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Warren Wiersbe

Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.
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Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of turning to God in difficult situations, drawing insights from Psalm 5. He highlights how David, in the midst of trials, expresses his requests and meditates on the holiness of God, leading to worship. David seeks God's guidance and wisdom, acknowledging the wickedness around him but choosing to trust in God's deliverance. The response to difficulties is found in rejoicing in faith, love, and hope, knowing that God leads us to victory through every trial.
Request, Reason and Response in the Midst of Trials
Read Psalm 5:1-l2 What do you do in difficult situations? Many of the psalms were written during difficult, often painful, experiences. In Psalm 5 we find two sequences concerning trials. In the first sequence (vv. 1-7), David is experiencing difficulty and makes his request--"hear me." (v. 1-3). Meditation here means "sighing, murmuring, groaning"--a quiet expression of feelings. When our burden is beyond expression, all we can do is sigh and moan before the Lord. The Spirit hears our groanings and intercedes for us (Rom. 8:26). David's meditation turns to a cry (v. 2; Heb. 5:7). Prayer is not always a quiet, joyful conversation with God. Sometimes it is a battle against the principalities arrayed against us. David's reason for making this request is the holiness of God (vv. 4-6). He cried to God because He is holy and stands against the wicked and boastful. Although He will judge the wicked, God does not always judge sin immediately. David's response is worship (v. 7), individual and personal. In the second sequence, David makes another request--"lead me" (v. 8). He wants God's way, which is the righteous way. In the midst of difficulty, what we need most is wisdom to know the will of God (James 1:5). Notice that David asks to be led, not delivered. God has a straight way through every difficulty that will lead us to victory. His reason this time is the wickedness of man (vv. 9,10). Destruction means "a yawning, open abyss." An open tomb pictures defilement and death. Flattery is not communication; it is manipulation. Absalom fell by his own counsel. David did nothing. He let God do it all (Rom. 12:19). David's response (vv. 11,12) is rejoicing in faith, love and hope. Joy comes from trusting in and loving the Lord. This kind of joy comes from God's work on the inside, not from circumstances on the outside. The psalmist tells us to expect difficulty. We shouldn't run from our trials but bring to God our requests, our reasons and our response. You need never be paralyzed by your difficulties. You have the privilege of praying to a loving, understanding Father, who knows your condition. He guides you through difficulty to victory. When your faith, hope and love are fixed on the Lord, you can face any difficulty or problem, and God will give you joy and peace within.
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Warren Wendell Wiersbe (1929 - 2019). American pastor, author, and Bible teacher born in East Chicago, Indiana. Converted at 16 during a Youth for Christ rally, he studied at Indiana University, Northern Baptist Seminary, and earned a D.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ordained in 1951, he pastored Central Baptist Church in Indiana (1951-1957), Calvary Baptist in Kentucky (1961-1971), and Moody Church in Chicago (1971-1978). Joining Back to the Bible in 1980, he broadcasted globally, reaching millions. Wiersbe authored over 150 books, including the Be Series commentaries, notably Be Joyful (1974), with over 5 million copies sold. Known as the “pastor’s pastor,” his expository preaching emphasized practical application of Scripture. Married to Betty Warren since 1953, they had four children. His teaching tours spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, mentoring thousands of pastors. Wiersbe’s words, “Truth without love is brutality, but love without truth is hypocrisy,” guided his balanced ministry. His writings, translated into 20 languages, continue to shape evangelical Bible study and pastoral training worldwide.