Wscal - Morning Devotions

Not only does the Lord love to lavish his grace to multitudes of people, to see them multiply to become a countless choir to sing his praise (as we saw in the first meditation on Acts 6:1-7); but he also delights in diversity—different kinds of people, speaking different languages and practicing different customs. 

Wisdom literature gives us a window into the sufferings of Christ, which help us to understand our own trials as our divine vocation.

As the gospel and God's great name was advancing to the Samaritans in Acts 8, Simon the Great was trying to advance his own name. 

Dr. Baugh discusses the skill of godly living from the Psalms and Proverbs.

The Jerusalem church’s appointment of seven servants to care for widows is a pivotal event in the spread of Christ’s gospel after the Holy Spirit’s descent at Pentecost.

Dr. Godfrey's Fall 2016 opening convocation from Ephesians 4.

An exploration of Deuteronomy 6:4ff that shows the importance of teaching others in the church about Christ.

The Lord comforts us through the resurrection comfort of Christ, and does this so that we may then pass this comfort on to others as they suffer.

Paul corrects the church in Corinth's worldly view of spiritual gifts by grounding the use of all gifts in love.

 Jesus' life proved that humility leads to glory. It is only when we see how much we have been served by Christ when we can forsake ourselves and count it a joy to follow in the example of Christ--and wash the feet of the saints. It is through suffering and humility that we follow in Christ's footsteps, and through suffering we can rejoice until our mortal bodies are glorified. 

To those who are weary and tired, Paul exhorts them to "not lose heart."  How is this possible?  While the afflictions are momentary, eternal glory awaits for those who are in Christ. 

 God makes faithful ministers through prayer, study, and suffering. Over the years he purposes to diminish our self-confidence and bring us into greater dependence on grace. The ever increasing discovery of our weakness makes us increasingly effective shepherds of God's flock.

The Apostle Paul's defense of his ministry against the accusations of the self-described "super apostles" and other critics is instructive for ministers young and old. In contrast to theirs, his ministry began with God's mercy to sinners in Christ, was conducted in the open for all to see, and unlike his critics, his preaching and life were consistent.

God's incomprehensible love means we should stand in awe of who he is.

In 2 Cor 4:3–6, Paul asserts the deadly work of Satan on unbelievers blinding them to the glory and life-giving light of Christ in his gospel which believers know and which shapes his ministry.

 As Paul encourages Timothy to press on in his ministry, he describes the Gospel and its spread. It is all the work of God, and yet the Lord's servants play a crucial role. 

Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness replicated key moments of human faithlessness. Where others—like Adam, Israel, and you and me—failed, he remained faithful. 

Jesus makes clear to three would-be disciples that following Him means self-denial, suffering, and sacrifice.

The word of God has the power to destroy strongholds of the world through the gospel. It will accomplish the ends for which God has set it forth.

Our faith is inflamed with the beauty, the truth, and the goodness of the gospel.