God’s Grief
Read: Ephesians 4:25-32 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. (v. 30) This passage offers myriad dos and don’ts. The essence, however, is to “not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (v. 30). I used to think this was some hidden, unforgivable sin. When I studied this verse in seminary, my colleagues debated […]
More like Christ
Read: Ephesians 4:17-24 . . . to be renewed in the spirit of your minds . . . (v. 23) Paul makes spiritual growth sound as easy as taking off some old clothes and putting on a new spring outfit. If only it were so! I accepted Christ more than four decades ago and I […]
My Favorite Missionary
Read: Ephesians 4:7-16 . . . to equip the saints . . . (v. 12) My favorite missionary is my dad. He has no formal academic degree and does not live overseas, but if a missionary’s purpose is “to equip the saints for the work of ministry” (v. 12), my dad certainly qualifies. The church […]
One?
Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 There is one body. (v. 4) Newcomers to the Dutch community in Iowa where I lived were surprised not only by the number of churches, but they were also confused by the varieties of “Reformed.” There were Reformed, Christian Reformed, United Reformed, Protestant Reformed, and Netherlands Reformed congregations. And those were just […]
Big Prayers
Read: Ephesians 3:14-21 . . . far more abundantly . . . (v. 20) When I read Paul’s grand prayer that closes Ephesians 3, my own prayers feel small and practical. Of course our heavenly Father is eager to hear our prayers for “daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). But these verses provide a grand finale to […]
Choosing to Suffer
Read: Ephesians 3:7-13 I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering. (v. 13) Hardly a day goes by that I do not have a conversation with someone who chooses to suffer so others can hear the hope of Jesus. Paul’s little comment about his suffering (v. 13) reveals his suffering as […]
March Prayer Guide 2020
NEPAL — Give thanks that the new Words of Hope Nepal recording studio is nearly complete and will be in use soon! We are thankful for the many ways in which God has provided. Pray that everything will go smoothly as recording of programs resumes in the new space. Pray also for regional coordinators in Nepal who are […]
The Mystery of Belonging
Read: Ephesians 3:1-6 . . . partakers of the promise . . . (v. 6) As president of Words of Hope I hear from Christians in many places who are isolated. A 25-year-old woman inside Iran writes, “It is very hard to be all alone in your faith.” A man in a U.S. correctional facility […]
Retaliation
Read: Obadiah 15-21 For the day of the LORD is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (v. 15) One of the hardest things our son had to learn in sports was to not retaliate. During heated games when […]