Pretty amazing grace ∙∙

Pretty amazing grace ∙∙

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. – 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Acts 9:3-6

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!
6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Neil Diamond, a legendary American singer-songwriter, was born and raised in Brooklyn as the son of Jewish immigrants from Russia and Poland. His iconic voice and deeply resonant lyrics catapulted him to fame, earning him a place among the highest-selling artists of all time, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide. Among his many chart-topping hits, “Sweet Caroline” stands out as one of America’s most beloved and instantly recognizable songs, a timeless anthem that continues to echo at stadiums and gatherings across generations.

During the height of his career in the 1960s and 70s, Diamond’s music often reflected the spirit of the times—brimming with themes of free love and existential exploration. Yet, these themes mirrored not just the era but also his own hedonistic lifestyle. Despite his commercial success and immense wealth, Diamond experienced personal turmoil. Beneath the spotlight, he battled loneliness, depression, and an absence of real joy in his heart.

As he searched for meaning, Diamond turned to a variety of answers the world offered—dabbling in oriental mysticism, meditation, extensive psychoanalysis, philanthropy, and political activism. Yet none of these pursuits quenched the nagging void within him. Even music, his great gift and calling, could not fill the emptiness. His restless soul left him yearning for something greater.

In the twilight years of Johnny Cash’s life, Diamond spent meaningful time with the iconic country musician. He even performed in Cash’s home—a moment that, though not widely publicized, holds deep significance. Perhaps, unknowingly, this time with Cash—who himself underwent a life-changing spiritual transformation—planted seeds in Diamond’s heart for a similar awakening.

Then came a remarkable turning point in 2005. After years of searching, Neil Diamond experienced a spiritual transformation that changed the trajectory of his life. He came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, His Jewish Messiah, and openly described himself as “a man of God.” It was a profound shift, and the fruit of this change was evident not only in his words but also in his music. Suddenly, the themes of his songs took on a deeper, more spiritual tone. One 2005 song, “Man of God,” captured the essence of his newfound identity:

“Singing for Him is like touching the sky
I don’t need to know why, I just know that it is.
Each time I sing out I want to rejoice
Cause when I hear my voice, I believe that it’s His…”

Diamond declared himself a man of hope, faith, and peace—a man transformed and now living with a new purpose in his heart.

Three years later, he shared another deeply reflective song centered on grace, titled “Pretty Amazing Grace.” This piece revealed the beauty of his spiritual awakening and the joy he discovered in a relationship with God. Through poetic lines, the song tells the story of a man once lost, now found—a man whose emptiness had been filled and whose heart had been reclaimed by divine love:

Pretty amazing grace is what You showed me.
Pretty amazing grace is who You are.
I was an empty vessel, You filled me up inside,
And with amazing grace restored my pride.”

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a broken soul brought back to life by grace—grace that forgave his shortcomings, calmed his fears, and led him to hope and faith. It was a grace that gave him a new vision, freed him from aimlessness, and filled him with a love he once doubted could exist:

Pretty amazing grace is how You saved me. And with amazing grace reclaimed my heart
Love in the midst of chaos. Calm in the heat of war. Showed with amazing grace what love was for

You forgave my insensitivity. And my attempt to then mislead You.
You stood beside a wretch like me. Your pretty amazing grace was all I needed.

Stumbled inside the doorway of Your chapel. Humbled in God by everything I found
Beauty and love surround me. Freed me from what I fear.
Ask for amazing grace and You appear.

You overcame my loss of hope and faith. Gave me a truth I could believe in.
You led me to a higher place. Showed Your amazing grace. When grace was what I needed

Look in a mirror I see Your reflection. Open a book You live on every page.
I fall and You’re there to lift me. Share every road I climb. And with amazing grace You ease my mind

Came to You with empty pockets first. When I returned I was a rich man.
Didn’t believe love could quench my thirst. But with amazing grace You showed me that it can.

In Your amazing grace I had a vision. From that amazing place I came to be
Into the night I wandered. Wandering aimlessly. Found Your amazing grace to comfort me.

