space for grace

January 7th THE PSALMS Psalm 31 Psalm 30-34 Into Thy hand I commit my spirit, thou hast redeemed me, Jehovah God of truth. Psalm 31:5, Young’s Literal Translation Theme: Into Your hands. Background: David’s problems, prayers and praises. 31:5 “Into your hand I commit my...

January 6th THE PSALMS Psalm 24-29 Psalm 27 One thing I have asked from Yahweh; it I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of Yahweh, and to consider his temple. Psalm 27:4, Lexham English Bible Theme: Confidence in God’s...

January 5th THE PSALMS Psalm 19-23 Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd [to feed, guide and shield me]; I shall not lack. Psalm 23:1, Amplified Bible, Classic Edition Theme: From PASTURE through the PIT into the PALACE! Background: David celebrates the security afforded by God’s...

January 4th THE PSALMS Psalm 16 Psalm 14-18 You will make known to me the path of life; In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11, New American Standard Bible Theme: The Joy of being God’s. Background: David’s deep trust is...

January 3rd THE PSALMS Psalm 8-13 Psalm 13 How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? Psalm 13:1, New American Standard Bible Theme: How long? Background: Under pressure, David feels forgotten...

January 2nd THE PSALMS Psalm 1-7 Psalm 1 His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2, New American Standard Bible Theme: Two contrasting ways. Background: Psalm 1 sets the tone for the book, pointing to the Blessed Man, Jesus...

January 1st THE PSALMS Today, listen to a few one-minute audio recordings of Psalm 1 from various translations. Background For the Lord is great and is highly praised; He is feared above all gods. Splendour and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm...

THE PARABLES | The Two Foundations (Luke 6:46-49) He is like a man building a house who dug and made deep and placed the foundation upon the rock; and when the flood came the river burst upon the house and it was not able to shake it because it was well built. Luke 6:48, Power New...

THE PARABLES | The Sheep and Goats (Matt 25:31-46) When the Son of Man comes in His splendor, and all the angels with Him, He will take His seat on His splendid throne, and all the nations will be gathered before him, and He will separate them from one another, just as a shepherd separates...

THE PARABLES | The Ten Virgins (Matt 25:1-13) Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. Matthew 25:1-2, Revised Standard Version Context: In those days an important...

THE PARABLES | The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10) In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God's angels over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10, The NET Bible Context: Luke 15 is the chapter about the search for lost sinners: a lost sheep, coin and son. A drachma coin...

THE PARABLES | The Two Sons (Matt 21:28-31) “Which of the two did the father’s will?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “In truth I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31, The New Jerusalem Bible...

THE PARABLES The Minas (Luke 19:11-27) The gentleman replied to him, 'I will judge you [based] on what you [yourself] have [just] said, you evil slave. [Since] you knew that I am a hard man to deal with, picking up [and keeping] something I had not laid down, and harvesting a crop I had not...

THE PARABLES The Pharisee and the Tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) I tell you; this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:14, NASB Context: Those who went to the temple to...

THE PARABLES | Good-for-nothing slaves (Luke 17:7-10) Well, it is the same with you; when you have done all you are bidden, say, 'We are but servants; we have only done our duty.' Luke 17:10, Moffatt New Testament Context: Slaves who worked in the fields of their master also...

THE PARABLES | The Dragnet (Matt 13:47-50) Again, the kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet that is cast in the sea and brings in a haul of all kinds of fish. Matthew 13:47-48, The New Jerusalem Bible Context: A dragnet, or seine net, has corks at its top and weights at the bottom, so...

THE PARABLES | The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) So, he got up and went to his father. But while he was still some distance [from the house], his father saw him and felt deep pity [for him], so ran and embraced him and kissed him [enthusiastically]. Luke 15:20, An Understandable Version...

THE PARABLES | The Seed Growing Secretly (Mark 4:26-29) God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. The seed sprouts and grows - he has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help … Mark 4:26-27, The Message...

THE PARABLES | The Strong Man (Luke 11:14-26) When a strong man armed to the teeth guards his own house, his property is in peace. But when a stronger man comes and conquers him, he removes all the arms on which he pinned his faith and divides the spoils among his friends. Luke 11:21-22...

THE PARABLES | The Tower Builder (Luke 14:25-33) For which one of you who wants to build a [lookout] tower will not first sit down and calculate its cost, to see whether he has enough [money and materiel] to complete it? Luke 14:28, An Understandable Version Context: Crowds were...