The closing account of the Gospel of Matthew helps us get inside the mind of those who see Christ but remain blind. Five things are mentioned about the report of some of the guards who were stationed at Christ’s Tomb and bore witness to the truth that Jesus had risen from the grave – in... Continue Reading

If we experience hardship at the hands of men—suffering, trials, injustices—and find our hearts rejoicing rather than embittered, thankful rather than spiteful, satisfied rather than grumbly, we may well take this as evidence that we are suffering persecution and being filled with God’s Spirit to endure it well, to endure it for his glory.  ... Continue Reading

Real, Christian peace only comes through Jesus (Col. 1:20; Eph. 2:14-15). True peace-making declares repentance toward God and faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ in how we handle our other relations (Rom 10:15).  For the fruit of the Spirit is peace (Gal. 5:22) which grows with the mind of God for making more (2 Cor. 13:11) and... Continue Reading

The human heart is deceitfully wicked above all things. Our hearts only want to think the things that will benefit our skewed view of ourselves at any given moment. The trouble is that our hearts think that they are ‘trans-alive’ when they are really dead! Paul, in Romans 1:18ff, gives us the correct perspective on... Continue Reading

Tom Bombadil is a father-figure in a story filled with them. He is indeed perhaps the most powerful father in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings.” He’s there at the beginning to tell the hobbits the stories that they need to hear in order to know their place in the order of things, and to see... Continue Reading

As your boyfriend he has potential to be your husband, but it’s not until he has reached that potential and has the capability to provide for you, make you his #1 privilege, create a home with you, and love you till “death do you part,” does he earn the husband privileges of your forever affection,... Continue Reading

We are constantly unable to do everything we want to. The weight of our own expectations for the future, let alone anyone else’s, are crushing. There isn’t time to do every good thing this week. This is not a call to lackadaisical apathy—the Christian life requires discipline, and we should do as many good things as... Continue Reading

Pliable is a very fitting name for one who came with the intention of dissuading Christian yet was persuaded instead. Christian’s treatment of Pliable is again an example to us. Christian certainly knew the character of his neighbor and would have likely had doubts regarding the seriousness of his commitment. Nevertheless, Christian happily invited his... Continue Reading

God knows how to grow saplings into oaks. In this world, for plants and for people, that process involves some adversity. Yes, he knows our limits—and he knows what it will take to expand them. He knows what he is growing. He is carefully tending his seedlings towards an end result that we cannot even... Continue Reading

We often fall into the temptation of using God as a tool to find satisfaction outside of him. The epicenter of satisfaction for Jesus was in doing the Father’s will. He graciously gives us his righteous robes that cover our imperfect worship so that, in Christ, our worship is acceptable and pleasing to the Father.... Continue Reading