Stories matter. They matter not only for sheer entertainment value; they matter because stories root us in who we are. They help us to remember where we came from, and even more than that, they help us remember that the Lord has been faithful to us in the past. And because He has been faithful... Continue Reading

Micah shows us that even at our very worst, there remains a God in heaven who will not reject repentant sinners. “Look to him,” Micah says — “the sooner, the better!” Satan loves to tempt you, trap you, and then taunt you with your guilt. He loves to watch you wallow in the mire of your... Continue Reading

I wonder how our relationships might change if we gave each other as much grace, leniency, and benefit of the doubt as we do ourselves? When it comes to others, we are proficient prosecutors, even, and especially, when we do not have all the data. When it comes to ourselves, we are pervasive permittors, believing... Continue Reading

In the OT, angels occasionally protected people from death in some way (e.g., Gen 19:12–14; Dan 6:22) and were thus “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Heb 1:14). An angel like Michael can have “charge” of a nation (Dan 12:1), and Jesus said that children... Continue Reading

She entered the hospital—and the trial of trust it brought—she could know that she was chosen, that she was on God’s side, that she was saved, not because God saw anything commendable in her (if that were the case she’d have to keep being commendable), and not because he foresaw her faith, but strictly because... Continue Reading

God could have created worlds upon worlds and no matter how glorious those worlds would be, they would be dim in comparison with the glory of Jesus Christ in heaven. The glory of Christ will fill heaven. A crack in a heavenly wall looking into the face of your savior ought to be enough for... Continue Reading

As we trust God, we learn to better obey Him. Obedience is hard when we realize that it may not turn out the way we want it to turn out. It is hard when we are frustrated. Obedience is hard when we do not understand God’s greater plan. Yet, we must obey Him. We recognize... Continue Reading

If He were to render our judgment, we’d all be doomed. If He faltered in His responsibility to punish us—criminals—He shouldn’t be commended for it. He would be a deficient God, one who can’t be trusted to do what is right. Even though I’d be included in His judgment, I would still have to acknowledge... Continue Reading

The tenderheartedness of Jesus leads on to the forgiveness of God. At the very heart of the Christian faith is the fact that God forgives us of our sins through the death of Jesus and makes us willing and able to forgive those who sin against us. We are to be a people quick to... Continue Reading

Christ does not need a “vicar” (substitute) on earth over his church because he is himself present and active among his people. The way Jesus has chosen to shepherd each congregation is “through the ministry of his word, which he does outwardly and tangibly through his ministers and instruments” — namely, elders who preach, deacons... Continue Reading