Do you see those opening words, “And we”? Those are special words. John was writing specifically to Jesus’ followers—those who believed back then that He was the risen Son of God, and those who believe in Him now. John might have been thinking more about the first disciples, who walked…
At the time of this writing, Christ-followers were suffering mistreatment because they professed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus Himself had warned His disciples, “In this world you will have trouble,” so John follows up with a reminder that the circumstances shouldn’t be unexpected. This world hates Jesus because…
When we have the Holy Spirit bolstering us, we are never helpless victims. God’s children are assured they will have victory over their enemies. Even in the midst of suffering and hardship, God has the last word through Him who loved us, laid down His life for us, and then…
If you’re seeking eternal security, look no further than Romans 8:35-39. Paul gives another of his rhetorical questions that has only one answer: No one! There were (and are) unpleasant life situations. Affliction (trouble), distress (hardship), persecution (mistreatment for Christ’s sake) were all familiar to the early believers; they’re realities…
HYMN DAY! This isn’t exactly an old hymn (it was published in 1971), but I’ve loved it since I first heard it at the Greensburg Mennonite Church. Written by Bill and Gloria Gaither, “Because He Lives” offers beautiful assurances to the believer. God sent His Son, they called him Jesus,…
The Apostle Paul was fond of rhetorical questions. Earlier in the chapter, Paul stated several realities about a believer’s relationship with God—that we’ve been adopted into God’s family and are His children forever (in Jewish law, a man could disown his birth child but not an adopted child; adoption was…
Romans 8:28 is probably one of the most oft-quoted Scriptures in the Bible. Believers see it as a promise that God will order the circumstances of their lives so everything works out in their favor. We’d like to think that means life will be painless, but that isn’t really accurate.…
A lot of people (myself included) can be impatient. Waiting isn’t exactly our strong suit. But waiting for the LORD is so important. It speaks of our confidence in Him to act in our best interest in the best timing. It’s trust at its deepest level. We can be confident…
Those opening words, “But look, the LORD keeps his eye on those who fear him,” could be interpreted as a warning, as if some big angry giant with a club is standing over us ready to whack us when we step out of line. But the rest of the verse…
HYMN DAY! One of my childhood favorites is “The Love of God is Greater Far” by Frederick M. Lehman. Such powerful, heart-stirring words! Contemplate them today and thank Him for His great love. 1 The love of God is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell; it goes…
