“How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame?” (Psalm 4:2)

July 6, 2011

Of David. We were made to be image-bearers reflecting God’s glory, but our sin has covered us with shame. The only way to exchange these shameful rags is to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ, the very Image of the Invisible God.

“A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” (Proverbs 18:14)

July 5, 2011

Discouragement can be more disabling than disease. It steals your will and throws water on your faith. It immobilizes. But we have the Holy Spirit. He is never depressed. Be filled with His joy and depend on His power to act. Then, watch the gray skies turn blue again.

“He who answers before listening— that is his folly and his shame” (Proverbs 18:13)

July 4, 2011

Give the gift of listening before offering your answer. Fully hearing what they say may change what you say. Who knows? Mutual understanding may result.

“What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16)

July 3, 2011

What Ananias told Paul, he spent the rest of his life telling others. What are you waiting for? Get up!

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10)

July 2, 2011

How does one run to a name? Pray the Jesus Prayer: “Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν” (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner).

“He went up to the temple and spread it out before the LORD” (2 Kings 19:14)

July 1, 2011

King Hezekiah took the threatening letter from Sennacherib and turned it over to the Lord. Is there a threat against you? Will you defend yourself? Or will you be like godly Hezekiah and give it to the Lord?

“I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 20:26-27)

June 30, 2011

Paul’s farewell to the elders of Ephesus. Are we innocent of our generation’s blood? Will we give a good account of our stewardship of the gospel? Has it yet been preached to every nation?

“He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain” (Psalm 147:8)

June 29, 2011

Thankful to God today for the little things that we often take for granted.

“When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching” (Acts 18:5)

June 27, 2011

Paul often had to work as a tentmaker to support himself, but when godly men came to help, he was able to devote himself to the ministry of the Word. The calling to support such men as Paul is as important as the calling to preach. Both are needed.

“A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:27-28)

June 26, 2011

What can I say? Be wise. Talk less. Listen more.