You overcame my loss of hope and faith, Gave me a truth I could believe in.
You led me to that higher place. Showed me that love and truth and hope and grace were all I needed.

Through his new songs, Neil Diamond testified about a profound redemption that reignited his spirit. His lyrics became a personal testament of the transformative power of God’s love and grace—a witness to the peace that had long eluded him.

Diamond’s spiritual renewal inspired not only his music but also his life. His declarations of faith and the raw vulnerability in his lyrics became a beacon for others, proving that, no matter our status or success, we all thirst for a truth greater than ourselves. At the age of 77, Neil Diamond retired from performing due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Yet even in that season of his life, his faith and inner peace remained evident.

His story reminds us that hope and healing are not confined to youth or circumstance. Diamond’s lyrics and life invite us to reflect on the divine grace available to us all—a grace that transforms emptiness into abundance, despair into joy, and wandering into purpose. Neil Diamond’s music continues to echo in the hearts of millions, but now, it carries with it the unmistakable message of light, redemption, and a life renewed by amazing grace.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Humbled in God by everything, I found beauty and love surround me. Freed me from what I fear. Ask for amazing grace, and You appear. You overcame my loss of hope and faith. Gave me a truth I could believe in. You led me to a higher place. Showed Your amazing grace” (Pretty Amazing Grace).

Father, thank You for providing pretty amazing grace for every child of the King.

INSIGHT

Neil Diamond’s story, while remarkable, is far from unique. His spiritual transformation is part of a larger, timeless narrative of the Father drawing the children of the King to Himself.Throughout history, there have been countless accounts of lives radically changed by the power of divine grace. Consider the apostle Paul—a man whose encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ redefined not only his life but also the way he viewed the world.

Paul’s transformation began on the road to Damascus when he was confronted by the blinding light of Christ Himself. Stripped of his vision, both physically and spiritually, Paul was humbled. Yet, when his sight was restored, he saw the world with entirely new eyes. It was as if scales had fallen from his heart as well as his eyes, and the grace he encountered in Christ forever altered his purpose. Paul himself became a powerful instrument for the gospel, proclaiming God’s grace to all—grace that serves a purpose, regardless of past failures or sins.

The radical beauty of “Pretty Amazing Grace”—and the grace Paul experienced—is that it takes us as we are, broken and rebellious, and qualifies us to serve the Father. Grace rewrites our story. The Father doesn’t just forgive; He trusts and restores us, placing us into His service despite our rebellious history. This truth is as profound for us now as it was for Paul in the first century.

Before Paul’s 180° transformation, he was, by his own admission, the worst of the worst. His actions were reprehensible—persecuting children of the King, spreading fear, and standing in fierce rebellion against the very Messiah he would later live and die for. He didn’t mince words about his past, calling himself the chief of sinners.

1 Timothy 1:15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the worst of them!”

When the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world, He was sent on a mission by the Father. He was to be the Savior of sinners.

Paul’s honesty reveals a deep truth about humanity. When Jesus came, His mission was clear. He wasn’t sent to call the righteous but the broken, the lost, and the sinful. But who are these sinners? That category encompasses every single one of us. By both nature and deed, sin is an inheritance we all bear. It’s woven into the spiritual DNA we received from our first parents, Adam and Eve. Sin permeates not just our actions but the deepest recesses of our hearts. It’s any thought, word, or deed that defies the Father’s will and separates us from Him. It lurks in the shadows of our lives, often concealed but always present.

Jesus entered the world for this very reason. To put it another way, as Paul might say, “Christ Jesus came on a divine mission to rescue sinners and free them from their broken state.” Sin is pervasive, but the rescue mission of Christ transcends it.

Through the power of “Pretty Amazing Grace,” lives are turned around. Paul’s story is a striking example of rescue and redemption. The worst sinner was redeemed to become one of history’s greatest voices for the gospel. But this grace isn’t limited to the pages of Scripture. It moves powerfully in modern lives, too. Neil Diamond, in his 70s, was embraced by the same grace that saved Paul. His heart was transformed and reoriented toward the Father, and his life became a testament to redemption.

