Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, or sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (Psalm 1:4-5) Sometimes I forget. Sometimes I look at the … Continue reading
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:3) OK, I really appreciate the tree image. On a day like today, … Continue reading
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:2). Do you delight in God’s word? No guilt here—it’s an honest question. Actually, I ask the same question of … Continue reading
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the council of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. (Psalm 1:1) Who do you listen to? Not on Sunday, but on … Continue reading
…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:17b) You know the power of words. You’ve felt it. Words can bruise, they can cut, they can crush, they can soothe, they can comfort, they can … Continue reading
Take the helmet of salvation… (Ephesians 6:17a) When I was a kid, you didn’t have to wear a helmet. Bicycle, motorcycle, pogo stick—you were free to ride with the wind in your hair and the bugs in your teeth. It … Continue reading
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16) I don’t want to be struck with a flaming arrow. No, not even one. … Continue reading
…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:15c). You know how you get when you’re on your feet all day. Tired, sore, cranky—if you don’t have decent shoes, it’s even worse. … Continue reading
…with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (Eph. 6:14b) The breastplate is essential protective gear. Cops wear a Kevlar vest. Baseball catchers wear a chest protector. Even Batman has anatomically correct upper body armor. Why is it so important to … Continue reading
Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… (Ephesians 6:14a) If it isn’t true… If God didn’t send his only begotten son to Earth…if Jesus didn’t die for our sins…if he didn’t rise from the grave…if … Continue reading