“He went out, not knowing whither he went.” (Hebrews 11:8)

Oswald Chambers’ thought-provoking devotional reminds us of the radical trust demonstrated by Abraham when he obeyed God’s call, venturing into the unknown without any detailed explanation or roadmap. Abraham’s story is not merely ancient history—it’s an invitation for us to live with the same unreserved dependence on God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father; full of grace and truth…And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for [upon] grace.” (John 1:14, 16)

The grace of God is more than a concept or a doctrine; it is a person. Jesus Christ embodies the fullness of God's grace. As John 1:14 reveals, when the Word became flesh and lived among us, He demonstrated divine grace and truth perfectly. His life, His words, and His actions were a living message from the Father—a message brimming with transformative grace. Let’s explore this beautiful message with guidance from today’s Day by Day by Grace devotional.

Our Christian journey often circles back to one central truth: we are not self-sufficient. The life we are called to live, one of bearing fruit for God’s glory, is not something we produce through our own effort or striving. Instead, it is the natural outcome of abiding in Christ, our Vine, who provides everything we need.

A.J. Gordon’s words in today’s Abide Above devotional beautifully illustrate this principle: “The vine furnishes the branches, not only with the principle of life, but with the type of life.” As branches, we are not responsible for creating the fruit or even shaping it—we are merely vessels through which the life of the Vine flows. Just as the root determines the branch’s form, taste, and fragrance, so too does Christ’s life within us shape every detail of our spiritual growth.

The problem of evil is one of the biggest questions we face as believers. If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil and suffering? This isn’t just a philosophical puzzle—it’s personal. We’ve all seen pain up close, and we’ve all asked why.

To make sense of this, we turn to two perspectives that have helped believers across the ages: the Free Will Defense and what I like to call the Christ-Centered Redemptive View. Together, these ideas don’t just explain the existence of evil—they show how God works through it to bring about something far greater than we can imagine

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.