This good news applies to every child of the King. Regardless of background, failure, or rebellion, God’s grace reaches us right where we are. Jesus made His mission crystal clear:

Mark 2:17 “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”

Each of us is part of this story. Jesus came not for the perfect (for there are none) but for the sick, the broken, and the lost. He stepped into our mess, offering Himself as the cure for a spiritual condition we could never fix on our own. The grace He gives doesn’t merely forgive; it restores and empowers. It gives us hope. It gives us life.

Neil Diamond found pretty amazing grace. Paul experienced overwhelming grace. And it’s the same grace, freely available, that waits to transform our lives. This grace seeks and saves, heals and holds. Will you allow this grace to rewrite your story? Will you step into the light of a love that knows no bounds and a Savior who calls you by name? The invitation, as it has always been, is waiting.

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© Dr. H 2025

Progress or Retrogress ∙∙

Progress or Retrogress ∙∙

You have become spiritually dull and do not seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you the basic things about God’s word again. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. – Hebrews 5:11-12

Hebrews 5:11-14

11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you have become spiritually dull and do not seem to listen.
12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who, because of practice, have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

In the 21st century, doctors recommend that babies should not be fed solid food until around six months of age. Why is this so? Newborn babies need six months of breastmilk or formula for their stomachs to mature to handle solid food. Breastmilk or formula is the best thing for a baby, as it is perfectly designed for a baby’s body to give all the proper nutrients during the early months of their lives.

By the age of 4 to 6 months, most babies are ready to begin eating moderate amounts of solid foods to complement breastfeeding or formula feeding. People may disagree about the exact amount of time required.

But what about the children of the King who still act like spiritual infants, only consuming milk instead of solid food?

Paul was quite clear. He understood that people who had recently become the children of the King were indeed spiritual babies. They need baby food, the milk of the Word. On the other end of the spectrum, there are mature spiritual children of the King who can handle the solid food and meat of the Word.

1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3

14 But a natural man [unbeliever] does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others.

1 Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you, I could not talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you were of the flesh or as though you were babies in Christ.

2 I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food because you were not ready for anything stronger. And you still are not ready,
3 for you are still fleshly [controlled by your sinful nature]. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove your sinful nature controls you? Aren’t you living like people of the world?

Often, a Greek term contains subtle nuances that provide a deeper understanding of what Paul is saying in our English translations. To help you understand better, it is beneficial to know and comprehend these finer points.

The Greek word translated as natural man [unbeliever] is psuchikos. Psuchikos has the sense of being “characterized by merely soulish reasoning.” This Greek term is also translated as “natural,” “sensual,” or “soulish.”

The Greek word that Paul uses for spiritual is pneumatikos. Pneumatikos means to be “characterized by the spirit,” that is, a spiritual person.

The Greek word that is translated as flesh is sarkinos. Sarkinos means “to be made of the flesh” in this context, a baby or infant. Paul has a nuanced view of the human condition. He refers to new believers as merely human, focusing on being weak, sinful, or transitory.

The Greek word translated as fleshly [controlled by your sinful nature] is sarkikos. Sarkikos means to be “characterized by the flesh.” “Although the Corinthians are Christians indwelt by the Spirit, their divisive behavior shows that they act like the unbelieving world around them” (ESV Study Bible).

REFLECT & PRAY

It is far past the time for the children of the King to stop acting like babies and grow up. We have only two choices: progression or retrogression.

Father, thank You for enabling us to enjoy the rich nourishment from the milk, solid food, and meat of the Word.

INSIGHT

There is a subtle danger. Spiritual maturity is not guaranteed. Many make significant strides toward maturity but then find themselves slipping back. Instead of continual progression, they retrogress and go backward. This is precisely what happened to the Jewish believers addressed in Hebrews 5. They had become spiritually “dull of hearing,” starting a dangerous, backward slide. This regression began with drifting away from God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1-4) and escalated into doubting His promises (Hebrews 3:7-4:13).

Hebrews 5:11-12 puts it plainly: “You have become spiritually dull and do not seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.”

The passage draws an essential distinction between time spent as a believer and actual spiritual maturity. From the Father’s perspective, growth in faith is not measured by how long we’ve been a child of the King but by the intentionality with which we pursue Him. Maturity requires deliberate effort, an ongoing dedication to engaging with God, and a willingness to be shaped by His Word.

But how do we pursue this kind of growth? It begins with immersing ourselves in Scripture and handling it with care and accuracy. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:15 about the importance of rightly dividing the Word of truth. Learning to explain, apply, and live out Scripture makes us stronger in our faith—but this doesn’t happen overnight. It takes diligent effort, or as we might say, “practice, practice, practice.”

A key part of this practice is personal devotional time. The Father is the source of all spiritual transformation, and growth is impossible apart from Him. Spending time in His Word and prayer fosters a relationship with Him and creates space for Him to shape our hearts. Transformation starts here—it’s not an optional discipline for those seeking spiritual maturity; it’s essential (Stanley).

Every child of the King is called to pursue spiritual maturity. Spiritual growth isn’t just about gaining knowledge or being able to quote Scripture; it’s about living out the Word in our daily lives. We must let it transform our minds, guide our decisions, and change our hearts.

Unfortunately, many believers get stuck in their spiritual journey, mired in the basics of their faith. They fed on only the “milk” of the Word. While “milk” is essential for spiritual newborns, it’s not enough for long-term growth. Baby food is for babies. We need to move on to solid food—the deeper truths of Scripture—to fully develop our faith.

As children of the King, we must grow spiritually. Staying stagnant and clinging to basic teachings is like a cow regurgitating its cud. We are called to fulfill the potential that the Father has prepared for each of us.

How do we rise to this high calling? Take time to reflect and choose wisely.

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© Dr. H 2025

How did He do it? ∙

How did He do it? ∙

I will give you thanks because your deeds are awesome and amazing. You knew me thoroughly. – Psalms 139:14

Psalms 139:13-18

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous– how well I know it.

15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

Have you ever looked back at something you once imagined and brought to life, only to wonder, “How did I ever do that?” Psalms 139 asks a similar question, offering a profound answer about how God intricately designed and created each of us.

When we reflect on ourselves, it’s easy to question our value or feel like we don’t measure up. For some, this self-doubt runs deep—fed by comparisons to others, unattainable ideals, or the lasting sting of negative words spoken in our past. But these judgments barely scratch the surface of who we truly are.

The truth is that our very existence is stunningly complex. Our bodies are works of art. The discovery of DNA in the 20th century unveiled a detailed blueprint for every person, showing just how uniquely we are made. Modern advancements in science and medicine only continue to uncover astonishing details about how we function. Today, terms like “stem cells” and “cannabinoids” dominate discussions of groundbreaking medical progress, yet these concepts were unknown not so long ago. We now stand on the brink of remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and regenerative science, gaining insight into the vast potential inherent within us.

This reminds me of a memorable moment in the 1974 movie “Young Frankenstein.” Gene Wilder’s character, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, is about to take on his infamous science project. Searching for guidance, he reads from his grandfather’s notebook, revealing the title, “How I Did It.”

The Father, too, has a “notebook,” but it’s woven into creation itself. Scientists, mathematicians, and thinkers across many disciplines are only beginning to skim the pages of this divine manuscript. With every discovery in biology, physics, and medicine, we uncover more pieces of His brilliant design. We’re learning how He crafted humanity with precision and care, leveraging these understandings to improve lives. Yet, even with all our advances, we’re merely scratching the surface of His magnificent, intelligent design and creation.

Take a moment to reflect on this. Every part of you—every cell, every thread of DNA—was assembled with love and intention. You’re a masterpiece, wonderfully and uniquely made in the Father’s eyes. No comparison or criticism could capture the extraordinary truth of who you are. You are precious, and your design is nothing short of extraordinary.

REFLECT & PRAY

The more I learn about the incredible intricacy and mind-boggling complexity of the human mind and body, the more I am left in absolute awe of my magnificent, intelligent Creator. How could I choose to live in defiance of such a glorious, creative genius?

Father, Your thoughts and abilities are beyond anything I could ever comprehend. They rise far above anything I could even dream of. I kneel in humble adoration before You. Teach me, Lord, to live in reverence of Who You are. Guide my steps, and help me choose a path that honors You.

INSIGHT

Isaiah 55 so beautifully illustrates this truth: “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

It’s a humbling reminder of just how vast and unsearchable God truly is. Psalms 139 adds to this picture, showcasing the Father’s infinite wisdom and care as the all-knowing, all-present creator of wonders beyond our understanding. Every verse of this psalm declares who He is, what He has done, and what He actively continues to do in and beyond the confines of time and space.

Psalms 139:13-18 celebrates the breathtaking intricacy with which God made us. Verse 14 is particularly compelling, captured uniquely across translations: “For all these mysteries I thank you: for the wonder of myself, for the wonder of your works” (Kidner). “I thank you because you have so wondrously and mysteriously made me and because all your works are so wonderful; you know me completely” (USB).
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it” (NLT).

David, who penned these words, didn’t have access to modern science. He had no microscopes and no knowledge of DNA or cellular processes. Yet through keen reflection and a deep sense of awe, he recognized the Father’s unmatched brilliance. He stood amazed at the Creator’s intricate design of human life.

Consider the human mind—a marvel in itself. Think of the brain’s ability to record sights, sounds, smells, and textures; its power to recall memories and emotions; its capacity to solve problems and make decisions. It operates with a level of intelligence and precision that we are only beginning to scratch the surface of understanding. McDonald’s observations summarize it well: The brain alone is a masterpiece of engineering that defies coincidence or randomness—it speaks of divine intention and skill.

The excellence of His Creator moved David so much that he couldn’t help but erupt in praise and worship. He saw God’s handiwork in every fiber of his being, and his response was gratitude and humility.

Modern worship offers us hymns that beautifully capture the awe and reverence we feel for our Creator. One such timeless hymn is “How Great Thou Art.” Ranked second only to “Amazing Grace” in a 2001 Christianity Today survey of all-time favorite hymns, its words resonate deeply with hearts longing to honor the Father’s greatness:

“O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.
I see the stars; I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.”

“Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!”

But there is more! He who made us is there for us! The One who formed the galaxies, who shaped the mountains and called the stars into being, doesn’t just leave us to marvel at His creation. He is present with us, available to us in every moment. The Creator of all things cares deeply for His creation.

Psalms 46:1 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

Our Father, who molded us with intricate care, knows us thoroughly. He understands the details of our being in a way no one else can. He isn’t a distant Creator, observing from afar. He sees every struggle, every tear, every hope, and every failure. The same hands that formed us are always ready to comfort us, guide us, and carry us through life’s challenges.

Psalms 139 offers a profound glimpse into the depth of His knowledge and love for us. He knows every part of who we are. He knows our strengths and celebrates them. He knows our weaknesses and sinful desires—nothing is hidden from Him. He sees the wounds we carry and the fears we bury. And yet, despite knowing us fully, He desires intimacy with us. He longs for a close and personal relationship with each one of us.

As Charles Stanley observes, our heavenly Father is uniquely positioned to care for us. He knows every detail of our being because He made us. He understands our struggles better than we do. And with that perfect knowledge, He offers His unending love and care.

What a miracle it is to be known so deeply by the One who holds the cosmos in His hands yet takes the time to hold us, too. May we respond as the psalmist did—with awe, gratitude, and a deep desire to draw nearer to our Creator God, our Father.

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© Dr. H 2025

What was God doing before creation?

What was God doing before creation? ∙

The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. For when he spoke, the world began! It appeared at his command. – Psalms 33:6,9

Psalms 90:2-12

2 Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.
4 For you, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours.

10 Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon, they disappear, and we fly away.

12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life so that we may grow in wisdom.

Throughout history, humanity has wrestled with understanding the origin of the universe. Ancient civilizations crafted creation myths, such as those of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. Despite their cultural differences, these stories shared a common factor—there were no human witnesses. These myths were not the products of human observation. There were no eyewitnesses, so they were the result of “guesswork” and imagination. They often involve gods or mythical beings engaged in cosmic struggles from which order emerged out of chaos.

With the rise of rationalism and modern science, these ancient tales were dismissed as mere folklore. They were replaced by theories rooted in science, mathematics, physics, and the use of advanced tools for observation and analysis. But once again, like the myths of old, there were no human observers, no eyewitnesses. Despite being based on rigorous study and evidence, they still ultimately rely on creative speculation and hypothesis. They also were the result of educated “guesswork” and creative imagination.

The best guess that science came up with is quite simple. In the beginning, there was nothing. Then there was something. Then, there was a monumental event known as the Big Bang, marking the birth of our universe.

The formula looks like this: nothing + no one = everything

Really! How can nothing ever become something? Isn’t nothing always just nothing? Before I am willing to accept a theory, no matter how scientific, I want to know how nothing becomes something.

Whether through clay tablets or powerful telescopes, all human efforts to understand the universe’s beginning rely on speculative reasoning rather than firsthand observation. Like the legends of old, scientific models require a leap of faith, as neither can produce definitive proof of how it all began.

The Bible offers a strikingly different explanation. Its account starts not with nothing but with Someone. Was anyone present at the time of the creation of all things? The Scriptures provide an unequivocal answer. “In the beginning, God created. . ..” This changes the equation entirely.

The formula here is also quite simple: nothing + God = everything.

The God of the Bible is eternal, without beginning or end. He exists outside of time, creation, and the physical universe itself. Psalms 90:2 reflects this truth, stating, “Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.”

Unlike the speculative nature of human theories, the biblical account roots the origin of all things in the existence and action of an eternal Creator. Yet, even here, questions arise.

What was God doing before creation? The Bible does not fully answer this question but provides glimpses into His eternal purposes, reminding us that His ways and actions are beyond human comprehension.

Ultimately, whether one looks to ancient myths, modern science, or the biblical narrative, belief in any explanation requires faith. None of these accounts come with visible proof or eyewitness testimony. But the biblical claim is unique in presenting an eternal Creator who is not confined by the limitations of time or matter—a God who calls the universe into existence by His will and power.

REFLECT & PRAY

Let every created thing give praise to the LORD, for he issued his command, and they came into being. – Psalms 148:5

Father, thank You for having me in Your mind before the world began and for wanting my best in life and for all eternity.

INSIGHT

The eternal, everlasting Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit dwelt alone in perfect harmony and union. Nothing else had come into being. They dwelt outside what we perceive as time, for time itself was yet to be created. The Father is the high and lofty one Who dwells in timeless eternity (Isaiah 57:15).

Human thought and language are inherently limited. They fall short when it comes to adequately conceiving or describing the infinite mind of God—eternal, self-existent, and boundless. Though beyond our complete comprehension, we know that God, in His divine wisdom, conceived ideas and formed the plan of redemption. Through the sheer power of His word, everything He desired came into being.

Consider the elegant beauty of Psalms 33:6,9: “The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. For when He spoke, the world began! It appeared at His command.”

These verses teach us that God’s voice alone is the source of creation—His command brings forth existence.

The phrases “before the foundation of the world” and “before the world began” appear repeatedly in Scripture. They mark the farthest boundary of the past, the point where human history began. It is the starting point of time, the terminus ad quo, the beginning of human history. Yet, before this moment, God already existed, and He revealed glimpses of this eternal reality to us through His Word. There was an eyewitness to what happened before the foundation of the world. The Father himself was there.

