But the fruit of the Spirit is … peace …
Summary: Happiness comes and goes but God’s peace is forever.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:22d – Peace Like a River”Ephesians 6:16c – Job’s Defense
… the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Summary: Job is a helpful role model when it comes to using our shield of faith. We can learn what the shield can do, and what it can’t do. We can also learn how to protect ourselves from arrows aimed at our emotional soft spots.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:16c – Job’s Defense”Ephesians 6:16c – And Then There Was Jōb
… the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Summary: Pondering the meaning of “flaming arrows” leads us to consider the fate of Job.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:16c – And Then There Was Jōb”Ephesians 6:12b – Opposition
… but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world …
Summary: As we pick our way through the text of Paul’s letter, we discover treasures and insights. Today’s insight is confirmation that we are not alone in this world.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:12b – Opposition”Ephesians 6:11b – Soul Wars
… so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Summary: Understanding who the devil is helps us understand his schemes and why we need to take a stand.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:11b – Soul Wars”Ephesians 6:9a – The Test of Authority
And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them,
Summary: Paul has been admonishing slaves to work, as if they were serving the Lord. Now, he turns his attention to those who have authority over others.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:9a – The Test of Authority”Ephesians 6:5 – A Brighter Future
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
Summary: With today’s passage, Paul takes us into an area that modern society has taped off as verboten. Yet, looking at the underlying Greek text opens the door to a better understanding of how this passage applies today.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:5 – A Brighter Future”Ephesians 3:5a – Ghost Story
[In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ]… which was not made known to people in other generations
Summary: Today’s passage raises the question, “What about the people who died before Jesus was born?” The answer to that question begs another question about ghosts; “Are they real?”
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:5a – Ghost Story”Job 1:1 – My Own Eyes
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job…
Summary: The Book of Job is very instructive when it comes to being tested by God. We can learn a lot from listening in on Job’s conversation with his three friends.
Continue reading “Job 1:1 – My Own Eyes”Job 1:1 — A Man Named Job
… he feared God and shunned evil.
Summary: Looking for an example of a good father brings us to Job in the Old Testament. Job understands both God and human nature well.
Continue reading “Job 1:1 — A Man Named Job”