The Lamb and His Great Multitude
Read: Revelation 7:9-17 There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (v. 9 NIV) When I muse on what it will be like at last when we are with the Lord and his people, no passage sums […]
Worthy is the Lamb
Read: Revelation 5:1-14 In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.” (v. 12 NIV) When I find myself longing to worship Jesus, to see him in the fullness of his glory, to pour out my heart to him, the vision given to the apostle John in Revelation 5 seems to […]
When Believers Die
Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (v. 18 NIV) In the early days after Jesus’ resurrection, many believers seemed confused about the situation of their loved ones who had recently died. Where were they? What could be the hope of their grieving loved ones who remained? The apostle Paul sensed this […]
God’s Promised Gift
Read: Acts 1:4-14 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. (v. 8 NIV) In today’s reading, we hear again Jesus’ instruction to and his promises for his disciples. They ask him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (v. 6 NIV) But he redirects their curiosity and […]
In the Spirit and in Truth
Read: John 4:19-34 The true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (v. 23 NIV) When I was in college, struggling to maintain a vital devotional life, I was greatly helped by these words in today’s key verse. Two things impressed me: […]
Teach Us to Pray
Read: Luke 11:1-4 Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. (v. 1 NIV) For years I have looked on these opening verses in Luke 11 as the fullest and richest in all the Bible on the life of prayer. They start with a word about Jesus himself at prayer. He prayed prodigiously—early […]
An Undivided Heart
Read: Psalm 86:8-13 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness. (v. 11 NIV) When I dwell on this passage, I never fail to be enriched. It begins with praise. “Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours” (v. 8 NIV). Our God is unique, who […]
Like a Tree
Read: Psalm 1 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water. (v. 3 NIV) For some years now, I have lived every day in the Psalms. I read regularly from the Old and New Testaments also, but the Psalms are my spiritual homeland. Along with millions of other believers, I find them always […]
The Hope of Your Story
Read: 1 Peter 3:8-17 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (v. 15 NIV) If I’m honest, I didn’t want my baby’s death to be a part of my story. I struggled with feelings of shame, disappointment, failure, and my first […]