Passage, Paragraph, and Prayer

Young and Despised (Psalm 119:141)

In this devotion, we consider how children and young people are often despised, *and* how that should not discourage them from learning and retaining God’s word. Scripture references for examples cited in this devotion: 1 Samuel 16; Mark 10:13–16; Luke 18:15–17; 1 Timothy 4:12.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The God of Shem (Genesis 9:24–27)

In Genesis 9:24–27, Noah doesn’t just pronounce a curse on Ham’s son Canaan. He also pronounces blessings on Shem and Japheth. In this devotion, we look at the blessing pronounced on Shem, or rather on “the LORD, the God of Shem.”Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

Tried and Tested and True (Psalm 119:140)

There are plenty of people who will challenge and defy God’s word. But here’s the thing: It’s been tested time and again, and it always passes.Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4

The Curse of Canaan, Part 4 (Genesis 9:24–27)

Now that we know what the curse of Canaan was, and wasn’t, how was it actually fulfilled?Music Credit: J. S. Bach, “Wir eilen mit schwachen, doch emsigen Schritten,” aria from “Jesu, der du meine Seele,” BWV 78 (Leipzig, 1724).

More Zeal, More Discouragement? (Psalm 119:139)

Have you ever noticed how those who care the most also tend to get worn out the easiest? In Psalm 119:139, the psalmist says this is true of himself. So what does he want us to take away from this?Music Credit: Johann Sebastian Bach, Trio from Brandenburg Concerto, No. 1, Movement 4