“Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land.”

— Exodus 11:10

God is sovereign over all things, and yet he has—in his providence—given us free will.

These two truths are perhaps the most paradoxical we could possibly imagine, and yet they are true. This passage is one of those when these two truths seem to collide. There’s a bigger picture that we may miss though, if we don’t view this verse through the greater canon of Scripture.

In Romans 1, we read:

“Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.”

Romans 1:22-23

How true this is, and especially of the Pharaoh. You can look to the scripture for evidence, or the walls of the great Egyptian pyramids themselves. The historic record is teeming with evidence proving this to be true. He worshipped created things, not least himself. What is God’s response?

“Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity”

Romans 1:24a

This might be hard, goodness it is only half way through January and we’re already hitting some of the more difficult verses in the Bible, but if we don’t face them now it is possible that we never will.

The truth is that for all of us who believe, we were once running full hilt away from God. What is harder, to have allowed us to keep going, to deliver us where wanted to go already? Or, to turn us around, so that we might repent before him?

In God’s providence, he allows and he invites. When we come across Scriptures like these, it should lead us to praise. How far gone were we when we relied on our own desires? How many leagues closer to are we to his eternal throne now?

As we pray today, thank him for saving you, or ask him to do so now.

Let’s pray.

Praying Through Scripture

Lord,

What wonders have you wrought in my soul alone,Not least that you saw the hardened stone which I called my heart,and you turned it to flesh in a moment, and now keep it beating with love for you.

May I never harden my heart towards you again,Like Pharaoh did towards you,Never give me up to my desires,but instead turn my desire towards you.

Let me never claim to be wise in my own eyesLest I become a fool, exchanging your immortal glory for a lie.Leave no stone unturned, no idolatry, whether for mortal man,For created things, or for creations of my own mind.

Don’t give me up to the impure lusts of my heart,but deliver me from evil, even that which springs from within.

Amen

Today’s Readings

* John 8

* Psalm 25

* Exodus 9-11

Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

— 1 Chronicles 3:11-15

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A recommendation from Mrs R today. If you're anything like Mrs R, you've wondered why women's hats went from being required at every possible occasion to optional every now and then. If so, this is for you!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“What were you doing yesterday evening?” asked the detective.

What do you say? “I was alone officer, reading, in my living room.” Well, that’s not gonna convince anyone. You don’t even know what your suspected of yet, you don’t have a good alibi, and they’re not just gonna take you on your word that you were sitting with a glass of wine and a copy of Calvin’s institutes.

You need a witness to prove your innocence.

In this passage we get to see one of those cosmic events in which the temporal world begins to sing in harmony with eternity. Jesus hasn’t yet been tried, but in the court of public opinion the jury was still out. Jesus is called to the stand,

I am the one who bears witness about myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness about me.” They said to him therefore, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

— John 8:18-19

Strong words.

Who else could Jesus swear by though? John’s gospel opens with a retelling of the creation narrative. Jesus is testifying here to being the light of the world, but more than he’s identifying himself with the Father. He isn’t only the light of the world, but the one through whom every light was breathed into existence. Were his prosecutors there when the foundations of the world were laid? When God made a covenant with Abraham, he bore witness to his own faithfulness.

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”

— Hebrews 6:13–14

Jesus is doing the same here.

By whose name could he swear that is greater than his own?

As we pray, think about Jesus witness and another cosmic trial which is about to take place. You’ll appear before the prosecution. You’ll stand trial for your crimes, who will take the stand to witness on your behalf? Who will stand in your place? Who took the punishment that trial should end with?

Let’s pray.

Praying Through Scripture

Lord,

You have born witness about yourself,Through your life, you proved your guiltlessness before the world,In your death, you took on the guilt of that same world,Into your resurrection, we are now called to the home of all homes.

Most blessed Saviour, thank you for revealing yourself to me,by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit,by whom I am being conformed to your image.Now I know you, I know the Father also.

