Our Banner

“The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.” (Numbers 2:1–2, ESV) There was a time in my life when I was keenly interested in my familyContinue reading “Our Banner”

The Light to Come

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1–2, ESV) When we lived in Chicago, we would driveContinue reading “The Light to Come”

Access to the Throne of Grace

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1–2, ESV) When I grew up, my dadContinue reading “Access to the Throne of Grace”

Busyness Versus Character

3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers . . . 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bondsContinue reading “Busyness Versus Character”

For All to Enjoy

6 “And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful inContinue reading “For All to Enjoy”

Guaranteed Success

10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to meContinue reading “Guaranteed Success”

True Satisfaction

“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.” (Isaiah 55:2, ESV) In June 1965, an English rock band named “The Rolling Stones,” released a hit song titled,Continue reading “True Satisfaction”

Feeling Abandoned Never Forsaken

“For a brief moment I deserted you, but with great compassion I will gather you.” (Isaiah 54:7, ESV) Many years ago, we used to vacation at the Jersey shore. These were some of the most relaxing of our summer vacations. However, they were not without some interesting experiences. One hot summer day we were allContinue reading “Feeling Abandoned Never Forsaken”

Complete Victory

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we likeContinue reading “Complete Victory”

Beautiful Feet

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” (Isaiah 52:7, ESV) I remember a missionary to Indonesia named John Wilson who had the opportunity to take the gospel to anContinue reading “Beautiful Feet”