“But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you … Continue reading You Endured a Hard Struggle
Songs
Toward Those Who Fear Him
Psalms 103:1-19 “Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with goodso … Continue reading Toward Those Who Fear Him
In Hope of the Glory of God
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that … Continue reading In Hope of the Glory of God
Masters at Manipulative Tactics
“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for helpand rely on horses,who trust in chariots because they are manyand in horsemen because they are very strong,but do not look to the Holy One of Israelor consult the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1 ESV) Be very careful who you believe and who you put your trust in … Continue reading Masters at Manipulative Tactics
This is The Way, Walk in It
Isaiah 30:21-22 ESV “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. … Continue reading This is The Way, Walk in It
You Turn Things Upside Down
“And the Lord said:‘Because this people draw near with their mouthand honor me with their lips,while their hearts are far from me,and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,therefore, behold, I will againdo wonderful things with this people,with wonder upon wonder;and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish,and the discernment of … Continue reading You Turn Things Upside Down
They Say, “Tell Us Pleasant Things”
Isaiah 30:1-5,8-11 ESV “Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord,“who carry out a plan, but not mine,and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit,that they may add sin to sin;who set out to go down to Egypt,without asking for my direction,to take refuge in the protection of Pharaohand to seek shelter in the shadow … Continue reading They Say, “Tell Us Pleasant Things”
The Fool Cannot Understand This
“How great are your works, O Lord!Your thoughts are very deep!The stupid man cannot know;the fool cannot understand this:that though the wicked sprout like grassand all evildoers flourish,they are doomed to destruction forever;but you, O Lord, are on high forever.For behold, your enemies, O Lord,for behold, your enemies shall perish;all evildoers shall be scattered.” (Psalms … Continue reading The Fool Cannot Understand This
When There’s No Hiding Place
“And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, ‘Save us, Lord; we are perishing.’ And he said to them, ‘Why are … Continue reading When There’s No Hiding Place
Sing Praises to The Lord
Psalms 92:1-4 NASB “It is good to give thanks to the LordAnd to sing praises to Your name, Most High;To declare Your goodness in the morningAnd Your faithfulness by night,With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,With resounding music on the lyre.For You, Lord, have made me joyful by what You have done,I will sing … Continue reading Sing Praises to The Lord
