Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength…
Summary: Language is like a bridge made out of puzzle pieces. It only works if the pieces are put together correctly.
Believe it or not, there is a ton of stuff to talk about in this short passage. Let’s begin with the question, “The strength to do what?”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:12b – Plugged in to Jesus”Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Summary: Paul asks for the church at Ephesus to pray for him in specific ways. Today, Paul is with the Lord, but we can still pray in ways that honor his request.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:19-20 – Prayer List”… 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”… be strong in the Lord
Summary: It turns out that the Greek text refers to two different kinds of strength in this passage. One is a word for becoming strong in the Lord, the other refers to the might and power of God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:10b – Finding Gnomas”… may have power …
Summary: Roots are a metaphor for our relationship with God and his love for us. As we put down roots in love, we find the spiritual water and nutrients we need for life. More than that, we are strengthened with power.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:18a – Spiritual Potting Soil (Part II)”
…as the weaker partner…
What was life like two thousand years ago? Was it much different than life was two hundred years ago? How is it different today?
Life in our world is defined by our electronic servants. “Alexa, turn up the thermostat.” “Alexa, play some music.” We can push a button and order everything from dinner to a new car and have it delivered to our home. If we need heavy lifting done, we can hire a contractor or use a power tool. The need for physical strength is less important than it has been in the past.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:7 (c) — A Little Psychology”Zechariah’s song is a rich source of prophecy. In these verses, he tells us God’s plan for the Messiah.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago),
salvation from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us—
Strong’s Concordance has this to say about the Greek word for “horn”:
“since animals (esp. bulls) defend themselves with their horns, the horn with the Hebrews (and other nations) is a symbol of strength and courage, and used as such in a variety of phrases”
Continue reading “The Horn of Salvation”