Behold, the soul of him is puffed up and is not upright, but the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 Faith – We all know the second part of this verse. Paul quotes it in Romans as the centerpiece of the theology of grace. “The just shall live by faith.” We don’t earn…
How blessed is the man who fears always Proverbs 28:14 Fears – This verse just doesn’t make sense, unless you know that the Hebrew word is pachad. Otherwise, we would have to figure out why a man who is always fearing is considered blessed. In our world, someone who is constantly in fear can hardly…
Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were coming upon Him, went forth, and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” They answered Him, “Jesus the Nazarene.” He said to them, “I am He.” John 18:4-5 I AM – Oh, that we could only glimpse the absolute power of Jesus! That we could peek into…
And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Matthew 26:50 Friend – Is the spirit of Judas a part of each of us? Oh, I know that we are quick to deny this. We don’t want to see the spirit of Judas lurking in the corners of our souls. We can’t…
My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations knowing that the proving of your faith works patience. James 1:2 Fall – What kind of temptations are you supposed to count all joy? Oh, did you think that all temptations qualified? I’m not so sure James would agree. James specifically regards those…
My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations knowing that the proving of your faith works patience. James 1:2 Count – Do you remember when you learned to swim? It certainly didn’t seem natural, did it? The water was deep and a little scary. You might have choked a few times. …
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts Psalm 139:23 Try Me – “bekhaneni,” says the Psalmist. The verbal root (bakhan) is direct, powerful, and compelling. Put me to the test. Prove me. Throw me in the crucible of life’s fire and see if I emerge refined and pure. …
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts Psalm 139:23 Search – Unless you’re crazy or a fanatic, you won’t repeat David’s plea without a great deal of hesitation. This is no casual request. Do you really want God to search your heart? Do you really want Him to…
Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. Acts 20:31 With Tears – We should really have started with “admonish.” You just can’t understand the impact of the Greek words meta dakruon (with tears) unless you first…
You will then say to me, “Why does He yet find fault? For who has resisted His counsel?” Romans 9:19 Find Fault – Can anyone overcome the will of God? Of course not! God is all powerful. Whatever He determines to do, He does. Not a single creature in heaven or on earth can stop…
