The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity….Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war [or undertake other important things], obtain guidance….A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 11:3; 20:18,24) Pastor Octavius Winslow (1808-1878) warns, “Beware practical atheism which excludes …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 4)
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I….Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 3)
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me….I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 5:8; 16:7-8) We continue our study on Getting God’s Guidance, drawing …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 2)
Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5) We are continuing our study on this important subject of Getting God’s Guidance, drawing on my notes from J. I. Packer’s message years ago in Philadelphia. …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 1)
You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3 NKJV) Many people ask about getting the Lord’s guidance on questions like: Who should I marry? Or shall I stay single? Which church should I join? Where should I live? What job shall I apply for? Should we have another child? …
Whiter Than Snow
Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) Winter snow reminds me of Jesus’ precious gospel, announced 700 years ahead of His first coming by Isaiah, Christ’s prophet, in the Scripture above. Isaiah …
Looking Back, Up, and Forward to Christ
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: God’s Son appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16) Many people feel lonelier at Christmas time and most counselors’ caseloads get heavier. No …
Jesus’ Incarnation: Another Parable
When the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (Galatians 4:4,5) In Houston we seldom get snow, but it’s already snowed in northern parts of Texas this year. The newscasts reminded me of a story below that …
Hanukkah Points to Christ
In God’s Son was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all….I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will …
Take the Son: A Parable
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge….Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy. (Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Peter 1:8) The Precious Son Dies. Imagine a wealthy man who collected rare works of art, everything …