There is a close connection between the calling of David and Jesus. David was a shepherd when the Lord called him to rule over Israel (1 Sam. 16:19; 2 Sam. 7:8). The Lord chose and anointed David to shepherd His people (2 Sam. 5:1–2). Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the chosen and Anointed One appointed... Continue Reading

What does a day of rest mean for you? Here are some diagnostic questions: How does my day of rest differ from other days? Have I made preparation so that I can devote my time to rest? What do I think when I hear people talk about a “holy rest”? Do I really think such... Continue Reading

In Exodus 19, God’s glory was evident in the fire and cloud upon Sinai. And in Exodus 40, God’s glory was evident in the fire and cloud upon the tabernacle. The tabernacle was the new Sinai, a portable Sinai.1 The Lord had spoken from Sinai, and the Lord would now speak from the tent of... Continue Reading

When God saves us, he saves us into the church—the family of God. Like a family, each person contributes to the welfare of the home. The same is true for the church. As members of the same family, we gather each week to help one another and contribute to the well-being of the church.  ... Continue Reading

There’s an off-ramp to escape each time we are tempted. Sometimes we don’t feel it, sometimes we may miss it, but it’s always there. By the Spirit’s power at work in us, we can say no…but it’s a daily battle of repentance and confession.   Kings tried to take his life. He stood toe-to-toe with... Continue Reading

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as... Continue Reading

 Theologians describe the corruption of our minds as “the noetic effects of sin.” Because of sin, human beings are not able to properly and fully know and understand God, themselves, or the world. Sin distorts reality and blinds us to the truth, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing in Christ.   In... Continue Reading

God’s Word points to holiness displayed in the mundane of everyday life. They point to living in Christlikeness in every facet of our lives. Admittedly, God’s people’s tough slogging through the muddy fields of life isn’t as glamorous as mountaintop experiences, but it’s at the heart of what true revival and reformation are all about. ... Continue Reading

We ought to put aside any thoughts of deceiving God or being less than honest with God. There is no benefit to mouthing words that do not reflect our hearts. But there is great benefit in honestly telling God our every struggle, our every temptation, our every desire, and asking him to extend to us... Continue Reading

We’re meant to be like mirrors, reflecting glory to its source. Imagine someone seeing the brilliant noon sun reflected in a mirror and complimenting the mirror on its brightness. How absurd! The mirror merely reflects; it produces no light of its own.   Human nature instinctively seeks glory for itself. It reminds me of the... Continue Reading