Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Paul …
Summary: Sometimes it seems like we are going over the same ground again and again. The Bible tends to repeat itself. Perhaps the reason for repetition is that we need to hear the message over and over.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:1a – Repetition”Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule …
Summary: Following Paul’s logic always keeps us on our toes. Today’s challenge is discerning which rule Paul is referring to.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:16a – The Judge’s Son”Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;
Summary: As Paul wraps up his letter to the Galatians, he summarizes his arguments about circumcision rather neatly.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:15a – The Meaning of No Meaning”… circumcised.
Summary: Circumcision is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. In the beginning, it was a symbol of a covenant. In the end, circumcision was a point of contention. Instead of a symbol of something good, it had become a legalistic requirement for something bad.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:12b – Circumcision of the Heart”… whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Summary: What pleases God? The answer, in short, is love. In practical terms, love leads us to a host of things that honor God and benefit those around us.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:8b – Seed Time”… for each one should carry their own load.
Summary: Just a few verses ago Paul told us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Now he says “each one should carry their own load.” We need to untangle his words to understand their meanings.
Continue reading “Galatians 6:5 – Jackson’s Burden”But the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness …
Summary: Gentleness is the ability to carry an egg without dropping it.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:23a – The Touch of Love”… you have fallen away from grace.
Summary: Falling away from grace doesn’t sound so scary until we realize that God’s grace is essential for true life in the flesh and eternal life in the spirit.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:4b – A Place Called Grace”One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.
Summary: The writer of Hebrews reminds us that faith is “assurance about what we do not see.” Sometimes we need to be reminded of what it is that we don’t see. Paul is here to help us!
Continue reading “Galatians 4:24c – The Unseen Connection”Where, then, is your blessing of me now?
Summary: Paul’s desire for a blessing from the Galatians is not a casual request. Paul’s words are rooted in the deeply passionate love that God has for his Creation.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:15a – A Promiscuous Woman”