“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and…
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3 As a newborn baby craves its mother’s milk, so Christians crave God’s nourishing Word. New converts may have a minimal knowledge of Christian teachings,…
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 This is Paul’s prayer for those who read this Letter, and it concludes Paul’s exhortations. We are able to fulfill God’s will…
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust. The single theme of the first verse is that…
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 God calls all people to salvation; those who enter into a saving relationship with Christ are saved and form the elect from the foundation of the world. They become God’s own special people just as…
“…then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind…
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective…
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 The phrase “those who love God” is emphasized here. Not people in general, but believers, who are loved by God first. Our love is our response to the…
“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:4 “Very great and precious promises” are those by which God enables us to participate in the divine nature…
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9 Throughout all time, God has remained true to His commitment made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. There are no time limits…