“Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4 ESV). Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth about the “God of all comfort” who comforted His people in every

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1 ESV). Solomon taught his readers that some things were worth far more than wealth. A “good name” meant more than being well known. It described a reputation that grew out of wisdom, integrity, faithfulness,

“And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you” (Psalm 39:7 ESV). David wrote Psalm 39 while wrestling with the brevity of life, the emptiness of human striving, the burden of suffering, and his own sinfulness. He considered how quickly life passes, describing his days as only a few handbreadths

“I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin” (Psalm 38:18 ESV). David wrote Psalm 38 as a deeply penitential prayer to the Lord, giving God’s people words for those times when the weight of sin and its consequences feels overwhelming. David was suffering physically, abandoned by friends, opposed by enemies, and painfully aware

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33 ESV). Writing to the believers in Corinth, the apostle Paul addressed the disorder that had developed in their gathered worship, especially in the exercise of spiritual gifts. The word translated “confusion” carried the

“So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV). Writing to the believers in Corinth, Paul addressed their strong interest in spiritual gifts. He did not condemn their zeal, but redirected it. They were eager for manifestations of the Spirit,

“Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur” (Esther 9:26 ESV). The author of Esther told his Jewish readers why the annual feast of Purim received its name. “Pur” meant “lot,” referring to the lots Haman had cast to determine the day on which he planned to destroy the Jews. But what Haman

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7 ESV). David had just described the deceitfulness and wickedness of sinful people. Then he lifted his eyes from the character of the wicked to the character of God. He had declared that Gods

How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions! (Psalm 35:17 ESV). David wrote this psalm while surrounded by enemies who had repaid his kindness with betrayal. He addressed God directly, crying out with a raw and honest question. Notice what David did not ask.

Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love (Nehemiah 13:22 ESV). Nehemiah wrote these words as a governor returning to a city