Amen

Today’s Readings

* John 8

* Psalm 25

* Exodus 9-11

Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, Amon his son, Josiah his son. The sons of Josiah: Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

— 1 Chronicles 3:11-15

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We’ve just passed the two week mark. The new year precipitated hundreds of fresh goals per capita, but like each morning’s fresh layer of precipitation, much of this has already evaporated. What is the point of goals, is there a deeper yearning they speak to, and in that light how can we form a healthier relationship with them? Check out Bob Allen’s latest piece for more on this:

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

God has given us a plenteous bounty of voices from the history of the church to listen to and learn from. Last week, we joined a man named Augustine, the first of our historical guides, but this week we’re not travelling back quite so far. This entire series was inspired by a man named Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, who once wrote a devotional book called “Morning & Evening.”

Today’s devotional is taken from the penultimate entry of his book, originally meant for the last day of the year, but it still has something to say to us today.

Listen to his words today wherever you are, and then spend some time reading the word of God this morning.

Today’s Readings:

* John 7

* Psalm 24

* Exodus 6-8

* 1 Chronicles 3:6-10

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true;he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

— Psalm 18:30

In the early verses of this Psalm, you might be forgiven for thinking David is a little too full of himself. He seems to be claiming a perfect version of himself, one we know for certain did not exist. By this time David has committed more than few significant sins. However, God has kept him. This Psalm isn’t written by David alone though, it was inspired by the Spirit, and like many of the Psalms, is written about another also.

“For who is God, but the Lord?And who is a rock, except our God?”

— Psalm 18:31

I encourage you to go and read this Psalm today and imagine putting on Jesus’ righteousness. How does it feel? Probably a little heavy if we’re honest with ourselves. Are we blameless? Have our feet not slipped?

Jesus is the only one who could say these things in his own strength, but like David, we’re called to do the same!

“the God who equipped me with strengthand made my way blameless.”

— Psalm 18:32

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Your way alone is perfect;You are the way, the truth, and the life,Your word proves true, over and over,Again and again I find you faithful,

You have been my shield all these yearsa refuge, a stronghold, and the rock of my salvation.

You have equipped me with strength,You have made my way blameless.In my own strength I would have faltered beyond repair,but you have treated me, a sinner, without reproach.My sin and shame would have witnessed against me,but in the name of your Son, I have put on righteousness.

Thank you for your everlasting love,

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 4, Psalm 17, Psalm 18

Nahshon fathered Salmon, Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse. Jesse fathered Eliab his firstborn, Abinadab the second, Shimea the third, Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, Ozem the sixth, David the seventh.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?

Well.

Just a few verses later, we read:

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

— John 3:19

When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.

When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.

Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1

The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2

Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,

I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.

Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,

Bring your people home.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:6-103

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I have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“Pay… attention.”

I love that phrase.

It feels more poignant than ever. These days most of us pay social media giants, streaming services, and host of other companies and conglomerates a portion of our attention in return for entertainment, or targeted services. What’s more, they do such a good job of convincing us that this investment is worthwhile that over the past decade or so they have diverted our “attention investment” away from family, friends, and churches, in order that we might reinvest them there.

The writer of Hebrews suggests a better plan.

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard,lest we drift away from it.”

Hebrews 2:1

What have you heard? How would you articulate the good news? Are there particular Bible verses you hold dear? It is all very well seeking to invest our attention well, but first we need to identify where it should go. That’s where the angels come in.

“For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”

Hebrews 2:2-3a

Every now and then I’ll catch a clip of Shark Tank in the US, or Dragon’s Den over here, and one question comes up again and again. It doesn’t matter how good to pitch was, they want to know how the business is faring so far. The moral: Never invest in anything that hasn’t proven true. The angels came with news of Jesus birth and resurrection, they were dazzling, heavenly beings, with great power. That isn’t the amazing part though. The shepherds found the boy they spoke of, and hundreds saw the resurrected Jesus. This news is something worth investing in. It proved true.

“It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard”

Hebrews 2:3b

What next? Well, we do what the disciples did. This gospel—the good news—didn’t remain in their minds, for them alone to dwell on. If we truly give our attention, our lives, our everything to God, then we will share it with others. Can you attest to God’s goodness in your own life? Who then can you share it with? The writer of Hebrews goes further.

