Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Summary: In this passage, Paul equates what the Philippians have given to an Old Testament sacrifice.
This verse fascinates because it poses the question, “What is pleasing to God?”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:18b – Giving It Up For God”
… and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.
Summary: Epaphroditus was someone who was deeply committed to the Lord’s work. His commitment to the Lord led him to serve Paul in his time of need, and that service put his life in danger.
Sacrifice demands honor.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:29b-30a – A Living Conundrum”
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.
Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.
As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest”
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith…
Summary: Paul’s comment about being “poured out” makes us wonder why he sacrificed what he did.
The passage that comes to mind as I read this verse comes from Genesis. It is a brief glimpse into the life of Jacob after he has returned to the land of Canaan from Paddan Aram where he met and married his wives.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17a – Wine and Rock”
And because of my chains…
Summary: Memorial Day is a special day of remembrance. We owe a special debt of gratitude to all who have fought for our country and died for our freedoms.
Note: This meditation was written for publication on Memorial Day, 2025.
Chains, for the person bound by them, are a constant reminder of confinement. A person who is chained is a slave to the chains.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:14a – Remembering Our Heroes”
… and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
Summary: Parsing Paul’s words is always a challenge and always rewarding.
This passage presents us with two enormous questions:
One is what it means to be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” and the other is what Paul means by the “day of Christ?”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:10b – Above All Else”We hold these truths to be self-evident …
Summary: The history of the United States is both fascinating and instructive.
Continue reading “Happy 4th of July!”… so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
Summary: Paul is very close to his topic. So close that he makes assumptions about his audience and what they know. Deconstructing what Paul says requires us to look into the Old Testament for clues.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:22b – Letting Go, Grabbing On”… just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Summary: Why was it necessary for Jesus to die on the cross? Is it possible for us to fully understand the answer to that question? Probably not, but Scripture provides us with many clues.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:2b – The Second Chance”So Abraham rose early in the morning…
Summary: The Bible is full of examples of people being “tested” or, as the KJV says, “tempted.” In this meditation, we look at Abraham’s response to one such situation.
Continue reading “Genesis 22:3 – Instant Answer”