W.J. Hocking spoke of this mystery, noting how God’s plans were shaped before creation itself. The phrase “before the foundation of the world” occurs a handful of times in the New Testament (John 17:5, Ephesians 1:4, 1 Peter 1:20). A corresponding phrase, “before the ages of time” or “before the world began” (KJV), occurs twice (2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2).

Ephesians 1 beautifully unfolds God’s sovereign love and plan: “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)

Long before the universe was set in motion, we were already on God’s mind. Out of love, He chose to redeem us through the Lord Jesus Christ and adopt us into His family. His desire was for us to be holy and blameless in His sight.

1 Peter 1:20-21 reminds us of Christ’s role in God’s eternal redemptive plan: “God chose Him [Jesus Christ] as your ransom long before the world began, but He has now revealed Him to you in these last days. Through Christ, you have come to trust in God.”

Before time existed, God had ordained the death of the Lord Jesus Christ as the means to rescue humanity. Every detail of His plan worked toward calling His people to Himself, granting us salvation and enabling us to live holy lives.

Titus 1:2 reassures us of God’s promises: “This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.”

God, who cannot lie, made a promise before time itself to offer eternal life to His children. This eternal promise gives us confidence and hope, securing us through His unchanging word. Every promise He made, including the promise of eternal life, was set in motion before time began. His love is infinite, His Word is true, and His plans never fail.

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© Dr. H 2025

Preach the Word ∙∙

Preach the Word ∙∙

Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

2 Timothy 4:2-4

2 Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and instruction.
3 For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things.
4 And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand, they will turn aside to myths.

Dallas Theological Seminary was founded in 1924. Why begin another seminary? Its founders had a specific purpose in mind. They sought to preserve and propagate the art and science of expository preaching. They structured their curriculum to allow their students to study the Scriptures in their original languages. The goal was to equip and empower them with the skills to accurately interpret, explain, and apply the Old and New Testaments to others.

The Seminary’s seal has a Greek inscription: Kerusson ton logon. This motto translates to “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2). It encapsulates the seminary’s mission – to comprehensively prepare to thoroughly equip children of the King to know, properly handle, interpret, and preach the Word of God. This mission is central to the Seminary’s raison d’etre. It has been rearticulated as “To glorify God by equipping godly servant-leaders for the proclamation of His Word and the building up of the body of Christ worldwide.”

The Seminary’s steadfast commitment is to Preach the Word. They teach the Scriptures and equip their students to do likewise. In so doing, they pass on to the next generation the primary tool the Father has provided for spiritual growth and development: the Scriptures. Through the living Word of God, individuals are provided an understanding of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Apostle Paul approached the end of his life, he knew his service to the Father was concluding. What was of utmost importance to Paul? What was to be his legacy? The answer is found in his final instructions to his disciple and son in the faith, Timothy. He handed off the torch of biblical exposition. Think of it as Paul’s last words.

2 Timothy 4:1-2

1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word of God.

Paul’s words were riveting, solemn, and passion-filled. In Paul’s mind, the stakes could not have been higher in light of what lay ahead for both Paul and Timothy. They were united in their mission and objective. They had both been called by the Father into His spiritual work of service.

Paul created vivid images for Timothy to latch onto. It is as though Paul, in some marvelous unknown fashion, whisks Timothy away and transports him into the very presence of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Once in their presence, with the Father and the Son bearing witness, Paul passionately implored Timothy to preach the Word.

When Moses urged the nation of Israel to follow the righteous path, he employed a similar tactic. He invoked heaven and earth to bear witness to the decision made by the people (Deuteronomy 30:19). In American culture, it is similar to being sworn in to testify in court. Paul essentially says, “I have solemnly sworn to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God! Now Timothy, my son, I implore you to do the same!”

This same sense of responsibility and commitment to truth marks Paul’s charge to Timothy. Timothy is reminded that his mission is not to be taken lightly. Preaching the word is a sacred duty that requires unwavering devotion and faithfulness in the presence of God, who sees and judges all.

