Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
Summary: Recognizing someone you know is a kind of “knowing” that is hard to describe. Seeing a loved one after twenty years means seeing someone whose appearance has changed a lot, yet we “know” who they are. This is the kind of knowing that Peter refers to in this passage.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:2 — I’d Know You Anywhere”
… have received a faith as precious as ours.
Summary: There are simple economic principles that determine what we consider precious in a worldly sense. In the spiritual realm the same principles apply … to a point.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1e — Spiritual Gemstones”
To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ …
Summary: Our God is amazing. He is perfect in every aspect. Thankfully, his perfection extends to include perfect love and perfect forgiveness.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1d — The Righteousness of God”
“To God’s elect…”
Summary: The use of the word “elect” in the NIV points to a source of division in the church. Could this division serve God’s purposes in some way?
Continue reading “1 Peter 1:1 (Flashback) — Wolf Bait”
Grace be with you all.
Summary: The ‘grace of God’ is a phrase that covers a lot of ground. By closing with this statement Paul is affirming the benefit of being restored to a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. He is also reminding us of something very important.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (b) — A Gentle Reminder”
Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Summary: These words give us a peek into Paul’s world. Today we meditate on the meaning of camaraderie and what that means to us.
Continue reading “Titus 3:15 (a) — Camaraderie”
… in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.
Summary: This single sentence near the end of Paul’s letter to Titus includes clues to what it means to be a believer in Christ. Giving ourselves to Christ transforms us from unproductive people into people who live productive lives that are a blessing to others.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (c) — Antidote”
Our people … must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good
Summary: The word “devote” could have several meanings. The surprise is that understanding this word leads to an insight into how we can get better at doing good.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (b) — Right and Wrong”
Our people…
Summary: What does Paul mean when he writes “our people?” Not all believers are the same.
Continue reading “Titus 3:14 (a) — Believers”
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way
Summary: Today’s passage provides another glimpse into the life of early Christians. Paul, acting under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is directing others in their work for the Lord. The glimpse we get is a fascinating peek at a much larger puzzle.
Continue reading “Titus 3:13 (a) — Puzzle Pieces”