You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. (Psalm 119:4) Obedience Better Than Carefulness Aretta Loving served with Wycliffe Bible Translators for fifty-seven years. One day as she was washing her breakfast dishes, she saw Jimmy, the five-year-old neighbor, coming toward her back porch. She had just finished painting the porch handrails and they needed to dry. …
Power for Living
God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us. (Ephesians 3:20) Over President’s Day weekend, Winter Storm Uri hit Texas and other parts of the USA with record setting low temperatures. Millions of people lost electricity, water, and heat. It reminded me of a story told …
God Leads in Troubling Times
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:1-3) I was helped on this post by a sermon by Derek Thomas that I heard …
Approved in Jesus: Christ Salvages Us
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up….Never get tired of doing good. (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thess 3:13) The Lord Jesus never promises us an easy time in following Him, only a safe arrival. We do believe in eternal security, but not in presumption. …
Approved in Jesus: Preserved and Persevering
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test [having been approved by God], that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12) This post builds upon our previous post Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification. In Romans 16:10, Apelles is approved in Christ (ESV). …
Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification
Jesus will say: Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:21) One of you asked: “Paul writes in Romans 16:10, ‘Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.’ (ESV) What does that mean? Aren’t all believers approved in …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 3)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 2)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 1)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …