Read Habakkuk 1:1 through 3:19 When reading a book, do you read the ending first? Some people check to see how things end before they get into the story. Perhaps it makes them feel more secure when they know the outcome. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop …
How Can We Be Saved?
Read Isaiah 63:7 through 66:24, Colossians 1:24 through 2:23 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we …
The Right Fight
Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 6:21 Paul wanted Timothy to choose the right fight. Anyone who serves in the ministry of the gospel faces many real and potential conflicts. Many of these conflicts involve nothing more than personal preference and can sidetrack a minister from the vision God gave him or her. Understanding the charge, Paul gave Timothy the help …
Spiritual Deception
Read Isaiah 28:1 through 30:33; Galatians 4:1–31 The old shoemaker calculated in his head and told customers exactly what they owed. He listened to others discuss current events and contributed to the conversation. No one suspected the man could not read or write. He hid his lack of formal education well. The Lord says: “These people come near to me …