I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of His righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10 NLT) God’s Personal Love Terry Wogan (1938-2016) was an Irish broadcaster for nearly 40 …
God’s Love: New Every Morning (Part 3)
I sought the Lord, and He answered me. He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant. Their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:4-5) God is Love Isaiah speaks of Christ’s love for His people in many ways. He says that Jesus tends His flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in …
God’s Love: New Every Morning (Part 2)
God fulfilled what He had foretold through all the prophets, sending Jesus Christ, His Messiah, to suffer and be raised from the dead to save us. Now we turn away from our old ways of thinking, being, and doing and re-turn to God, so that our sins may be wiped out and that times of refreshing may come from the …
God’s Love: New Every Morning (Part 1)
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion and inheritance. Therefore I will wait for Him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24) God is Love 1 John 4:8 says, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God …
Praying for Police (Scriptures to Use)
Note: I used this first at a Bible study for Houston Police Department officers and chaplains and expanded upon it now. I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them. Intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for [leaders] and all who are in authority so that we …
Favoritism is Wrong
They said to Jesus: Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth….The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in …
Helping One Another
Command Christians not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 5)
I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. (Psalm 119:42) Preparing People for Eternity Helmut Thielicke (1908-1986) was a German pastor who served during World War II. In Hilter’s last days, Allied bombs rained down on Stuttgart. Thielicke preached sermons on the Lord’s Prayer in these times of uncertainty and death. His ministry seemed to …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 4)
My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81) Advice from Martin Luther Martin Luther (1483-1546), the German Reformer, reminds us that it’s not necessary for us to express all our thoughts in one sermon or lesson. He gives us three principles: 1. make a good introduction and don’t spend …
Teaching and Preaching the Bible (Part 3)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. (Psalm 119:37) God Used a “Dead in the Water” Sermon James Smith approached Pastor Hugh Litchfield and asked, “Do you remember me?” James explained that 10 years earlier he had visited the church where Litchfield was serving. James was facing jail time over tax violations, that …