In the final verse of the ninth stanza of Psalm 119, the psalmist says that God’s word is better for him than lots of money. That statement both teaches a straightforward truth about God’s word and implies something about those who think little of it. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

In Genesis 4:23–24, Lamech uses poetry and music to threaten abuse to his wives and to force them to “love” him. In this devotion, we look at the second couplet of his poem, where he tells his wives why they had better listen to him. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” B…

We already saw how Psalm 119:67 was one of the most important and straightforward Bible passages about affliction. Psalm 119:71 qualifies too, in which the psalmist stresses how affliction prompts us to learn more of God’s word. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

In Genesis 4:23–24, we learn where Jubal and Tubal-Cain got the inspiration to be pioneers in their various fields—from their father, who used poetry and music to threaten abuse to his wives and to force them to “love” him. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Lei…

In Psalm 119:70, the psalmist uses a unique expression to describe the hearts of the insolent people who smear him with lies. It’s a comparison that could be used to describe our own hearts, were it not for the grace of God. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

In the last two Genesis devotions, you may have caught the detail that Lamech, the great-great-great-grandson of Cain, took two wives. In this devotion, we take a closer look at this perversion of God’s institution of marriage. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 …

Early mankind was not as commonly depicted—wearing crude loincloths, dragging their knuckles along the ground with protruding foreheads, and communicating in monosyllabic grunts. In fact, it didn’t take long for mankind to make significant advances in nomadic ranching, music, and tools for war, work, and play. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen m…

The psalmist talks a lot about affliction in this stanza. In verse 69, he identifies what seems to have been one of his special afflictions—being smeared with lies by insolent unbelievers. But with God’s word and promises in view, he is not discouraged by their smears, but encouraged to continue to lead a life of sincere conviction. Music Credit: J…

In this devotion we explore the concept of God’s goodness. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Moses records that the first technological advances—in nomadism, ranching, music, and metallurgy—were all made by unbelievers. Why? And does that mean that they’re sinful? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

Psalm 119:67 is one of the most important and straightforward Bible passages about affliction. In this devotion we explore how God uses affliction to teach attention to, and retention of, his word, at times in our life when we’re lacking in either or both. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

We often take comfort in the fact that God knows us better than we know ourselves, and thus sympathizes with us (when appropriate) and knows how to help us. But God also intimately knows his, and the Church’s, enemies, which should also be a tremendous comfort to us. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria …

In Psalm 119:66, the psalmist asks God to teach him good taste (or judgment) and good knowledge. In this devotion, we pursue what exactly he is asking to be taught. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

There’s a lot to consider in Genesis 4:16–17. In last week’s Genesis devotion we looked at the where and the when. In this devotion, we look at the who and the what. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

The psalmist concluded the previous stanza by talking about the big picture of the Lord’s mercy. He now begins a new stanza by talking about it on an individual level. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

There’s a lot to consider in Genesis 4:16–17. In this devotion we look at the where and the when. In next week’s Genesis devotion, God willing, we’ll look and the who and the what. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

Have you ever taken a walk with the intent of observing as much evidence of the Lord’s mercy as possible? It’s everywhere. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

After Cain has ignored the Lord, murdered his brother, and falsely accused the Lord of being too harsh, why does the Lord still keep him alive—and even protect him? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

On what ground do you connect with others? Sports? University? Hobbies? In this verse, the psalmist speaks of the greatest bond we can have with others. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

“My punishment is too great to bear!” Cain told the Lord. Was it too harsh and unfair? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

You’ve maybe heard a guy tell a girl, or vice versa, that he would cross the ocean for her, or got to the moon for her. In other words, he loves her so much he would do anything for her. How much do we love God? To what lengths would we go to worship him? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

In Genesis 4:11, we hear God specifically tell a human that he is “cursed” for the first time. Why? And what did the curse consist of? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Many Christians are frustrated with the direction our country has been heading for a while. While some of that is righteous disgust, could some of our frustrations also reflect a fear that if the wicked cords tightening around us get tight enough, our faith might actually cave? The psalmist addresses these worries and fears. Music Credit: Johann Se…

Abel's blood cried out to God against his brother Cain. How many people have blood that is crying out to God against me? Is there any blood that cries out *for* me that is stronger than that crying out against me? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724…

The church father Augustine famously prayed in his early years, “Give me sexual purity and self-control, but not yet.” Psalm 119 tells us to take the opposite approach—not to delay the keeping of God’s commands. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

“Listen! Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground,” God told Cain. In this episode, we listen to Martin Luther tell us what a comfort this is. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

One way to think of the purpose of God’s law is to think of it flooding the course of our life with rain, so that all of our tracks, everywhere we have been, is now visible in the mud. What should we do when we see how often we have gone astray, and where it has led? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Moveme…

When we read of Cain murdering his brother Abel, we are confronted for the first time, historically speaking, with the mystery of why God allows such unspeakable evil to occur on earth, even to people who are faithful to him. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (L…

In this verse, the psalmist portrays us as peasants entering the massive, ornate throne room of the King of kings. How should we do so? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

God had already warned Cain before he murdered his brother, but Cain had gone and done it anyway. But God still didn’t give up. He came to call Cain to repentance after he murdered his brother. No sin is too great for God’s grace. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV …

In this episode, we begin looking at the eighth stanza of Psalm 119. As the psalmist has regularly done, the first verse of this stanza connects us back to the last verse of the previous stanza. In Psalm 119:56, the psalmist talked about what we truly cherish. In this verse, he talks about our true portion. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio…

It didn’t take long after Adam and Eve’s fall into sin for the new sinful condition of humanity to reveal itself in a shockingly deceptive and horrifying way. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

What do you cherish? Chances are that it’s what you jealously say, “Mine!” about, what you jealously guard. Is that something earthly or heavenly? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

When someone points out your wrong, how do you react? Do you get angry, or do you seek to remedy what is wrong? God pointed out Cain’s wrong, and warned him of the consequences if he didn’t master sin in his life. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724…

The psalmist says that he remembers the name of the LORD at night. Why does he specify that specific time of day? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Adam’s family began bringing offerings to the Lord not long after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. But God looked with favor on some of the offerings, but not on others. Why? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

What do you sing, or sing along to, at home? In Psalm 119:54, the psalmist encourages us to remember that whatever we sing, we are singing in a temporary lodging-house, and to let the songs that we sing be shaped by that fact. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4…

Genesis 4:1–2 tells us that the first human family engaged in the pursuits of farming and shepherding. In this devotion we explore what that would have all entailed, and seek to appreciate the blessings God continues to give us through all the various godly jobs that make the world go around. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch…

Everyone gets angry, and even the psalmist says, and teaches children to say, “Indignation seizes me.” But what drives the anger is important, as the psalmist also makes clear. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Different English versions will translate Genesis 4:1 different ways. One common translation is: “I have brought forth a man with the help of the LORD.” But another possible translation (one that, for instance, Martin Luther preferred) is: “I have acquired a man—the LORD.” In this devotion, we explore what was likely behind the name Eve chose for h…

The psalmist says he takes comfort in the Lord’s decrees from of old. What are those decrees, and how do they comfort us? Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

The first angels mentioned in the Bible are cherubim. In this devotion, we take a closer look at this particular class of angels, which are usually portrayed as standing guard. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).…

We like to be liked. That can make it difficult to remain a Christian, since God promises that those who hold to the truth will face insults, mocking, and worse. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

God not only proclaimed Adam and Eve banished; he had to drive them out. We, too, often have difficulty accepting the realities of a fallen world. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

One familiar evening hymn describes a scenario “when other helpers fail and comforts flee.” Psalm 119:50 describes one comfort that will never fail us, even in the worst affliction. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Once again, just as he did in Genesis 1:26, God refers to himself here as “us.” What is he teaching us about himself? Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

How tragic it is when a person’s hopes are dashed so often that he no longer even desires to have hope. In this first verse of the seventh stanza of Psalm 119, the psalmist asks that God would never disappoint him like that—and he asks this of God on the firmest possible basis. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No…

By banishing Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, God deprived them of a number of good things he himself had given them. But he did so for their own good. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

“I will lift up my palms to your commands,” the psalmist says. What does that mean? In this devotion, we learn both about prayer and about what we can expect to received from God’s word. Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4By Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

After the fall into sin, Adam and Eve, with their sense dulled from sin, clothed themselves with fig leaves. God now clothes them properly, and in so doing reinforces their sense of shame and reinforces the consequences of sin. Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 …