How to Spend More Time Reading the Bible

Posted on June 3, 2024 by Wayne Davies

Here’s an easy way to spend more time reading the Bible:

Read the Bible by listening to the Bible.

“Reading by listening” offers this advantage . . .

You can listen to the Word while doing “mindless” activities such as taking a walk, jogging on a treadmill, driving a car, traveling on public transportation, or folding the laundry. During a typical day, you may have 30 or 60 minutes (or more) of available time that could be spent hearing God’s voice.

BibleGateway.com has a free app for this  — the Bible Audio App.
https://www.biblegateway.com/bible-audio-app

Here are some of the features:
— 5 different translations, including NIV, KJV, and NKJV
— 10 narrations available; choose from dramatized or voice-only productions
— Set chapters or verses to repeat
— Adjust the narration speed
— Choose whatever passage you want, or use a Bible reading plan, such as New Testament in Year

Here’s another suggestion for how to listen to the Bible — listen to one book of the Bible in its entirety in one session, i.e. listen to the whole book. And do this repeatedly (at least 5 or 10 times) for a particular book over a period of time (say one or two weeks).

Start with the smallest New Testament books such as Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. These are only one chapter each and it will only take 5 or 10 minutes to listen to these.

Utilize the power of repetition to immerse yourself in God’s Word, one book at a time.

After listening to these one chapter books, move on to the other shorter New Testament books: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, as well as 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, James, 1 & 2 Peter, and 1 John. All these books are 3-6 chapters each and listening to them will typically take about 20-30 minutes.

It is amazing what you’ll learn by listening to one book of the Bible — in its entirety, repeatedly.

This is what I call The Forgotten Bible Reading Method  — you can learn more about it here:

Bible Reading Tips – What Is The Most Forgotten Bible Reading Method? (Start Doing This Today)

Perhaps you’re already doing this. If not, why not give it a try!

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How to Know and Do God’s Will for Your Life

Posted on May 30, 2024 by Wayne Davies


I am thanking God today for this simple fact:
He has made known His will for us.

The will of God has been revealed in the Word of God:
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

“Sanctification” means “holiness.” And what is holiness? A life separated and set apart from sin unto God. A holy life is characterized by an increasing measure of godliness, obedience, and Christlikeness. Other synonyms include moral purity and righteous living.

Make no mistake, “God expects every Christian to live a holy life” (Gerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness). He commands that we “be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Yes, sanctification is the divine mandate for all God’s people.

The problem, of course, is that while striving for holiness, we continue to sin. This is why the Christian life can be harder (yet better) than the non-Christian life. We are fighting a never-ending battle against our flesh.

This is why I freely confess that “I am a serial sinner.”

(For more on that, check out this blog post):

Confessions of a Serial Sinner (Thoughts on Psalm 53:1)

I also thank God today for another profound truth: in the believer’s lifelong struggle against sin, we have hope! An obedient and holy life is within our reach because God has provided a solution to our sin problem, and that solution is found in the power of His Word.

Would God tell us to be holy and not supply the means to joyfully fulfill this command? I think not.

The key that unlocks the door to holy living is the holy Bible.

Paul said so in 2 Timothy 3:15-17. Note the indispensable role of Scripture in the quest for both salvation and righteousness:

“You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

What Paul told this young pastor applies to every believer. We have the resources needed to overcome our sins and live a life pleasing to God. Through knowledge of the Scriptures, we can live a life of godliness and obedience. We will not attain perfection this side of heaven, but by the grace and power of God, increasing Christlikeness can be the direction of our lives.

I find much comfort in this! How about you?

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Am I Really A Christian? (Part 2)

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Wayne Davies

Have you ever wondered whether you are really a Christian?

If so, you are not alone.

Christians have struggled with the assurance of their salvation for centuries. That’s why Thomas Boston (1676-1732) wrote Am I Really A Christian? Eight Doubts Answered. In this short booklet, he addresses eight of the most common reasons believers may doubt the genuineness of their conversion.

Here is DOUBT #3:

“Heart in more turmoil.”

“I find that my heart has been in more turmoil after I became a Christian than it was before. Is this consistent with someone who is supposed to have been changed by Christ?

“Answer: Corruption can be stirred up in a Christian even more strongly than it was before he became a Christian. It might appear to you that all the forces of hell have been raised to try to recapture you as an escaped fugitive. Such stirrings may indeed occur in those truly changed by Christ. When restraining grace comes up against the corruption in a new believer, it is no wonder that corruption tries to fight back, “warring against the law of my mind” (Romans 7:23). Sin will resist all the harder when it knows this new principle is seeking to cast it out. When the sun shines through a window, we see all the dust in the house that we did not see before. So when the light of grace shines in our lives, we see the corruption inside us that we had not noticed before. Sin is not quite dead in the believer’s soul. It is dying a lingering death. It is being crucified. No wonder it begins to fight so hard—it knows it is about to die, so it struggles to live!

“Besides all this, the Christian might be faced with more numerous and stronger temptations after his conversion. Satan has to work harder to try to bring back one who has escaped, than he does to guard one who is still a captive. The author of Hebrews says, “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings” (Hebrews 10:32). He then adds, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward” (v. 35). Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you, and the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. Remember how Pharaoh and the Egyptians had the Israelites cornered at the Red Sea, but then God intervened and overthrew them (Exodus 14)?

“Do not let this doubt destroy the foundation of your trust. Empty yourself of doubting. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, and you will be victorious.”

The above paragraphs are packed with sound biblical teaching. I find this comment especially helpful:

“The Christian might be faced with more numerous and stronger temptations after his conversion. Satan has to work harder to try to bring back one who has escaped, than he does to guard one who is still a captive.”

The Bible is clear that believers will continue to face temptation. It is to be expected. This is normal, because “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Words of comfort indeed!

To get a free downloadable copy of this 16-page booklet, visit:
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/aira/am-i-really-a-christian-bostonthomas

NOTE: This booklet contains selected sections from Human Nature in Its Fourfold State, by Thomas Boston, modernized for easier understanding by today’s reader. Jeffrey T. Riddle, pastor of Christ Reformed Baptist Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, provided the abstraction and modernization. Copyright 2015 Chapel Library. www.ChapelLibrary.org

Posted in Free Books & Other Resources, Salvation | Leave a comment

3 Simple Steps to Understand the Bible Better

Posted on May 16, 2024 by Wayne Davies

What does it take to understand Scripture?

Here’s a word picture that provides an answer: “Raking is easy, but you get only leaves; digging is hard, but you might find diamonds” (John Piper, Future Grace).

The same can be said about finding gems of truth in the Bible. It requires time and effort – digging rather than raking. Yes, some passages are self-explanatory, but others can be difficult to comprehend. It often necessitates disciplined study rather than superficial skimming to understand the Word.

This should not surprise us. Rather, it’s to be expected. Note how Peter describes Paul’s writings: “His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).

I take much comfort in this verse. If Peter says that Paul’s letters can be hard to understand, then it is likely that I may not “get” everything Paul (or any Bible writer) says immediately. It may take multiple readings and some serious study time. And that’s OK.

In light of Peter’s comments, the need to study the Word is self-evident. This raises the question: “How do we do that?” What does it take to not only read the Word but examine it more closely, to better understand it?

To that end, here’s a simple 3-step Bible study method:
1. Ask questions of the text.
2. Write down your answers to these questions.
3. Pray throughout your time in the Word.

STEP ONE
The following two questions can facilitate intimate, life-changing interaction with God and His Word.

Question #1: “What does this passage teach about God?”
What do you learn about who God is — His character and attributes? Look for His promises, His law (His “training in righteousness,” per 2 Timothy 3:16), and His sovereignty. We start with God because first and foremost, “The Bible is a book about God” (Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word). Jesus said so in John 5:39 – “These are the Scriptures that testify about me.” In other words, the Bible is God’s autobiography. “In any biblical narrative, God is the ultimate character, the supreme hero of the story” (Gordon Fee, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth). By “God” we mean God the Father, God the Son, and/or God the Holy Spirit.

Question #2: “In light of this teaching about God, what is my response?”
According to this passage, what does God require of people? Or, as Francis Schaeffer wrote, “How should we then live?” These divine expectations come in many forms: a command to obey, a promise to believe, an attitude to cultivate, an example to follow, a blunder to avoid, a sin to confess and forsake, a reason to worship, a truth about God for which praise and thanks are warranted.

This second question leads us to an essential component of God-honoring Bible study: self-examination. Be sure to ask yourself, “What is God teaching me about my attitudes and actions? In light of this passage, how do I need to change to become more like Christ?”

STEP TWO
It is beneficial that you write down your answers in a paper journal or electronic device. This exercise will enable you to articulate what you’ve learned and further impress God’s Word on your heart and mind. A year or two from now (or a decade), having a written record allows you to look back at what God has taught you – yet another source of joy.

Write as little or as much as you like, however you like. Grammar and punctuation do not matter. Write from your heart to the Lover of your soul. He would be delighted to read what you’ve learned about Him and how you are responding.

STEP THREE
Bathe the entire process in prayer – before, during, and after. Ask for His enlightenment: “Open my eyes and teach me, Lord! Give me understanding!” (Psalm 119:18, 26, 27). Plead for His transforming power: “Change me, Lord! Renew my mind and sanctify me! (Romans 12:2, John 17:17). Offer praise and gratitude to Him for His infallible Word and the lessons you glean from it: “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your truth! (Psalm 119:62).

This is one way to better understand any passage, regardless of its genre. Don’t just read it. Ask probing questions; write down your answers; pray continuously — and you’ll go deeper into the meaning of God’s incomparable Word.

NOTE: The above comments are adapted from my book, 7 Deadly Sins of Bible Reading: Common Bible Reading Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, available on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Sins-Bible-Reading-Mistakes-ebook/dp/B09KZGV1XY

Or for a free PDF of this book, visit:
https://payhip.com/b/9CetT

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What Jesus Said About Heaven and Hell

Posted on May 5, 2024 by Wayne Davies

I have good news to share with you.

My latest book has been released on Amazon and is now available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats.

The title is:

Why Bad People Go To Heaven
and Good People Go To Hell (Part 2):
An Explanation of Luke 7:36-50

 

Here’s what one reader says:

“I absolutely loved the book. God bless you for letting the Holy Spirit work through you on such an important topic. You made the concept so simple with specific examples of why a “good” person goes to hell and a “bad” person goes to Heaven. So many people claim faith but have “no love” for Jesus. I really liked the concept of “does the punishment fit the crime?” We deserve hell for sinning against the Holy One — a debt we can’t repay. I think a lot of people know (or think) they are saved so they don’t worry about hell but it’s important to save as many people as we can from hell because it is real.”
— Jen Pontoriero

This short book is Part 2 of the series, “What Jesus Said about Heaven and Hell.” Each book in the series takes a look at what Jesus said about our eternal destiny. Is there a more important topic than that?

The Son of God had much to say about heaven, hell, and who goes where. It was one of his favorite topics. And for good reason. He wants you to know where you will spend eternity.

In Luke 7:36-50 we find the Son of God having dinner with a Pharisee named Simon. Suddenly a “sinful woman” (probably a prostitute) enters the scene, comes up behind Jesus, wets his feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and kisses his feet while anointing them with expensive ointment.

Simon is appalled at this display of affection. So Jesus rebukes the Pharisee and then proceeds to amaze everyone by saying to the woman, “Your sins have been forgiven.”

Incredible! How can this be? This book explains why. Read it and you’ll discover why Simon is a “good” man on his way to hell while the “bad” woman is a sinner on her way to heaven.

The Kindle version is free. Please take advantage of this introductory price and get your copy today!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CW1K34XN

More good news: The book is also available in paperback and audiobook.

TAKE NOTE: If you want the audiobook, be sure to “buy” the Kindle version first (for free), because if you own the Kindle version, Amazon then gives you a nice 60% discount on the audiobook.

TAKE ANOTHER NOTE: Part 1 of this series is also now available in audiobook, with the same great deal – the Kindle version is free, and the audiobook is 60% off for those who own the Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CLLJPS3X

Also, would you also help me out by leaving a review on Amazon? Customer reviews really help a book do well in the rankings, so thank you!

Most importantly, who do you know who needs to hear the Good News that Jesus provides eternal life to those who trust Him for the forgiveness of sins and salvation from hell?

Please share this blog post (or the links above) to anyone you know who would benefit from finding the answer to life’s most important question:

“What must I do to be saved?”

Posted in Evangelism, Free Books & Other Resources, Heaven and Hell, Jesus Christ, Salvation, What the Bible Says | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

I Would Die for This Bible Verse

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Wayne Davies

I love the truth of God’s Word.

Here’s a verse I love so much, that I would die for it.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 ESV)

I believe that this verse teaches that Jesus Christ (the Word) always was, always is, and always will be God.

Stick a gun to my head and tell me to deny the deity of Christ, and I will tell you, “You’ll have to go ahead and kill me. Go ahead and make my day infinitely brighter because I refuse to recant my belief that Jesus is the eternal and almighty God — the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of the universe.”

Yes, I would die for the truth of John 1:1. That would be a privilege.

I will also do whatever I can to tell others that Jesus is God.

I just spent the last eight months meeting with members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization, who came to my house last summer and offered to study the Bible with me in my house. I gladly accepted the invitation.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the deity of God the Father, but they deny the deity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is a created being and therefore he is not God. And the Spirit is merely God’s active force in the world and not a person.

We met about 15 times, for 1-2 hours each session. We used their materials, and this provided ample opportunity to explain the Trinity to them. We discussed John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 1:1-13, and many other passages, in detail. I did my best to explain the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. They let me talk as much as I wanted, and to take them to as many passages as I wanted. They asked many questions and I was delighted to have this opportunity to explain my beliefs.

Unfortunately, it was all to no avail. They are resolute in their conviction that Jesus is a created being. He is Savior and King, but he’s not God. Their Bible (the New World Translation) has inaccurately translated many passages that teach the deity of Christ and the Spirit.

We never argued. They were polite and respectful of me, and vice versa. We agreed to disagree. After  eight months, they finally said, “Wayne, there’s no point continuing this study with you.”  The last few times we met, I verbalized what we knew was happening: “We don’t have the same God.”

I continue to pray for them. My heart aches for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. They are so passionate about their beliefs. They are sincere and devout. But I believe their answer to the question “Who is Jesus?” is contrary to Scripture.

Like Paul, “My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness” (Romans 10:1-3).

I could go on and on about what God taught me through this experience. My understanding of the Trinity was taken to a new level. Explaining anything for 10+ hours will do that! My love for Jesus is greater. My desire to tell people who he is has become dramatically more intense.

Does it matter whether we believe that Jesus is God? Absolutely. Our eternal destiny depends on it. How we answer the question “Who is Jesus?” has everlasting consequences. The Apostle John made this clear in 1 John 4:15 and 1 John 5:12 –

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

And what is the meaning of the title “Son of God”? It means that Jesus is “equal with God,” as indicated in John 5:17-18 –

“But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’ This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”

To understand that Jesus claimed to be God is not rocket science. Even his enemies knew that’s what he meant.

Jesus’ claim to deity was the “crime” (blasphemy) for which the Sanhedrin demanded his crucifixion. Matthew 26:63-66 makes that clear:

“And the high priest said to him, ‘I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’  Then the high priest tore his robes and said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?’ They answered, ‘He deserves death.’

If you’re unsure whether Jesus is God, here are some additional resources, so you can examine the Scriptures — “to see if these things be so” (Acts 17:11).

Short but Meaty Articles
Basic Bible Doctrine – Who Is Jesus?
https://godwrotethebook.com/169

Basic Bible Doctrine – Who Says Jesus Is God?
https://godwrotethebook.com/225

Basic Bible Doctrine – How Do We Know Jesus Is God?
https://godwrotethebook.com/227

For a Deeper Dive, Here’s an Excellent Book
The Forgotten Trinity, by James White
https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Trinity-James-R-White-ebook/dp/B00B0VMJC0

If you find anything in this post helpful, please leave a comment below. I welcome your feedback.

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8 Great Bible Verses about the Goodness of God

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Wayne Davies

God is great and God is good. Amen?

I like meditating on who God is – his holy character and his many amazing attributes. The goodness of God is mentioned repeatedly in the Psalms. Here are eight great passages that extol our Lord for his goodness, along with a few comments to stimulate your gratitude and worship.

Psalm 13:5-6
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me.

1) v. 6 — God’s goodness is reason to praise God. “For” means “because.” I will sing the Lord’s praise because of his goodness.
2) v. 6 — God’s goodness is personal. He has been good to me.
3) v. 5 —  God’s goodness to me is closely related to his unfailing love for me.
4) v. 5 —  God’s goodness is closely related to his salvation. His salvation is one of the many ways he demonstrates his goodness to me.


Psalm 23:6
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

1) Again, God’s goodness and love are closely related.
2) I can depend on God’s goodness and love every day – all the days of my life, I will experience the goodness of God. That includes all those “bad” days, when “bad” things happen.
3) The goodness of God has a future aspect. God has promised his goodness to me today, tomorrow, and forever. God has promised to be good to me forever; this future aspect of his goodness means I can be optimistic about the future; my best days are yet to come. He demonstrates his goodness with this promise: I will live with him forever! God demonstrates his goodness by telling me that my eternal destiny is to be in his comforting presence, “in the house of the Lord,” forever, i.e. trillions of years.


Psalm 25:7
Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.

1) God’s goodness is again related to his love. Because God is good, he will not “remember” my sins and my rebellious ways – i.e. he treats me as if I had never sinned; that’s amazing grace in action. Because he has forgiven me, it’s as if he has “forgotten” all my sins – he does not hold them against me today, nor will he do so on Judgment Day.


Psalm 25:8
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

1) There’s a relationship between God’s goodness and his uprightness. He is good = He is always right and always does the right thing. His goodness is related to His righteousness/moral perfection/holiness.
2) God demonstrates his goodness by teaching sinners how to live a righteous life — how to live a life of moral purity, how to do the right thing, how to be more like Jesus.


Psalm 27:13
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

1) Again, God’s goodness has a future aspect: I will experience God’s goodness today, tomorrow, and forever.


Psalm 31:19
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.

1) God provides good things for his people. These good things are gifts; they are demonstrations of grace and mercy. We do not deserve or earn them; he bestows them freely, simply because he chose to do so.
2) There are many of these good things! There is an abundance of them!
3) There are so many of these gifts, God stores them up for us. He doesn’t give them to us all at once. There is an unlimited supply available, to be distributed according to God’s timetable, at his discretion, when he deems it best.
4) These gifts are easily identifiable. They can be seen and received by everyone – like the sunshine and the rain, per Matthew 5:45.


Psalm 34:8-10
8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

1) The goodness of God can and should be experienced personally. Like food, it can be tasted. Like the sunset, it can be seen. It is real. If I am not experiencing God’s goodness, it’s my fault, not God’s. If I do not taste and see the goodness of God, I’m like the blind referee who is missing a good game.
2) God’s goodness means he will meet all my needs (not wants). Because God is good, I will never lack anything that I need.
3) God’s goodness is demonstrated to all people, believers and nonbelievers alike (again, per Matthew 5:45). At the same time, God’s goodness comes in special ways to believers. Note the repeated references to the people of God as the recipients of the goodness of God: “the one who takes refuge in him . . . his holy people . . . those who fear him . . . those who seek the Lord.”


Psalm 52:9
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people.
And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.

1) God’s goodness is demonstrated through God’s actions on behalf of his people. How do I know God is good? Look at “what he has done” to see the evidence.
2) God’s goodness provides ample reason to praise, thank, and worship God. No matter what happens, the believer never has a valid excuse for not exalting God for his goodness.
3) God’s goodness is the basis of our hope. Our future is secure because “your name is good.”

Enjoy your day, and the rest of your life, because God is good!

Posted in Attributes of God, Thoughts About God, Thoughts on the Psalms | Tagged , | Leave a comment

What the Bible Says about the Hands of Jesus (Thoughts on Psalm 24:1-2)

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Wayne Davies

Here’s a passage to ponder today:
Psalm 24:1-2.

“The earth is the LORD’s,
and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.”

David begins Psalm 24 with the staggering truth that God is both Owner and Creator of everything and everyone.

In light of those verses, here are a couple of questions to answer:
1) What effect does this truth have on you today?
2) What difference has it made in your life?

Here are my thoughts, along with additional instruction from God’s infallible Word.

The simple fact that God made planet Earth is mind-blowing. And what the Old Testament ascribes to God the Father, the New Testament credits to God the Son:

“All things were made through him (Jesus), and without him (Jesus) was not anything made that has been made.”
John 1:3

“For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth”
Colossians 1:16

“But of the Son he says . . . You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands”
Hebrews 1:8, 10

What a thought! Take a look around today. The sky and the clouds, the mountains and the valleys — Jesus Christ made it all. Everything in creation is the work of his hands.

And he made me and you, too.

“Your hands have made and fashioned me”
Psalm 119:73

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made”
Psalm 139:13-14

Since God made everything and everyone, that means he made me and he owns me. I am not my own. I belong to him. And therefore, I am not the master of my fate and the captain of my soul. Jesus is.

This idea is radically different from what I believed as a young person, when I embraced the mantra, “If it is to be, it’s up to me.” Is there any truth to that statement? In one sense, sure. I make decisions every day. I select what clothes to wear and what food to eat, along with thousands of other choices – choices for which I will be held accountable on Judgment Day when I will give account “for every careless word”(Matthew 12:36).

But ultimately, who is in control of my life? I do this and I do that. Meanwhile, what is my Creator doing, while I’m doing what I’m doing?

According to Romans 8:28, he is doing what only he can do: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Today, I will do many things — some sinful, and by God’s grace, some good. And if my main goal is to love God with all that I am and my primary objective is to glorify him through what I say, do, and think, he is at work for my good. That is incredible! That is breathtaking! It staggers my imagination and brings me to my knees.

I thank you, Jesus, that my life is in your hands. Thank you, Jesus, for being my Creator, my Owner, and my good Shepherd. Thank you for having strong hands, the hands of omnipotence.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

I thank you, Jesus, that no one can take me out of your hands. You got my back. The same hands that created the universe and were nailed to the cross are holding me up and carrying me all the way to glory.

How do you answer the two questions above? You are welcome to leave your comments below.

Before you go to sleep tonight, why not offer a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for being the Owner and Creator of all? Pour out your heart to him in worship and adoration!

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Confessions of a Serial Sinner (Thoughts on Psalm 53:1)

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Wayne Davies

Psalm 53:1 paints a dismal yet truthful picture of the sinful human race:

“They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.” (ESV)

 

Here we find three descriptions of our fallen condition. Three scathing indictments. If I’m reading the Bible to boost my self-esteem, I picked the wrong verse.

That second description is especially intriguing to me. Our sin is “abominable.”

