How can a holy God deal with sin and still offer hope to sinners? Since it is a paradox that God can’t both give justice and not give justice, which one will God have to forget about, justice or mercy? "...
Jesus often spoke of a paradoxical principle: "The last shall be first, and the first shall be last." This isn't a simplistic glorification of poverty or suffering. Rather, it's a profound truth about the nature of love and faithfulness. Clenching our fists to get ahead often leaves us and our relationships broken. But being faithful, even when it seems foolish by worldly standards, is rewarded....
The story of Ruth and Boaz is more than just a touching romance; it's a testament to the faithfulness of God and the power of living a life of "hesed." In a time of widespread unfaithfulness, Ruth and Boaz stand out as beacons of light, demonstrating what it means to trust in God and to extend kindness beyond what is required....
If there is no Creator, then there is no moral standard outside of ourselves that we ought to obey. ...
Gentleness reinforces our genuine affection, allowing someone to take their defenses down so that you can remove the speck from their eye having no log in your own. ...
Faith and faithfulness is a fight. And often the battleground of that fight is what our hearts remember and what they meditate upon...
Thinking about the way that God is good, He goes beyond utility and into the realm of benevolence....
His love has not ended at the point of patience but has moved beyond forbearance into lavishing those whom he could rightly condemn. ...
God likes being patient. It is glorious to Him that His love is steadfast, dispensing mercy and grace when his justice could have been immediate....
When you give a child a gift, they take it with great anticipation. But when you give a gift to an adult, they take it with skepticism and an obligation to return the favor. What happens to us?...
Peace is an incredibly frequent word in the scriptures. Often times, our English word (peace) does not quite match the force of a word like shalom– which not only gives the impression of the absence of trouble, but the presence of blessing and reconciliation, especially with God. ...
We glorify the Father by bearing the fruits of love and joy. Or, maybe more accurately, we glorify the Father by bearing the fruit of love in our joy....
Today, we will be looking at how to glorify God by speaking in Love. ...
Whatever is right at the brim is what spills out when you are shaken. It is what is abundant in the heart that makes its way out into your speech....
A man in the grip of lust cannot see that he is pouring gasoline on his house, his family, and his very life–his only perspective is to play with the match in the red dress....
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”” (1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV) ...
This is the moment of clarity in the madness. The moment when Satan switches from bedazzling trickster to accurate taunter. ...
As all who find once they bite, lust is hollow, poisonous, and fatal–a chocolate covered razor blade...
It was Augustine who coined the phrase “homo incurvatus in se”, man curved in upon himself. This is what sin does, it idolizes the self, sacrificing, manipulating, killing, fighting, charming, ultimately willing to do anything necessary to the barriers that keep it from personal fulfillment (James 4)....
Sin is never isolated strictly to the sinner. Like radiation, it poisons those around it, even if they are unaware of what is happening or where it is coming from. Getting rid of Uriah, concealing the evidence, hiding behind walls and doors or cleared search histories cannot seal up the effects of sin. For David, this meant that “the sword would never depart from his house” (2 Sam 12:10), a consequence that plagued the rest of his life....
A dangerous pitfall was present in the early church, as we see in the letter to Titus concerning the church in Crete. The apostle Paul warned about those who were "insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party" (Titus 1:10). These individuals, while claiming to be followers of Christ, were causing division and leading others astr...
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One of life's single most helpful questions is, "Says who?" When faced with any truth claim, it's essential to know by what standard that claim is being made. What rules are being applied? What authority does the statement have? The reason this is so helpful is because we live in an age of half-truths and nebulous creeds. Every day, we see hundreds of platitudes lining...
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Who you are is what you do, not what you intend to do. We often desire great virtues like self-control, kindness, and courage or to be rid of great vices like lust, arrogance, and bitterness, but those things are not simply granted; they are built up and strengthened by habits. Habits, what you actually do day-to-day, define who you are more than your intentions or asp...
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God cannot lie. This truth, reiterated in Titus 1:2-3, is more than just a theological concept. It's a lifeline of hope in a sea of uncertainty. "In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began, and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God, our Savior." Let's ...
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In C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce," we encounter a powerful allegory of the human condition. Shadowy figures from a grey, dreary land board a bus to a vibrant paradise. Yet upon arrival, they find themselves unable to fully experience or enjoy this new realm. The grass feels sharp, the light overwhelmingly bright. These souls, accustomed to the dim existence of their ...
Keep Reading How can a holy God deal with sin and still offer hope to sinners? Since it is a paradox that God can’t both give justice and not give justice, which one will God have to forget about, justice or mercy? "...
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In the annals of history, few names evoke as much awe and infamy as Babylon. This ancient empire, with its towering walls, hanging gardens, and opulent palaces, once stood as a testament to human achievement and ambition. Yet, as we delve deeper into the story of Babylon, we uncover a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and the fleeting nature of earthly power. ...
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In times of uncertainty and confusion, when the world seems chaotic and God feels distant, where do we turn? How do we make sense of our circumstances and find hope amidst despair? The ancient words of the prophet Habakkuk offer timeless wisdom for navigating life's challenges and cultivating a steadfast faith. Habakkuk, like many of us, found himself wrestling with dif...
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Have you ever found yourself questioning God's methods? Wondering why He allows certain things to happen, especially when they seem unjust or incomprehensible? You're not alone. Even the prophet Habakkuk grappled with similar questions as he witnessed the rising threat of Babylon against his people. In times of confusion and uncertainty, it's natural to seek a...
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In times of trouble, it's natural to cry out to God for answers. We look around at the world, see injustice and suffering, and wonder: "Where are you, God? How long will this go on?" These questions aren't new - they've been asked by believers for millennia. The ancient prophet Habakkuk voiced similar concerns, lamenting the wickedness he saw in his nation and questioning ...
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What is it that defines masculinity? What does it meant to be more than male? The story of Ruth and Boaz in the Bible offers profound insights into what true masculinity looks like as Boaz embodies the qualities of an excellent man. Described as a "worthy man" or "man of excellence" (Gibbor Chayil in Hebrew), Boaz demonstrates three key aspects of masculine virtue: pr...
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Few stories intertwine as beautifully as those of Ruth and the Proverbs 31 woman. Though separated by generations, these two portraits of feminine excellence offer timeless wisdom for all who seek to live a life of faithfulness. The book of Ruth, nestled between Judges and Samuel in our Bibles, tells a tale of loyalty, courage, and redemption. Interestingly, in so...
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The Hebrew word "hesed" encapsulates a love that exceeds every expectation, overflowing beyond the boundaries of obligation. It's a love that embodies faithfulness, kindness, and an unwavering commitment that goes above and beyond what's required. This extraordinary love is not just an ideal; it's a reflection of God's character and His love for us. As believers, we'r...
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In the tapestry of life, every thread is woven with risk and potential reward. From the mundane choices we make daily to the life-altering decisions that shape our destinies, we constantly navigate the delicate balance between what we might lose and what we hope to gain. But what if there was a way to transform risk into something more profound? What if our leaps of faith ...
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In a world filled with uncertainty, our hearts often search for rest and security. We find ourselves grasping for control, willing to manipulate circumstances to ensure our safety and well-being. But no matter how hard we try, how well-crafted our plan, or how earnest our feelings, we cannot secure rest for our own souls our hands, nor the things of this world can hold ...
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In the depths of despair, it's easy to question God's goodness and presence in our lives. The story of Ruth and Naomi offers a testament to God's unfailing love and provision, even in the darkest of times. Naomi's journey begins in bitterness. Having lost her husband and sons, she returns to Bethlehem feeling empty and forsaken. She even asks to be called "Mara," meanin...
Keep Reading The story of Ruth and Boaz is more than just a touching romance; it's a testament to the faithfulness of God and the power of living a life of "hesed." In a time of widespread unfaithfulness, Ruth and Boaz stand out as beacons of light, demonstrating what it means to trust in God and to extend kindness beyond what is required....
Keep Reading
Ruth's story begins with loss and desperation. Having lost her husband and left her homeland of Moab, she chooses to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. This decision, driven by remarkable loyalty and faith, sets the stage for an extraordinary demonstration of God's faithfulness. The concept of "hesed" - a Hebrew word encompassing loving-kindness, loyal...
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The Story of Ruth: A Testament to Faith, Loyalty, and God's Providence In the tapestry of biblical narratives, the Book of Ruth stands out as a beautiful illustration of ordinary human life intersecting with divine providence. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous period of the Judges, this story unfolds in a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes."...
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In a world filled with constant change and unpredictability, the pursuit of contentment can feel like an elusive quest. We often find ourselves grasping for satisfaction in the fleeting pleasures of life, only to be left wanting more. But what if the secret to true contentment lies not in our external circumstances, but in our relationship with God? The Bible teache...
Keep Reading If there is no Creator, then there is no moral standard outside of ourselves that we ought to obey. ...
Keep Reading It's an interesting concept to think that self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit. The more that God is in control of our lives, the more we gain a little bit control over the self as well. The more autonomous and independent that we are are, the less we have a grip over our impulses and emotions. But the more that God abides in us, our minds, emotions, intentions, and a...
Keep Reading Gentleness reinforces our genuine affection, allowing someone to take their defenses down so that you can remove the speck from their eye having no log in your own. ...
Keep Reading Faith and faithfulness is a fight. And often the battleground of that fight is what our hearts remember and what they meditate upon...
Keep Reading Thinking about the way that God is good, He goes beyond utility and into the realm of benevolence....
Keep Reading His love has not ended at the point of patience but has moved beyond forbearance into lavishing those whom he could rightly condemn. ...
Keep Reading God likes being patient. It is glorious to Him that His love is steadfast, dispensing mercy and grace when his justice could have been immediate....
Keep Reading When you give a child a gift, they take it with great anticipation. But when you give a gift to an adult, they take it with skepticism and an obligation to return the favor. What happens to us?...
Keep Reading Peace is an incredibly frequent word in the scriptures. Often times, our English word (peace) does not quite match the force of a word like shalom– which not only gives the impression of the absence of trouble, but the presence of blessing and reconciliation, especially with God. ...
Keep Reading We glorify the Father by bearing the fruits of love and joy. Or, maybe more accurately, we glorify the Father by bearing the fruit of love in our joy....
Keep Reading Whatever is right at the brim is what spills out when you are shaken. It is what is abundant in the heart that makes its way out into your speech....
Keep Reading A man in the grip of lust cannot see that he is pouring gasoline on his house, his family, and his very life–his only perspective is to play with the match in the red dress....
Keep Reading This is the moment of clarity in the madness. The moment when Satan switches from bedazzling trickster to accurate taunter. ...
Keep Reading It was Augustine who coined the phrase “homo incurvatus in se”, man curved in upon himself. This is what sin does, it idolizes the self, sacrificing, manipulating, killing, fighting, charming, ultimately willing to do anything necessary to the barriers that keep it from personal fulfillment (James 4)....
Keep Reading Sin is never isolated strictly to the sinner. Like radiation, it poisons those around it, even if they are unaware of what is happening or where it is coming from. Getting rid of Uriah, concealing the evidence, hiding behind walls and doors or cleared search histories cannot seal up the effects of sin. For David, this meant that “the sword would never depart from his hou...
Keep Reading