“while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

Hebrews 2:4

In churches the world over today, these gifts are still at work. Pastors are exercising the gift of teaching, others have been blessed with hospitality in abundance, and wise and discerning members of church communities are helping others to wade through spiritual wildernesses. Our God was, and is, and is to come. He spoke before any other word was spoken, and still speaks today.

Pay attention.

Jesus is still moving, his body on earth acting on his behalf.

That should be wondrous to us. Therefore…

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Thank you for the many ways by which you have proven your faithfulness.For your Word from the beginning,For your messengers from heaven and earth,For the preaching we will hear today,For the gifts you have given your church,by which you build us up in the faith.

Help us to hold firm to these truths today,and pay close attention to the news we have heard.Let it ever be on our lips, on our mind,and the driving force behind our steps.

Amen

Today’s Readings

Hebrews 2:1-4

Psalm 22

Exodus 1-3

Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah; she was the mother of Onam. The sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerahmeel: Maaz, Jamin, and Eker. The sons of Onam: Shammai and Jada. The sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. The name of Abishur's wife was Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. The sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim; and Seled died childless.

— 1 Chronicles 2:26-30

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?

Well.

Just a few verses later, we read:

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

— John 3:19

When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.

When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.

Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1

The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2

Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,

I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.

Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,

Bring your people home.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:6-103

Recommended Media to Start Your Day

I have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

— Psalm 15:1

In so many ways the entire Bible hinges on this verse and others like it. The question in its most basic form is, “who can get to heaven?” When Jesus dwelled among us, people would constantly come to him and ask about what they needed in order to earn eternal life. There’s a brilliant moment in Luke 10 in which Jesus turns the question back on the person asking. “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” (Luke 10:26)

Throughout Jesus’ life, the tension on earth begins to rise. It is as though the air itself grew heavy in anticipation of God’s kingdom, and as Jesus died, everything froze. I think often about those three long days, in which disciples scattered, a mother mourned, and countless people heard the news of the travelling preacher who died flanked by criminals on a cross. I am sure that in those days, eternal life couldn’t have felt more impossible.

This man who breathed life into the universe, had died.

Then.

Jesus appeared once, twice, to a few and to many, until the moment when he was to leave. The thin ice that stood as a barrier between heaven and earth smashed, and we were invited to cross over. Suddenly, we could sojourn in the tent of the Lord, we could dwell on his holy hill. Not by our own works, or our own righteous, but his.

“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?”

Who has ascended to heaven and come down?Who has gathered the wind in his fists?Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?Who has established all the ends of the earth?What is his name, and what is his son’s name?

Surely you know!

Proverbs 30:4

Today, we’re gonna pray through Psalm 15 together. As we do, think on Jesus, his life, his death, his resurrection, his ascension, and his invitation to come into his kingdom.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

He who walks blamelessly and does what is rightand speaks truth in his heart;who does not slander with his tongueand does no evil to his neighbor,nor takes up a reproach against his friend;in whose eyes a vile person is despised,but who honors those who fear the Lord;who swears to his own hurt and does not change;who does not put out his money at interestand does not take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:6-10

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You will often see me in suits, no matter the time of year or the function or event I’m attending. That really goes back to my school days wearing uniform—which is standard here in the UK—and so I’ll often be asked where people should go to buy blazers, or sports coats, or suits etc. The genuine answer is that of the dozens of suits I’ve bought over the years, only a handful have been new, and of those only a couple were full price. This won’t be applicable to everyone watching, but perhaps you have a husband, or a father, or friend who is wanting to splash out a bit this year. Why not buy a pre-loved treasure instead, using the tips and tricks in this video?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZpyVEBw8LE

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

John 3:16 might be the most famous verse in the Bible. Why? It encompasses the very heart of the gospel, in a way that anyone can understand. What possible reason would people have to deny this good news then?

Well.

Just a few verses later, we read:

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.”

— John 3:19

When I was a teenager, I attended a camp where we got to take part in dozens of different physical and mental activities to test ourselves and work together in the process. One of my favourites was an underground maze with tunnels and rooms, 90% of which was in complete darkness. We sat in the first room for about five minutes until our eyes adjusted, and then we headed off, each in different directions. The twist was that you would occasionally find spots of light, either from a well placed bulb, or above ground window, which would wipe out your dark vision almost instantly. You had two choices when you began to see the light. Keep both eyes firmly closed, and feel your way around the rooms, or close one eye, so that when you were back in the dark your eyes would adjust more quickly. You did whatever you had to in order to remain in complete darkness.

