Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus …
Summary: Sometimes it is helpful to “connect the dots” when we read Scripture, as long as we remember that the lines connecting the dots are just guesses and not facts.
What is going on?
When did Paul leave Timothy in Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia? This timing is not a critically important point to understand, but it does provide some context for Paul’s letter.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3a – Connecting Dots”
… from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Summary: Warning: This meditation delves into dangerous waters.
Have you ever wondered why Paul didn’t write, “Grace, mercy and peace from God,” and leave it at that?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:2e – The Curious Cat”
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Summary: Paul is only on verse two, and already he is using words that we need to think about before we move on.
As mentioned earlier,* it is always helpful to define terms, especially when we are discussing something important like legal matters or things such as our relationship with the Creator of All Things.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:2b – The Itch”
…an apostle of Christ Jesus …
Summary: As we begin our study of Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are immediately confronted by a word that people argue over, even today. Clarifying what we mean by the word we choose helps resolve conflict and restore unity.
It is always helpful, when embarking on a discussion of any serious nature, to define terms.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:1b – Apostle”
For no word from God will ever fail.
Summary: In this meditation, we look back on why Jesus had to become a man and what it means for us.
The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John are all written from the perspective of a first or second-hand account of Jesus’ life on earth by people who knew him. Luke’s Gospel is different.
Continue reading “Luke 1:37 – Merry Christmas, Part 1”
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
Summary: Once again, we find ourselves stepping into the role of Word Detective as we work to make sure we have a clear understanding of Paul’s meaning.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems weird that in the prior verse Paul says that he doesn’t desire gifts from the Philippians and then in this verse he starts talking about having received “full payment.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Summary: This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to explore how God’s Word is like a measuring line for our soul.
As you may have noticed, our passage today is from the New King James Version of the Bible. The reason is that the NIV translation chose to translate the passage this way:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:13 – Now or Forever?”
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage provide a prompt for meditating on what it means to need the Word of God.
As we make our way through the last verses of Paul’s letter, it is a good time to consider why we are doing this.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:12a – The Breath of Life”
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Summary: Being contented is a state of mind. In these final passages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he helps us see what is needed to find the same contentedness in Christ that he enjoys.
What does it mean to be “in need?”
In other words, what would it take for Paul to finally say, “This situation is not acceptable!”?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:11 – Contentedness”
[Jesus Christ] … will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Summary: This passage offers us insight into our spiritual nature and hope for a glorious future with Jesus.
Who are “you?”
The reason I ask is that it matters who or what you think you are.
There is an old joke about a new boy in town who wanted to join the local “gang.”* The rule was that to join the gang, you had to pass a test. The test was simple: Run across the freeway without getting hit.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:21b – Getting Ahead”