In 1 Chronicles 18, the Chronicler recounts King David’s victories, painting a picture of a leader blessed and guided by God’s hand. This chapter isn't just a historical record of military success—it’s a testament to the Lord’s faithfulness and His ability to accomplish His purposes through His chosen servant.

In discussions about the end times, a common question arises: Are people capable of repenting during the intense judgments described in Revelation? Some suggest that God withdraws the Holy Spirit during this time, making repentance impossible. This idea often stems from an interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 2:6–7, which speaks of a "restrainer" being removed. Let’s examine this claim biblically and consider what the Scriptures reveal.

Revelation 16 presents a vivid and sobering picture of God’s final judgments, known as the bowl judgments. These devastating events unfold quickly, demonstrating God’s righteous justice against a world that has rebelled against Him. As we study these passages, we witness both the severity of God’s wrath and the contrasting responses from heaven and earth. Let’s explore these judgments and their significance.

Matthew 16 is a pivotal chapter that reveals deep truths about Jesus’ identity, His mission, and the call to discipleship. Drawing insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, we’ll explore how these passages challenge us to recognize who Jesus is, trust His purposes, and commit to following Him wholeheartedly.

The book of Proverbs is rich with insights into living a life that honors God and reflects His wisdom and justice. Proverbs 29, in particular, provides guidance for leaders, parents, and all who seek to navigate the complexities of human relationships and responsibilities. Drawing from the Grace and Truth Study Bible's notes, let’s explore how this chapter offers timeless principles for representing God’s heart in our lives and decisions.

One of the most challenging accounts in Scripture is the flood narrative in Genesis. It’s a story of catastrophic suffering caused directly by God. This raises profound questions about how such suffering aligns with God's nature as ultimate good and how it differs from evil. To wrestle with these questions, we must consider the flood in light of God's justice, mercy, and purposes.

God's nature is perfectly good (Psalm 34:8, 1 John 1:5). He is the ultimate standard of goodness, and everything He does is consistent with His character. This means that God cannot do anything morally evil or inconsistent with His goodness. James 1:13 affirms that God neither tempts anyone to sin nor is He Himself tempted by evil.

Because God is good, His purposes for creation are also good. However, the existence of suffering does not contradict His goodness when we view it through the lens of His eternal purposes.

Suffering is one of life’s greatest challenges, raising serious questions about God’s nature, His plans for humanity, and how we are to live in the midst of pain. For many believers, the experience of suffering often prompts a difficult but necessary reflection: What does suffering mean for us, and is it ultimately good?

At first glance, the question may seem counterintuitive. How could something as unpleasant as suffering be considered "good"? Yet, Scripture, theology, and experience provide rich answers that reshape our understanding of suffering, its purpose, and its place in the life of faith.

The problem of evil has long been a point of contention, eliciting deep questions about the nature of God, human responsibility, and divine providence. A recent article questioning the theological implications of perceived divine intervention, such as narrowly avoiding tragedy, compelled me to revisit this age-old issue. The article raised challenging questions about God’s role in human suffering, His sovereignty, and the apparent selectivity of His intervention. These questions resonate with many who grapple with reconciling the existence of evil and suffering with the goodness and omnipotence of God. The following exploration of the problem of evil, grounded in theological principles, seeks to provide a framework for addressing such concerns.

In Chapter 18 of The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer masterfully presents the mercy of God as an eternal, inexhaustible, and unchanging attribute of His divine nature. Tozer’s reflection on God’s mercy invites us to move beyond merely admiring it from a distance to personally embracing and experiencing it in our daily lives.

“It has often been said that you cannot take it with you.” Yet, as Kuykendall insightfully reminds us, there is one thing we can take with us—glory. Romans 8:17 reveals the astonishing truth that believers, as joint-heirs with Christ, will share in His glory. This is not merely a distant hope but a transformative reality that shapes how we view suffering and eternity.

Ephesians 5:16 urges us to "redeem the time," a phrase that speaks to the urgency and intentionality needed in making the most of every God-given opportunity. As A.B. Simpson notes, the Greek phrase ton kairon emphasizes specific moments filled with divine potential. These moments, like rare treasures in the desert, must be seized before they pass.

Oswald Chambers' reflection on Philippians 1:20 reminds us of the centrality of surrender in the Christian life. Paul’s determination to honor Christ with "fearless courage" speaks to a life wholly devoted to God's purposes. This is a call for us to live without reservation, offering our utmost for His highest, even when obedience comes at great personal cost.

On this first day of the new year, Day by Day by Grace reminds us of the immeasurable riches we have received through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:9, this devotional reveals the beauty and depth of God’s grace, extended freely to us through the poverty and sacrifice of Jesus. Let’s explore this grace, its significance, and its transforming power in our lives.

Today’s Abide Above devotional encourages us to start the year with an undivided hunger for God. Drawing from Psalm 119:2, it highlights the unparalleled blessing of seeking the Lord with our whole hearts. Let us consider how we can make this pursuit our supreme goal for 2024, exchanging our "puny, worthless all" for the One who is All in All (Romans 11:36).

In his devotional, Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall uses the metaphor of marriage to illustrate the believer’s transition from living under the law to living in union with Christ. Drawing from Romans 7:1-4, Kuykendall reminds us that believers are called to sever their "marriage" to the law through death, enabling a new, intimate relationship with Jesus. This transformation is crucial for bearing fruit to God.

A.B. Simpson’s devotional for December 31 draws attention to the high calling placed upon every believer. As followers of Christ, we are not merely here to exist; we are sent with purpose, representing the King of Kings in a world that desperately needs to see His light. Simpson compares our role to that of ambassadors, entrusted with a divine message for a foreign land. This poignant image reminds us that while we live in this world, our true home is with the Lord.

Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest for December 31 is a fitting reflection for the end of the year. It addresses the God of our yesterdays, today, and tomorrow, offering a timely reminder that our security lies not in our own efforts, but in the faithful care of the Lord. Chambers challenges us to confront the irreparable nature of our past, the uncertainties of the future, and the opportunities of today—all under the loving gaze of God.

In Chapter 17 of The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer reflects on the justice of God, an attribute that is foundational to understanding His character. Justice is not merely a principle God follows—it is intrinsic to who He is. Tozer’s prayer at the chapter’s start captures this beautifully: a love for God’s justice and a recognition of its role in upholding the universe’s moral order.

Tozer clarifies that God's justice is not something imposed upon Him but flows directly from His nature. Justice, as an expression of His being, reflects His moral equity and fairness in all situations. This understanding reveals that God's justice is never in conflict with His other attributes, such as mercy or goodness. Instead, they work in perfect harmony.

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

As we close another year, it is humbling and awe-inspiring to reflect on the manifold grace of God—a grace so multifaceted, it resembles a diamond, each facet revealing a unique aspect of its brilliance. From justification to sanctification, God’s grace remains a constant source of life and transformation for His children.

Let us take time to marvel at the beauty of this grace that saves, sustains, and strengthens us, and consider how we can continue to grow in it in the days ahead.