Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord [for] … appointing me to his service.
Summary: Paul’s appointment to the Lord’s service opens the door to an important conversation about the use of the word “martyr.”
When Paul was confronted by Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, he was appointed to the Lord’s service.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12d – All That Matters”
[I thank Christ Jesus our Lord,] … that he considered me trustworthy…
Summary: Wondering why God considered Paul trustworthy leads us down an interesting and fruitful rabbit-trail.
What if Paul had not been trustworthy? How would God know?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12c – Uncompromising”
Paul …
Summary: As we begin to explore Paul’s first letter to Timothy, it is interesting to note the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Paul’s adoption of Timothy as a son colors everything we will read here.
Paul begins his letter to Timothy in the formal style of his day. If you squint your eyes when you look at his letter, it really isn’t much different from our letters today.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:1a – Father Paul”
Amen.
Summary: The word “Amen,” is handy to know for several reasons. In our closing meditation, we look at a few things Paul mentions in his letter.
As we come to the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, it is worth taking a few minutes to look back over Paul’s words to us. (He is, after all, a messenger of God to you and me.)
Continue reading “Philippians 4:23b – The “Amen!” at the End”
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus.
Summary: This passage requires us to strap in for a linguistic roller coaster ride.
It would be easy to gloss over this sentence and instead look at the entire verse or even the next two verses. However, on close examination, there is a lot to chew on here.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:21a – Greetings”
Amen.
Summary: The word “amen,” is unusual in that it is common to many languages. It doesn’t matter much where you are; if you shout, “Amen!” people know what you mean.
The “Blue Letter Bible” website entry on Strong’s G281, “amen,” includes this quote from Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006) about the word, “Amen:”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:20b – Amen”
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.
Summary: Our God and Father is worthy of all honor and glory — always.
It has been a long journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians! Each meditation has explored only one facet of the passage or word it focuses on. God’s Word is amazing in its depth and breadth of meaning (Isaiah 55:9). I am reminded of John’s words at the end of his Gospel:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:20a – Glory and Honor”
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Summary: Paul’s comment about the Philippians sharing in his troubles provides an interesting insight into how God uses trials and comfort to “temper” our steel.
God’s Word is eternal, as is God. At the same time, it is very personal. It is personal because it touches each of us where we are in our journey.
Perhaps some people have gone through life without much trouble or suffering, but for those of us who have suffered in this life, we know the value of someone who cares.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:14 – Hot and Cold”
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 have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Summary: Paul’s claim to be content in every situation is worth thinking about. How does that work? As we explore Paul’s claim, we find it leads us to Jesus.
Would you like to be content in any and every situation?
When I think of “every situation,” my mind wanders to all kinds of scenarios. I have memories of being attacked by a dog, falling down a cliff, and being called before a judge as a witness in a criminal proceeding. I’ve been sick, lost loved ones, had my heart broken, and seen my children suffer things beyond my control. I’ve taken care of my wife when she was ill and watched as she worried over me when I was sick.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:12b – All That Matters”