Today’s Walk in the Word

How often should I forgive someone who sins against me?           —Matthew 18:21 Keep replaying the scene where you were wronged, and when you come to the end, it isn’t THE END. The end is bitterness. Peter asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” […]

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.     —Philippians 4:13 “I can’t get over my bitterness.’ “I can’t conquer my temptation.” “I can’t forgive my spouse.” “I can’t overcome my resentment.” “I can’t control my tongue.” Is “can’t” the right word? Or would a more accurate word be “won’t”? “What I […]

Let us examine our ways and test them.                   —Lamentations 3:40 Self-examination is frequently self-deceptive because we are skillful at self-justification. When we compare ourselves with others, we lean toward comparing our virtues with their vices. We are more tolerant of our own weaknesses and sins than […]

My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.   —Matthew 26:38 In the little church where I did my first full-time preaching, there was a sweet couple who lost three children before they reached school age. I couldn’t fathom the depth of their agony and hadn’t a clue how to console them. […]

I press on toward the goal.       —Philippians 3:14 The piano sits idle. It is full of the music of Vladimir Horowitz, Frederic Chopin, and Ludwig van Beethoven—but only from the fingers of hours of disciplined dedication. Whether you do or don’t spend hours running the scales is your decision—but if you want […]

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.    —1 Corinthians 9:25 Self-discipline. Groan. Must I? Only if you want to win. I don’t recall the testimony of any winner who didn’t include self-discipline as an ingredient that helped get them there. No athlete wins without it. No weight-loss program is maintained without […]

Do not dwell on the past.           —Isaiah 43:18 Baseball legend Yogi Berra’s Mets were losing big time in 1973 when he said, “It ain’t over till it’s over.” Sure enough, his team won the division title. His similar, “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings,” is probably south of […]

Nothing is too hard for you.           —Jeremiah 32:17 You believe that God hears and answers prayer because you have measured the problems you’ve had by the prayers you’ve prayed and the answers you have received. So you set prayer over against the troubles you presently have or those you may […]

[God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.                                    —2 Peter 3:9 Looking back on my life, I am astonished by God’s patience. He has gently waited for me to learn […]

How far will they go among so many?                            —John 6:9 “Hey, lad, whatcha got in the bag?’ “Lunch.” “Will you share it?” “Umm, I guess. It’s just a snack.” Jesus unpacked it: five bite-size biscuits and two sardines. He looked up to […]