Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
Summary: In this passage, Paul does something very important. He shows us how to show God the respect and honor he deserves.
I am tempted to begin this meditation with the words, “I want.”
“Why?” you ask.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:8 – What Paul Wants”
[I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving]… be made for all people…
Summary: Paul’s instruction on prayer includes praying for “all people.” At first blush, this might seem counter-intuitive. However, if we remember our place in the universe, this command starts to make sense.
What, exactly, does Paul mean by “all people”? Does he have any idea what he is saying? Does he actually mean to be “thankful” for people who have beaten him, imprisoned him, stoned him, and left him for dead (2 Corinthians 11:24-26)? And what about the people preaching false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)? What about the people Paul wished would emasculate themselves (Galatians 5:12)?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1e – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
[I urge, then, first of all, that]… petitions, prayers, intercession …
Summary: In this passage, Paul points us to three ways of praying.
As we continue our examination of this verse, it might be helpful to take a closer look at the first three things Paul encourages us to do: make petitions, prayers, and intercession. What do these words mean, and what is the difference between them?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1c – Three Kinds of Prayer “
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
Summary: Christians don’t “fight” like normal people. Instead of trying to dominate others, we strive to submit ourselves to God’s will.
Christians “fight” in ways that are different than the ways of the world. Instead of knowing the best techniques for kicking and punching, we strive to be expert at “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1b – In the Game”
I urge, then…
Summary: The first three words of chapter two require that we stitch together the threads of Paul’s letter so far so that we can see the whole tapestry.
A lot is going on in this passage, and we will examine several parts of it in detail. For now, let’s look at the first three words, “I urge, then…”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1a – How We Fight”
… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Summary: In this passage, it sounds like Paul is saying the same thing twice when he writes, “by prayer and petition.” As it turns out, there is a world of difference between the English version and the Greek.
Have you ever wondered how to pray?
In this passage, Paul gives us a short primer on the topic. In one sense, it is really quite simple; no matter where you are or what you are doing, pray. When you pray, be thankful. Always present your requests to God.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6b – A Place of Prayer”
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
Summary: Learning about God is a tricky business. It is easy to fall into the trap of depending on someone else’s description of God rather than listening to God directly.
Dear Readers: The next few days will be hectic for me at home, so we are reposting a few meditations from our series on the Lord’s Prayer. I will still be checking for comments. I hope to see you here!
Several months ago, I felt the Spirit pointing me towards the prayer in Matthew 6: 9-13. It is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer,” and is one that I learned as a child. Being raised as a Lutheran, we said the prayer every Sunday in church.
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 1-2 — Finding Jesus”
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ…
Summary: In this passage, Paul points to a higher power: the Spirit of Jesus.
In this passage, Paul summarizes his letter so far and adds one important point: Success does not depend on him.
The nature of God is defined by love (agapẽ). The Apostle John tells us, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Continue reading “Philippians 1:18d-19a – Alive and Well”—to the glory and praise of God.
Summary: In this meditation, we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer. Here at the end, Paul points us to the goal of bringing glory and praise to God.
As we arrive at the end of Paul’s prayer, we can be forgiven if we are wondering, “Why?”
Why do we want to discern what is best? Why do we need “depth of insight?” Why would anyone want to make an effort to be pure and blameless?
Continue reading “Philippians 1:11c – The Glory of God”
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…
Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church.
This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.
Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy”