Monthly Archives: August 2023

The Question Is, Do You Believe It?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,… (Ephesians 3:20 ESV) Paul pauses in his letter to the Ephesian believers to offer a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Peter, Devotion, Ephesians | Tagged Faith, God's Glory, God's Grace, God's Power, God's Protection, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Leave a comment

The Blessing of the Lord in Our Security and Protection

Posted on August 25, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Psalm 127:1b ESV) Last time we considered the Lord’s providence in our daily labors, or vocation. Now the broader issue of our safety and security is addressed. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark, Matthew, Psalms | Tagged Bible, Blessing, Bold Prayer, Faith, Faithfulness, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Salvation, Sin, Solomon, Vocation, WSC | Leave a comment

The Blessing of the Lord in Daily Activity and Industry

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Unless the Lord builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain. (Psalm 127:1a CSB) The question is: do you believe it? Caveat: in no way does this mean we “let go and let God.” After all, did Paul … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Family, Father in Heaven, God's Call, God's Glory, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Labor, Prayer, Psalm 127, Vocation, Work | Leave a comment

Sandwiched Between Lovingkindness

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord. The Lord has disciplined me severely, but he has not given me over to death. (Psalm 118:17-18) The typical heading for Psalm 118 in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Atonement, Dependent Discipline, Faith, God's Grace, God's Love, Gospel, Jesus, Pray, Prayer, Prayers, Sanctification, Spiritual Discipline | Leave a comment

Open the Door and the Light Shines Through

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 The famous acrostic Psalm 119 continues to grow in my heart as one of my favorite parts of Scripture. The psalmist’s meditations upon and applications … Continue reading →

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A Good Word for the Restless

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) I was very restless yesterday afternoon. I was to the point I was ready to jump through the wall and leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, John, Matthew | Tagged Bible, Burdened, Conviction, Courage, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Restoration, Spiritual Rest, Weary, Word, Word of Christ, Word of God | Leave a comment

Jerusalem Praise Psalms (93-100): God Knows—what a relief!

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Is he deaf—the one who made your ears? Is he blind—the one who formed your eyes? (Psalm 94:9 NLT) What great questions… with obvious answers to each. NO! NO! What a relief and what a consolation to know that God … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Courage, Evil, Faith, Fear, God's Glory, Goodness, Gospel, Grace, Holiness, Jesus, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, Omniscience, Prayer, Psalms, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: Astonishment at Jesus’ Teaching

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. (Mark 1:22 CSB) It seems that Jesus preached without notes. He had no study filled with commentaries and systematic theologies. He … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark | Tagged Authority of Scripture, Christ's Divinity, Demons, Divine Authority, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Jesus' authority, Jesus' divinity, Mark, Mark's Gospel, Salvation, Unclean spirits | Leave a comment

Jerusalem Praise Psalms: God’s Holy Attire

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 96:9a CSB) J. A. Motyer notes that there are smaller collections of psalms within the five divisions of the Psalter. He lists, for example, Psalms 93-100 as Jerusalem Praise. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Obedience, Obeying God, Praise, Praising God, Prayer, Psalm, Salvation, Witness, Witness for Christ, Worship | Leave a comment

More than a Job!

Posted on August 8, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands— establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17 CSB) Do you call it the daily grind? Does it seem to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Calling, Corporate Worship, Faith, Generosity, Moses, Praise, Praising God, Prayer, Sanctification, Vocation, Work, Work Ethic, Worship | Leave a comment