Going Awl In
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Going all in” is a phrase commonly used by poker players. With a short stack of chips, the player bets them all in a somewhat desperate attempt to win the…
Triumphant Faith in the Face of Persecution
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Women received their dead raised to life again. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings,…
TLH Hymn 310 “Thy Table I Approach”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-NINTH IN A SERIES)
To “take it for granted” is a shorthand way of saying that frequency and abundance of blessings can breed a lack of appreciation for those blessings. That lack of appreciation then hinders thankfulness. That which is part of our usual routine tends to have diminished value in our estimation because we soon see it as “normal” and may then begin to “take it for granted.”
I was reminded of that truth recently when our Florida home was without power for ten days as a result of Hurricane Irma. I normally don’t think about—much less feel specific thankfulness for—the blessings of being able to refrigerate and freeze food, control the temperature of our house, have lights at night, and even enjoy electronic entertainment almost effortlessly. I seldom thanked God for those blessings when they were my “normal,” but how thankful I was for them when the power came back on!
“Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?”
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, “Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord?’” (Genesis 18:13-14a)…
Does My Name Belong on This List?
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:…
“Living as a Christian leads to earthly wealth and prosperity.”
READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (PROSPERITY GOSPEL) Passages that will help you respond when people say… Prosperity theology teaches that believers are entitled to financial blessing and physical well-being. Followers are taught that faith, positive…
“Lord Jesus Christ, You Have Prepared” LSB Hymn 622, TLH Hymn 306
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-SIXTH IN A SERIES)
Why “-y”?
In some cases converting an English noun into an adjective is as easy as adding a “y.” Sleep becomes sleepy. Dream dreamy. Silk silky. And yet, the addition of “y” in certain instances can actually reverse a meaning. Consider the word “rock.”
All by itself, “rock” conveys strength and stability. Add “y,” however, and everything changes. Things become rocky, unstable. Not all additions, it turns out, are pluses.
So also with God’s Word.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ Gives Real Meaning to Our Lives
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read Ecclesiastes 2.) Many find Ecclesiastes rather gloomy. They think it says that life and everything in it are meaningless. What it actually says is that life is meaningless…
The Power of Faith
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when…
“Gossiping is no big deal.”
READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (GOSSIP) Passages that will help you respond when people say… As I write these words, I am seated at my desk, fully armed. I’m not expecting any trouble, it’s just…