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…
so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7 He Might Show – Why are you being saved? Did you think that you experience redemption so that you can go to heaven? Not so. Of course, redemption will result…
and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” Luke 23:37 Save Yourself – A friend of mine is about to lose his home. He took a job far away in response to God’s call. His house remains unsold. Now foreclosure breathes down his neck. Another one I know has been unemployed…
And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17 To Call – Jesus came to call sinners. Do you agree? Do your actions demonstrate that you would rather spend…
