Category Archives: relationship with God
against you only
Psalm 51. This prayer by David has given exegetes some trouble. David is aware of his crimes against Uriah the Hittite, whom he has killed, and Bathsheba, with whom he commits adultery. He agonizes over his sins and fears the … Continue reading
Posted in confession, grace, prayer, relationship with God, repentance, worship
Tagged Psalm 51
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you who forget God
Psalm 50. The LORD is aware of hypocrisy and wickedness among his own people. Asaph brilliantly shows this by presenting God as the judge who summons the earth to witness the charges he brings against those who claim him as … Continue reading
blessing lessons
Gen. 41:37-57. How should a believer respond when the troubles stop and the blessings come? Often we forget God when there is money in the bank account and our needs no longer overwhelm us. We should learn the lesson from … Continue reading
the worrier’s psalm
Psalm 46 is not a psalm for the warrior, but a psalm for the worrier. It’s for those of us that tend to be overwhelmed by anxiety when trouble comes. The sons of Korah highlight two different kinds of worry-producing … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, conflict, faith, future, hope, relationship with God
Tagged Psalm 46
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fighting against God
2 Chronicles 13. It took only 18 years for the kingdom to go from one divided to become one engaged in civil war. Abijah’s army was outnumbered two to one, and he, himself was not entirely faithful to the LORD. … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, faithfulness, relationship with God, self-control, wisdom
Tagged 2 Chronicles 13
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the real story
Genesis 29:31-30:43. The LORD’s steadfast love shines through in the fact that he continues to bless Jacob with children and property. It is also seen in how he brings about justice to the mistreated ones in the process. Leah, who … Continue reading
switcheroo
Genesis 29:1-30. Laban pulled a switcheroo on Jacob and gave him Leah on his wedding night. Why did God let this happen? Remember that Jacob had done the same thing to his father, Isaac, when he pretended to be Esau … Continue reading
from silence to shouting
Psalm 32. This psalm is the story of a sinner who is under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The urge to confess is so strong, and the knowledge of his separation from God’s will so acute that he groans … Continue reading
Posted in confession, forgiveness, grace, joy, praise, relationship with God, repentance
Tagged Psalm 32
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false security
Luke 16. Jesus’ parables in this chapter are all directed toward the elite sect of the Pharisees, who trusted in their personal wealth as a sign that they were in God’s favour. Jesus said that the Pharisees justify themselves before … Continue reading
Posted in genuineness, obedience, relationship with God, sleep of death
Tagged Luke 16
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preparing for his presence
Psalm 24. The ESV Study Bible notes: “This psalm seems fitted for some liturgical occasion, perhaps one that celebrates the way that David brought the ark of the Lord into Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6); this would explain the interest in … Continue reading
Posted in future, holiness, Jesus Christ, preparation, relationship with God, worship
Tagged Psalm 24
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Devotions 