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Growing in Spiritual Discernment
Paul’s prayer for the saints at Ephesus (Eph. 1:15-19) expressed his thanksgiving for their faith in the Lord Jesus and their love for one another. He had heard of their spiritual progress, and he was thankful. It did his heart good. But he also knew there was room for continued spiritual growth. So, his prayers… Continue reading
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To the Praise of His Glory
The opening section of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is a grand eulogy, or word of praise, about God. “Blessed be God,” the apostle begins, for his abundant spiritual blessings bestowed in Christ. The entire section (Eph. 1:3–14) extols such blessings in terms of an eternal purpose, the plan of the ages. The eternal plan… Continue reading
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A Perspective for Perseverance
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9). We all experience troubles in this life. Paul experienced much that might have disheartened him. But he courageously pressed on. What enabled the apostle not only to endure the sufferings… Continue reading
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Some Thoughts on Creation
Our Bible reading for this week included passages from the early chapters of Genesis, including the account of creation. It reminded me that creation has enormously important implications that help form our worldview—our understanding of the world, who we are as human beings, and our relationship to the Creator. Creation is one of the ways… Continue reading
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God is Good
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” (Ps. 34:8). Psalm 34 is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for being a provider and deliverer in a time of trouble and distress. David tells of an hour in his own personal life… Continue reading
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Paul’s Summary of Grace
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians gives particular attention to the grace of God. God, through his eternal purpose in Christ Jesus, has blessed us with great spiritual blessings. The epistle focuses on giving God the praise for all these blessings—“to the praise of his glorious grace.” Thus, it provides an excellent summary of grace. Grace… Continue reading
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Justin Martyr: Apologist and Teacher
Justin Martyr (c. 100–165) lived during a time when persecution of Christians was increasing. In about 112, the Roman emperor Trajan supported the policy that a person brought into court and accused of being a Christian should be punished for that crime. Another wave of persecution broke out around mid-century during the reign of emperor… Continue reading
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Answer Me When I Call
“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1). The circumstances of life can be distressing. They challenge our faith. They upset our peace. Psalm 4 is about such a time in David’s life.… Continue reading
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The Lifter of My Head
“O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, ‘There is no salvation for him in God.’ But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (Psalm 3:1-3). The way of discipleship is the way of the few,… Continue reading
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Like a Tree Firmly Planted
“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields it fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:3). This quote comes from Psalm 1. It’s a short psalm that is worth reading and re-reading. It deals with the most fundamental choices… Continue reading
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I Have Set My King on Zion
“I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you’” (Psalm 2:7). The second psalm summarizes the confrontation between worldly concerns and the plans of the Lord. It is presented somewhat like a drama in which the characters speak and respond. The psalmist expresses astonishment… Continue reading
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Daddy’s Shoe Shine Box
Not long ago, while rummaging through a closet, I came across my Daddy’s old shoe shine box. It’s a sixty-year-old vintage wooden box designed to store shoe polish, cloths, and brushes, with a footrest on top. Nothing fancy, but quite functional. Many of Daddy’s supplies, including old tins of polish, were still inside. I had… Continue reading
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