Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,
Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others.
Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control.
Wow.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:21a – Under Control”
… for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage…
Summary: Paul’s assessment of the things in his life gives us a reason to pause and consider what it is that we value, too.
Sometimes people say things and they don’t really mean it.
For example, if I said, “If I don’t get to go on vacation soon, I’m just going to die!,” you would understand that I am exaggerating. Some call it hyperbole. Everyone “get’s it.”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:8b – All Things”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: It is important to understand who it is who is teaching us the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus is more than an itinerant rabbi; he also happens to be a king.
In the Book of Revelation, John describes Jesus this way:
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part III – King”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”… and in the strength of his power.*
Summary: Paul has already told us to become strong in the Lord, enabling the power of the Lord God to fill us and overflow us. In this passage he points us to the source of the power, God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:10c – The Strength of His Power”… but rather thanksgiving.
Summary: Paul has a simple instruction for us, when we talk, we should speak words of thanksgiving. Finding something to be thankful for can be a challenge. Fortunately, when we step back and take a look at the big picture, our reasons to be thankful become clear.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:4b – Worse Than Death”[Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths] … but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Summary: How should we use this power of the tongue? God tells us to use it for good, not evil.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:29b – Speak Well”Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths …
Summary: Words have amazing power to build up or tear down. Paul is giving us a clue as to how we can monitor what is going on in our hearts and minds by watching what comes out of our mouths.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:29a – Words Have Power”… then, I urge you to live a life worthy …
Summary: Living a life worthy of our Lord is a full-time job. It is also a job that requires us to wear many hats.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:1b – The Power to be Worthy”… according to his power that is at work within us,
Summary: When it comes to acts of God, everything depends on how much of God’s power is at work. How we can get that power and what it can do are fascinating topics of conversation.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:20b – Lame Excuse”