Posted by Ray Pritchard on 7.26.12 in Devotional, Theology
Psalm 37 contains some of the most precious promises in the Word of God. But those promises coexist with some straight talk about the existence of evildoers. These words written 3000 years ago perfectly describe life in the 21st century. How should we bring together the blunt talk and the promises of God? Four considerations will help us.1. Ev…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 7.25.12 in Devotional, Theology
In Psalm 37 David presents a very realistic view of the eventual destiny of all evildoers:1. They will soon wither like the grass (v. 2).2. They will be cut off (v. 9).3. They will disappear from the earth (v. 10).4. They will face a day of certain judgment (v. 13).5. They will be brought down by their own devices (v. 15).6. Their power will be utt…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 7.24.12 in Devotional, Theology
Recently while reading through Psalm 37, I was struck by how frank David is about the evildoers in the world:1. They do wrong (v. 1).2. They often succeed in their wicked schemes (v. 7).3. They plot against the righteous (v. 12).4. They attack the poor and needy (v. 14).5. They are often wealthy and powerful (v. 16-17).6. They borrow and do not rep…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 7.18.12 in Devotional
“They would have had opportunity to return” (Hebrews 11:15).This ought to get our attention. Living by faith is a conscious choice. No one is forced to live like this.It is always possible to go back to the “old country.” There are always friends who will show you the way. And they will drive you themselves if you are afraid…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 7.14.12 in Devotional
Several days ago H. B. Charles Jr. reprinted a poem by Portia Nelson called Autobiography in Five Short Chapters. In reading it for the first time, I was struck by its profound simplicity. It says a great deal in only a few sentences. Here it is . . .
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 6.14.12 in Devotional
I happened to hear the end of a sermon in which Erwin Lutzer addressed an important question: “How do you distinguish between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the accusations of the devil concerning our sin?” Dr. Lutzer’s answer was short and to the point. The devil enjoys accusing us about things that God has already forgive…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 6.4.12 in Devotional
Over the weekend I received a note from a pastor who serves in a distant land. He told me about a strange illness that has afflicted his daughter. For years his daughter was confined to a wheelchair. After sixteen operations she now walks only with difficulty and in much pain. To this point the doctors have offered no clear diagnosis.With that back…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 5.24.12 in Apologetics, Current Events, Devotional
What do we do now?Sometimes it seems as if society has completely lost its moral compass. Where do Christians fit in? How do we speak the truth in love when basic values are under attack? I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately, and for me the answer comes back to three simple words that describe what we need at this moment in history:Tena…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 5.19.12 in Bible Study Resources, Devotional
First of all, buy an iPad.That’s not what this blog entry is all about, but go ahead and do it. The method of Bible listening I’m going to recommend works best with a smartphone or an iPad.Last January I started using two iPad apps in my daily Quiet Time. I use YouVersion for my Bible reading and Bible.Is for my Bible listening. I start…
Posted by Ray Pritchard on 5.3.12 in Devotional, Theology
Someone recently turned in this question: I’ve struggled with assurance of salvation for years. Could it be that I’m not one of the Elect? Here is my answer:The short answer to your question is that your struggles are proof of the opposite, that you are indeed a child of God. A truly lost person has no desire to know the Lord and would h…
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