Tag: prodigal son

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1 Timothy 5:16 – Free Food

A picture of a bowl of soup and two slices of bread on a wooden table. (Grok)

If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

Summary: Paul continues his instructions about caring for widows.   

One of the things I like about the Bible is the underlying common sense. 

God knows who we are. He knows our hearts and knows how we think. Nothing surprises him. So when Paul talks to the church about taking care of widows, he is not given to sentimentality. 

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1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home

Picture of St. Paul standing by the side of the road with a sign that says "This Way Home." (Grok)

…and receive eternal life.

Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.   

Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared. 

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Philippians 1:20d – Choosing Life

The father of the Prodigal Son embraces him (Luke 15:11-24) -- Grok

… whether by life or by death.

Summary: This passage brings us to an interesting crossroads between one kind of “life and death” and another. 

It is, perhaps, time to review Paul’s entire thought here: 

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”

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Philippians 1:20a – All the Difference

A child puts coins ("small change") into a piggy bank (Pixabay)

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…

Summary: Paul’s hope of being free of shame is a beacon of light for all believers who share his hope in Jesus Christ. 

Ashamed by what? 

I kinda hate to write on this topic for personal reasons. You see, I have a shame problem! Throughout my long life, I have been shamed by others for many reasons. 

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Colossians 2:20b – All or Nothing

[Since you died with Christ] to the elemental spiritual forces of this world …

Summary: “Life” and “death” from God’s perspective is very different from our own. What the world refuses to acknowledge is the truth that every human being is eternal. When we are with God, we have life. When we are apart from him, we are dead.

This is the second time the text of Paul’s letter refers to “elemental spiritual forces.” (See “Colossians 2:8c – Spiritual Dangers” for the first discussion on this topic.) Since we have already discussed the roots of this phrase, let’s talk about the application of Paul’s words. 

The “elementary spiritual forces” could be a lot of things. Paul, in my opinion, is being intentionally vague for a reason. God understands that the words Paul is writing on his behalf are for the benefit of future generations. It would be a mistake to tie his point to a single threat. 

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Psalm 107:1 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Summary: Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday, it is good to take a moment and consider, not only what we have to be thankful for, but who we need to be thankful to. It is all well and good to feel that “I’ve got mine,” but true thankfulness requires that we thank someone.

Pity the poor atheists at Thanksgiving. They might be thankful for life, but they have no one to be grateful to for such a great gift.

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