Jesus often withdrew from others to pray, but He and David didn’t take the total escape route every time there was a bad situation. Instead of flying away like a bird, David “flew” as it were to God. He meditated on who God is, how God would help him, and how He would bring him... Continue Reading

Many seek to deny their guilt. And it’s certainly true that we often suffer at the hands of others. We are sinned against — but according to the Scriptures, we are also sinners: “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet there is hope. The Book of Proverbs warns:... Continue Reading

Paul does not say Jesus was born, though He was. Paul chooses a word that reaches backward before Bethlehem. Came. Arrival implies origin. It implies movement. Someone leaving one place and entering another. It implies intention. Christ. The anointed One. The One promised through centuries of waiting. The Prophet who would speak God without distortion.... Continue Reading

In ancient times, most ‘formal family trees’ projected strength, purity, and worthiness. Scandal was white-washed; weakness was removed; women went unnamed. The purpose of such a genealogy would be to prove status and claim power. But not Jesus’. Far from what was common, conventional, or clean, Matthew presents Jesus’ family tree with its corruption, compromise,... Continue Reading

The same sun that sank beneath the horizon will rise again—dawn is as certain as dusk. Cling to the days of health, joy, and intimacy with God, fellow church members, your children, and any other that God might bring across your path, for seasons of sickness, sadness, and loneliness will surely come. When they come,... Continue Reading

I get this question from some parents: What should they do? They want steps, clarity, a plan. But this is not a formula kind of pain. It’s slower work — deeper and quieter. It’s the choice to remain in one’s child’s life even when it feels lopsidedly of service. It’s truth telling with a whisper not a shout. It’s praying... Continue Reading

Through the Law, God will reveal our sin. Through obedience to the Law, God will fulfill all righteousness on our behalf. And by His grace, God will not only save us, but He will give us totally new hearts that love Him and, in a surprising twist, are finally able to obey Him in a... Continue Reading

In the Incarnation, God adds to himself a nature that is like ours in every way, yet unblemished by the problem of sin. This uniquely qualifies Jesus to be the representative of a new human race, and at the same time bestows unimaginable dignity to our bodies. Immanuel means “God with us” for good reason…In... Continue Reading

When we think about it, we realize that every cognitively-able human person believes that he or she practices the “true religion.”  Otherwise, why would they be practicing the religion they are practicing?  (And this includes everybody–overtly “religious” people; and those who claim to have no “religion.”)    Have you ever asked yourself this question?  What... Continue Reading

The wind may blow somebody’s hat off, provide a refreshing breeze, or make the aircraft bounce around—but it doesn’t cease. Streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. The Preacher wants us to see that our human experience closely mirrors the natural world. Life is repetitive.   “The words of the wise... Continue Reading