Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true…
Summary: Paul starts his list of things to think about with “whatever is true.” That sounds simple, until we realize that everyone has a different idea of what “truth” is.
Paul wants us to think about things that are “true.”
Do you find that odd?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:8a – Learning to See”
Do everything without grumbling or arguing…
Summary: In this meditation, we continue with our exploration of what it means to do everything without arguing.
In our last meditation, we examined the dangers of assuming authority that is not ours. Scripture that has authority is what the Bible calls “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:14 – Without Arguing (Part II)”
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence…
Summary: Paul’s commendation of the Philippians’ obedience points us to a vital truth: that true obedience is only possible when we rely on God to guide us.
Paul’s words about obedience in this passage are like a key that opens many doors. One door leads to doing God’s will. The others, however many there are, lead into darkness.
Discerning the right door without God’s help is beyond human understanding.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:12a – Trust and Obey”Do not lie to each other …
Summary: Wondering about white lies leads us to wonder about the nature of truth as well.
The “Food for Thought” question at the end of the last meditation was, “Are ‘white lies’ okay in church?” This sparked comments that raised more questions.
The consensus in the comments was that we shouldn’t tell “white lies.” Lies are the province of the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Ergo, Christians should avoid lies of any kind. I agree, but what does that mean?
Continue reading “Colossians 3:9b – White Lies”Do not let anyone who delights in false humility …
Summary: Paul’s warning about people who “delight” in “false humility” sounds rather general but is actually quite specific.
It is nice of Paul to warn us against people who “delight” in “false humility,” but how do we know who that is? In short, who is Paul talking about?
In Paul’s day, the church was a new thing. People had the Old Testament writings for reference, but the New Testament was still being written. The Gospel message about believing in Jesus was spreading fast. Unfortunately, there were a lot of people who tried to add their own rules to the Gospel.
The problem facing the Colossians in Paul’s day still faces us today: How do we tell who is speaking the truth?
Continue reading “Colossians 2:18a – True or False?”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!”I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Summary: We take a second look at truth-telling and telling lies.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:20 – The Line (Part II)”I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.
Summary: Paul’s affirmation of truth is a statement that triggers a lot of questions. How do we know Paul is telling the truth?
Continue reading “Galatians 1:20 – The Line”I want you to know, brothers and sisters …
Summary: How we acquire knowledge is an involved process. Paul is expressing his desire that we share in knowledge that the Lord has given him.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:11a – The Real Deal”… and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all.
Summary: Searching for truth doesn’t have to be a long journey. In fact, the destination is probably close at hand. At worst, it is as far as the nearest bookstore or computer. Simply open the Bible and begin to read.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:6b-7a – In Search of Truth”