“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 We are all part of God’s handiwork in His creation. Our “good works” are not the cause of our salvation, but its result. Judaizers threatened most early Christian communities, teaching that…
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” Psalm 119:14 “Rejoice in following Your statutes” is the Psalmist’s confession that he takes more delight in the doctrines of God’s Word than he does in riches of the world. That which we have laid up in our hearts and upon which we…
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 The appearance and stature of Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab,…
“Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 The “Word” is the Old Testament, since the New Testament was still being written, and the preaching and teaching of the Apostles. Believers who hear the Word of God must receive it with a teachable spirit and apply…
“You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114 This verse might make us think of dry, dead rules contained in God’s Word (the Bible) by which one has to live. Certainly, God’s Word proclaims rules for us to keep. However, Psalm119 repeatedly emphasizes that God gives…
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 “Sparrows sold for two pennies” is a reference of the very poor purchasing sparrows for food,…
“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.” Psalm 149:4 “His people” refers to the redeemed who have been made God’s people by His grace. The Hebrew word for grace is related to the term meaning “loyal love”. “His people” are those who demonstrate in their lives the characteristics…
“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.” Psalm 119:160 In Psalm 119, eight words repeatedly describe God’s Word. Since each term describes God’s Word, Hebrew poetry uses them in parallel lines, complementing one another in meaning. God’s promises give life because of God’s trustworthy nature. The term “Law” means instruction or…
“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 Jeremiah appealed to God’s power in creation as the basis for…
“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1 “Distress” – later in verses 5-7, the Psalmist appears to have traveled extensively under the threat of war. “He answers me” is a general statement of God’s rescue in the Psalms. The tongue is a powerful tool of peace or war….