From: January 19, 2014
When Jesus was asked why He taught in parables, he answered with this quotation from Isaiah about the “hardened” hearts of the people. Jesus was aware of their unreceptive hearts, yet still poured out His. The Lord and His gospel still have that affect on people’s hearts. It either penetrates, making the heart new and receptive or it hardens it even more. When it is made new, it responds in sympathetic resonance to the sound of God’s heart. But when it is hard, sin dampens its heart strings, so that it is deaf to God’s love.
From: January 19, 2013
David’s psalm is a prayer asking God to keep His eyes on him at all times and to protect him from harm. The phase “apple of my eye” is found in several other places in Scripture, is used by Shakespeare, and many a grandparent might use it today in speaking of a grandchild. The metaphor seems to refer to the small reflection an image makes on the round (like an apple) pupil of the human eye. David boldly asks God to favor him like a little child saying, “Look at me Daddy!” And more, “Don’t take your eyes off of me. Make me the center of your attention.” Such a request reveals David’s intimate prayer life. Can we pray like David?
From: January 19, 2012
Jesus compares God’s Word to a seed and the human heart to soil. He names types of soil that illustrate four heart conditions- hardened path, rocky, weedy, and good. Which is yours?
From: January 19, 2011
Whether enslaved or in prison, Joseph was faithful. Stop complaining about your boss or your situation. Bloom where you are planted. And God will give you favor with those over you.