Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words…
Summary: Paul’s comment about words provides us with a powerful insight into the importance of meaning.
What is the opposite of a “quarrel about words…”?
Words are the building blocks of language. Language is the bridge that connects one mind with another. The words we choose and how we use them are the key to unlocking understanding and unity.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 6:4b – Words as Weapons”
[but set an example for the believers] … in speech…
Summary: Paul provides a list of ways believers should be an example to others. The first item on his list is “speech.”
In our meditation on 1 Timothy 4:11, we took a close look at the context of Paul’s words, “Command and teach these things.” Authority in the Body of Christ is not universal. We each have authority over our own bodies, but when it comes to the Body of Christ, we submit to a higher authority — that of Jesus Christ.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:12b – Word Power”
I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
Summary: Paul’s gladness puts all of our complaints in perspective when we consider that he is in chains while writing his letter.
To put this passage into context, we have to look back to the beginning of Paul’s paragraph. His thought begins with these words:
“Do everything without grumbling or arguing…” (Philippians 2:14).
Continue reading “Philippians 2:17b-18 – Paul’s Plan”
… as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Summary: Paul’s words about THE “word of life” lead us to wonder about our connection with Jesus and his Word, the Bible.
As Paul continues his thought, he finally brings us to the crux of the matter. In our passage for this meditation, he tells us to “hold firmly to the word of life.”
Continue reading “Philippians 2:16a – The Word of Life”
… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
Summary: Verbal acknowledgement is powerful.
Part of exalting Jesus to the highest place is proclaiming his name … out loud. The “out loud” part is important.
“Why?” you ask. Well, let’s explore …
Continue reading “Philippians 2:11a – Say it — Jesus Christ is Lord!”… God sent his Son,
Summary: In today’s passage, we have four words that capture the essence of a mystery surrounding our God.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:4b – Father and Son”… 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”… cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
Summary: Paul’s use of words always keeps us on our toes. In this passage he gives us something interesting to think about.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:26b – Power Wash”For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Summary: Paul has the unenviable task of explaining realities that we cannot see with our human eyes. To give us a picture of what he is talking about, he uses an illustration of light and dark.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:8a – Spiritual Light and Dark”
By the same word …
Summary: The power of words is something we tend to take for granted. Yet looking at the effect of human words, we can see there is a correlation between God’s Word and our own experience.
Continue reading “2 Peter 3:7a — The Power of Words”