Being in the presence of the Father is an overwhelming experience, as seen in the lives of His prophets. It deeply pierced their hearts and shaped their calling. This is evident in the accounts of Isaiah and Ezekiel.

Isaiah’s vision is recorded in Isaiah 6:1-8. He saw the Sovereign Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with mighty seraphim attending Him. The seraphim called out, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with His glory!” Isaiah was struck by the enormity of his unworthiness, exclaiming, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.”

A seraph then flew to Isaiah with a burning coal, touching his lips and removing his guilt and sin. When the Lord asked, “Whom will I send? Who will go on our behalf?” Isaiah responded, “Here I am, send me!”

Ezekiel’s calling, described in Ezekiel 1:28-2:5, was equally profound. After witnessing a remarkable vision, Ezekiel fell face down. He then heard a voice instructing him, “Stand up, son of man. I want to speak with you.” The Spirit entered him and set him on his feet as he listened carefully. Ezekiel was told, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel,” with the understanding that whether they listened or refused to listen, he was to deliver God’s message. One way or another, they would know that a prophet had been among them.

These encounters with God’s presence transformed Isaiah and Ezekiel into His prophets, equipping them to fulfill their missions with the knowledge of His holiness and their responsibility to serve.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has given every child of the King an extraordinary mission—to share the good news of His redemptive plan, the message of salvation that brings hope and transformation to the world. This calling is a sacred privilege to carry forward the work of our Savior.

Father, strengthen my heart to carry out the assignments You have given me.

INSIGHT

The mission of sharing God’s truth finds its ultimate example in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. From the very beginning, the Father entrusted Jesus with a purpose that was carefully foretold through messianic prophecy. Isaiah 61:1-2a gives a glimpse of this mission, describing a Messiah empowered by the Spirit to bring good news to the suffering, freedom to the captives, and sight to the blind.

Centuries later, this prophecy came alive in a remarkable moment recorded in Luke 4. During a Sabbath visit to the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus joined in the customary service, which often included reading and explaining passages from the Old Testament. This tradition, called targuming, involved offering insights and interpretations to the congregation. On this particular Sabbath, the scroll of Isaiah was handed to Jesus. He unrolled it and read aloud:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.”
(Luke 4:18-19)

The congregation sat spellbound as Jesus finished reading, rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. At that moment, all eyes were on Him, waiting for His commentary—His targum. What He said next left the room in stunned silence:

“The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!”
(Luke 4:21)

With those words, Jesus declared that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. No further explanation was required. He wasn’t just reading the text; He was the text brought to life. The Messiah had come, and His mission was clear—to proclaim God’s salvation and bring restoration to a broken world.

Jesus began His mission as the Messiah by preaching the good news and proclaiming liberty to all. He urged His disciples to take what He taught them and proclaim it openly (Matthew 10:27).

The term “herald” may sound outdated to modern ears, but it carries rich historical significance. Heralds were entrusted with important messages and tasked with delivering them publicly. The Greek term for herald is kerux, and its verbal form, kerusso, means to proclaim, announce, make known, or preach. This is the same word translated as “preach” in 2 Timothy 4:2.

Preaching is fundamentally an act of communication. Expository preaching, in particular, involves providing clear explanations and interpretations of Scripture. It centers on publicly proclaiming the Father’s redemptive plan to save the world. The role of a preacher is not to share personal opinions or ideas but to faithfully preach the Word—God’s enduring, authoritative truth.

Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples instructions that revealed what mattered most to Him. His parting words carried the same gravity as Paul’s final charge to Timothy.

The Lord Jesus Christ commissioned His disciples with these instructions, recorded in Matthew 28:18-20: “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

This command is not only for the original disciples; it is a mission entrusted to all children of the King. Each of us has a responsibility to carry out the Great Commission by sharing the good news of Christ. The question is not whether we are called—it’s how we will respond to that call. Every believer has been given this sacred task to make disciples and teach others, continuing the mission of proclaiming God’s truth to the world.

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© Dr. H 2025