Do everything without complaining… (Philippians 2:14) Think about it–complaining is basically saying to God, “You’re doing this part wrong, Lord of the Universe. I’m annoyed with the plan that you have for me, and I don’t really trust that you’ve … Continue reading
…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13) Let’s face it–without the Holy Spirit, not only are you not able to be the person God’s called you to … Continue reading
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling… (Philippians 2:12) The destination is assured, but you still have to take … Continue reading
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:1-2). So Easter’s over. It’s Monday. I hope … Continue reading
For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths of the grave (Psalm 86:13). Lost Alone Confused Empty That’s how I imagine the disciples felt on that Sunday morning. They must have figured that, after … Continue reading
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn my hand against the little ones (Zechariah 13:7b). Everybody loves you when you’re winning. What happened to the crowds? Wasn’t it just last Sunday that the people … Continue reading
Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me (Psalm 41:9). Betrayal It’s a bitter, ugly word for a bitter, ugly deed. Perhaps the worst thing about betrayal is that, … Continue reading
I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting (Isaiah 50:6). He knew what was coming. It was no … Continue reading
“The time is coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took … Continue reading
…zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me (Psalm 69:9). Jesus entered the city and went up to the temple. It was Passover, the biggest holiday of the Jewish year, so … Continue reading