When some people hear the good news, it feels very much like this. The light comes in and threatens to wipe out their ability to navigate their present darkness. They have given so much time, and effort, and sometimes even love, to remain there and the light would destroy that.

Some don't even know they’re doing until it is too late. They will step one foot into the darkness, and then another, until it simply becomes their new norm.1

The sad truth is that some people will never turn away. They might occasionally open one eye to walk through the light on the way to a continued life in darkness, but others will simply shut their eyes, blinding themselves further as they make their way swiftly on. The is hope though. We that are in Christ know what it was like, “for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”2

Our response should never be to lose hope over those who still stumble in the darkness, but to walk around as beacons of light.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Thank you for your great love, through which you gave your only Son,So that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We know, Lord, that whoever believes in Jesus’ name is not condemned,but whoever does not believe has chosen the darkness over the light.We pray now for those we love, who love the darkness rather than the light.In those times when my heart is tempted to lose hope,Remind me of my life before you, the hopelessness that predated my hope,and for the way you drew me towards yourself, into your eternal light,

I thank you that you exposed my inward being,That you brought my darkness into your light,Cleansing me from my sin and shame.

Draw them towards yourself Lord,Bring those works of darkness into the Light,So that what is true may come to the light,

Bring your people home.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 3, Psalm 15, Psalm 16

The sons of Zerah: Zimri, Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Dara, five in all. The son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who broke faith in the matter of the devoted thing; and Ethan's son was Azariah. The sons of Hezron that were born to him: Jerahmeel, Ram, and Chelubai. Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, prince of the sons of Judah.

1 Chronicles 2:6-103

Recommended Media to Start Your Day

I have a fun one for you this morning, in which an interior designer takes a look at spaces submitted by her subscribers, which they’d like the improve. It is a great background video, and you might even pick up some tips along the way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfHzBsHRIj0

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:5-6

Imagine you have been lost at sea. Half frozen, clinging to a floating door. Soon your fingers give out, and you drift, just about treading water. Your head bobs back and forth, under, above, under, above, under, under. You see a light. Then a hand reaches down and grasps yours. You have no strength left, but this man puts every newton of his power into pulling you up. You can barely breathe. As he drys, and covers, and warms you, some semblance of normality begins to return and…

What do you use your first breath to do?

We have been saved.

Just stop and think about that for a second.

We were lost. Completely lost. Jesus came down and saved us.

Last week we talked about singing God’s praises, but today, let’s remember to trust the one who thrust his hand down below the waves, and pulled us out of certain death.

As you breathe in God’s grace this evening, stop and hold it in your chest. As you breathe out, let that grace transform into praise.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Forgive me for those moments when I have not trusted in your steadfast love,

I trust you,I trust in you,I trust in your steadfast love;

My heart rejoices in your salvation,and shall continue to rejoice all my days

I will sing to the Lord,I will pour out my thanks to you,God, how bountifully have you dealt with me.

Thank You Lord,

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 2, Psalm 13, Psalm 14

These are the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

The sons of Judah: Er, Onan and Shelah; these three Bath-shua the Canaanite bore to him. Now Er, Judah’s firstborn, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and he put him to death. His daughter-in-law Tamar also bore him Perez and Zerah. Judah had five sons in all. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul.

1 Chronicles 2:1-5

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https://ishahnaomi.substack.com/p/thoughts-on-the-abundant-life

Nicholas McDonald is a literary alchemist. He can synthesise the most disparate elements of life into one cohesive thought, because he seems to be able to see the natural points of connection between them. This latest article is no exception.

https://thebardowl.substack.com/p/the-simon-and-garfunkel-option

“Jesus is coming back to put a final end to evil, suffering, and sorrow. But he never promised that end would be today. Instead, he promises that his mercies are new every morning (Lam. 2:22-23), and his grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9). Weakness is the fertile ground in which God’s power grows.”

— Matt Boga

https://mattboga.substack.com/p/what-if-the-new-year-has-old-pain

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