In 1 Samuel 8, the people want an earthly king to lead them, “like all the nations” (v. 5). Like the ancient Israelites, today God’s people often reject his kingship and instead follow the ways of the world around them.

In a world full of idols and temptations, Christians are blessed by repenting for sin and obeying Jesus’ word.

Christians can still thrive even when the world has all the power and simply believing in Jesus and living for him is risky. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer… Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10)

In his letters to the seven churches, Jesus commends the churches for holding truth tightly, corrects their waning witness and promises a forever reunion.

Christians can experience blessing even when the world’s values and power structures make following Jesus challenging. God’s people, loved, freed and purposed through a present, powerful Redeemer, can thrive in challenging environments.

What happens at baptism, why, and the goodness of it all, is so significant that it is one of the last instructions Jesus gives to the church (Matt. 28:18-20).

Like signposts, sacraments point to things, and like a certificate of authenticity, they affirm as true the truths they point to.

The Lord’s Supper is a meal that tells me whose I am.

The Word of God is our only sure source of comfort and courage in this sin impacted and troubled world. Psalm 119:17-24 encourages the people of God to be resilient during troubled times by seeking comfort in God’s works and finding courage in God’s Word.

God uses his word to transform our desires and our delights.

Psalm 119 celebrates the gift of God’s Word, how the God of grace uses his word of grace to promote transformation in the lives of the people he saves.