A Hard Heart: How Does God Soften It?
“But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the Lord had said” Exodus 8: 15. The second of the ten plagues God brought upon Pharaoh for...
Tagged: turning from sin
How to Have Peace: It’s a Fight
“So the land had peace for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.. . . That day Moab was made subject to Israel, and the land had peace for eighty years.” Judges 3: 11, 30. This passage outlines...
When Afflictions are Just What We Need
“. . . No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly” Psalm 84: 11b. Psalm 84 is a joyful song of longing for God’s presence and celebrating the blessings of dwelling in His...
I’m Suffering. It Is My Own Doing?
“Her nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns; they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads. Because of the ground that...
Self-Denial and Abundant Life: The Link
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard...
Overcome Temptation and Be a Mighty Warrior
“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior”Judges 6: 12. This chapter describes Israel’s seven-year oppression by Midian due to idolatry, prompting them to cry out to God. God calls...
A Fool and His Beatings
“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord” Proverbs 19: 3. “Condemnation is ready for scoffers and beating for the backs of fools” Proverbs 19: 29. According to verse 29, our foolishness...
Narrow Is the Path to Life, but What Does That Mean?
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard...
The Glory of God and How We Fall Short of It
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3: 23. This passage from Romans tells us that because all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, humanity is justified...
How the Fear of the Lord Turns Temptation Into Treasure
“Take my [wisdom] instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her” Proverbs 8: 10, 11. Our reading...