take the rest of the day listing the ways. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) (ESV)
God provides for our needs, not out of scarcity, but from the abundance of His glory in Christ. We can trust His provision in all seasons of our lives.

God Is Eternal: He Is Everlasting Sep 18, 2024

God has no beginning or end. He always was, is and will be. This is hard for us to understand as we have finite minds and God is infinite. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalm 90:2)

Steve Lawson states, God is independent of all creation and eternally self-sufficient. Before anything was made, God already existed. He requires nothing outside of Himself to be complete, for He is infinite in every aspect, including His eternality.” — Steve Lawson, Show Me Your Glory: Understanding the Majestic Splendor of God.

Isaiah 40:28: “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”

The Mercy of God: Not Getting What We Deserve Sep 17, 2024

Wayne Grudem defines mercy in this way: mercy is defined as “God’s goodness toward those in distress,” highlighting God’s compassionate and loving response to human suffering and sin. Grudem explains that mercy is distinct from grace.. Mercy involves God withholding deserved punishment and showing compassion, often associated with forgiveness and alleviation of human misery. (Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Zondervan, 1994.)

Psalm 103:8; “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Ephesians 2:4-5 ; “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

The Goodness of God: Kindness in Jesus the Son Sep 16, 2024

Psalm 34:8; “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

We see God’s goodness throughout the Bible. Nahum 1:7 states, The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. We see God’s goodness to us in His Son. Jesus loves us, cares for us and is always with us. We can rejoice that God showed us mercy, not giving us what we deserve. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).

God Is Faithful: Resting in His Promises Sep 13, 2024

God is faithful! Always! Period. There has never or will ever be a time when God is unfaithful. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24)

The Sovereignty of God: A Doctrine of Great Comfort Sep 12, 2024

God is in absolute control of the universe. Paul states, And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent (Colossians 1:17-18). God makes His decisions at His divine pleasure, which is always right and good. God’s sovereignty is most beautifully seen in the life of His saints throughout redemptive history.

John Piper states, “God does all things according to His sovereign will, and nothing can frustrate or change His eternal purposes. Every event in the universe, from the most insignificant to the grandest, serves His designs and is in His control.” The Pleasures of God, Chapter 2: The Pleasure of God in All He Does.

The Wisdom of God: His Ways Are Perfect Sep 11, 2024

A.W. Tozer states, “All God’s acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time. And all His acts are as pure as they are wise, and as good as they are wise and pure.” This statement from Tozer beautifully captures the essence of God’s perfect wisdom. God was wise in creation: Proverbs 3:19 states, “By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding He set the heavens in place.” Isaiah 28:29 states, “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.”

God Is Self-Existent: Worshipping Our God who Is Self-Sufficient Sep 10, 2024

Our God is self-existent. There is never a time that God needs to be replenished. Nothing, or no one, created Him. Jesus said, I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). A.W. Tozer states, “Origin is a word that can apply only to things created. When we think of anything that has origin we are not thinking of God.” God’s self-existent nature connects to God’s self-sufficiency as He has no need of someone outside Himself. If He did, He would not be God.

God Is Immutable: Worshipping Our Unchanging God Sep 09, 2024

God is unchanging. We change all the time: our shoes, minds, ideas, feelings, likes and dislikes. Our surroundings and circumstances are always in transition. In Virginia, the weather changes nearly every day; cold to hot, rainy and cool to humid and hot. But God does not change, at all. Never! Let that sink in. He is entirely perfect and in need of nothing and is always the same. The scripture says, For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6).

The Grace of God: A Free Gift Sep 06, 2024

We see the goodness of God’s grace to us in His Son. Jesus loves us, cares for us, and is always with us. We should rejoice that God showed us mercy, not giving us what we deserve. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5). God did not spare His Son but spared us through the blood of His Son, Jesus.

The Love of God: Jesus Our Savior Sep 05, 2024

Today we are looking at the love of God. Paul says in Romans 5:8, but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is ultimate love, in that God sacrificed His Son for His bride.

God Is Omnipresent: Worshipping the Ever-Present God Sep 04, 2024

God is everywhere. The Psalmist states, "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me." (Psalm 139:7-10).
The late Tim Keller once said, “Knowing that God is always present should radically change how we live, understanding that He is with us in every moment.”

God's Omniscience: Praising Our God Who Knows All Things Sep 03, 2024

Psalm 139:1-6 says: O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

God knows all things. Not some things or almost everything. He knows it all!! Let us worship our all-knowing God!

God Is Holy: Worshipping Our Holy God Sep 02, 2024

God is pure and set apart so much that we cannot even begin to fully conceive of His holiness. The theologian R.C Sproul states, “The idea of holiness is so central to biblical teaching that it is said of God, “Holy is his name” (Luke 1:49). God is perfect in all of His ways, sinless, blameless, and without blemish. God is Holy!

God Is Omnipotent: Worshipping Our God Who Is All-Powerful Aug 31, 2024

“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."
(Job 42:2)

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