What does that mean?

“Abominable” is what is detested or loathed. The NIV translates this phrase as “their ways are vile.”

It’s what God thinks of sin. He hates it. God is the God of love and he’s also the God of hate.

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,
seven that are an abomination to him:
17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,
and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 a heart that devises wicked plans,
feet that make haste to run to evil,
19 a false witness who breathes out lies,
and one who sows discord among brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV

Now we know how God views our sin. He abhors it.

Now we get personal. Psalm 53:1 begs the questions, “What do I think of my sin? Do I hate it?”

Apparently not.  Even though is it commanded that I do so: “Hate what is evil” (Romans 12:9 NIV).

I sure wish I did. If I despised my sin the way God does, maybe I wouldn’t do it so often.

Instead, I prefer to minimize it, downplay it, deny it, rationalize it, excuse it, and blame others for it.

Oh, and hide it, ignore it, and laugh about it.

I also like to distort it. Sin is much more palatable if I use words to describe it that soften the blow of its reality. I don’t feel so guilty if I refer to it as a mistake, an oversight, a lapse of judgment, or a little white lie.

Or how about this one – a peccadillo. What’s that? Dictionaries define this as “a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin” (Oxford); “a small fault or mistake, or something that someone does wrong that is not very serious” (Cambridge); “a slight offense” (Webster’s).

If the standard of morality is the holiness of God, is there such a thing as a small sin, an unimportant iniquity, or a slight transgression?

I think not.

So lately I’ve been praying that God will enable me to see my sin the way he sees it. “O God, please teach me to hate my sin, to take it seriously, to not joke about it or marginalize it or sweep it under the rug.”

I am a serial sinner. “Wretched man that I am!” (Romans 7:24)

But thanks be to King Jesus, I’m also a saved sinner, redeemed by the grace of God, forgiven through faith in the Son of God, all because of the wrath-absorbing death of the Lamb of God.

I am grateful that I can open the Bible and read that my God is the One “who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy” (Jude 24).

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Why Is Resurrection So Important?

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Wayne Davies

For many, Easter is a time of rejoicing and celebrating. And well it should be.

Our Savior rose from the grave on the third day, just as He predicted, thereby defeating death and providing hope of new life for all who believe in Him.

 

So I pray that this is a day of great joy for you. He has risen!

Here’s a passage I’ve been meditating on:
“Great are the works of the Lord;
They are pondered by all who delight in them.”
Psalm 111:2

Arguably, of all the great “works of the Lord” (and there are many), the death and resurrection of Jesus are the greatest.

Today I’m compelled to “ponder” the death and resurrection of Christ. Will you join me? You will find no more glorious subject upon which to set your heart, soul and mind.

The word “ponder” (NIV) is translated “study” by the ESV and NASB. I think that adds much to our understanding of what believers are supposed to do on these special days.

Have you ever studied the resurrection of Jesus? I’d like to encourage you to carve out some time to do just that.

Here’s a link to Chapter 11 of Randy Alcorn’s best-selling book, Heaven. It’s entitled “Why Is Resurrection So Important?” and it is loaded with Biblical teaching on the meaning of the resurrection. I highly recommend it!

http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-is-the-resurrection-so-important.html

Please take time today to reflect on the resurrection through focused study. A biblically informed mind is the key to God-glorifying worship.

“Any views of the afterlife that settle for less than a bodily resurrection — including reincarnation, and transmigration of the soul — are explicitly unchristian.”
— Randy Alcorn

“Jesus walked the earth in his resurrection body for forty days, showing us how we would live as resurrected human beings. In effect, he also demonstrated where we would live as resurrected human beings—on Earth. Christ’s resurrection body was suited for life on Earth, not primarily life in the intermediate Heaven. As Jesus was raised to come back to live on Earth, so we will be raised to come back to live on Earth (1 Thessalonians 4:14; Revelation 21:1-3).”
— Randy Alcorn

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