Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance…
Summary: In this verse, Paul introduces us to the concept of a “trustworthy saying.” Before examining the saying itself, it is helpful to consider the concept of a “saying” and think about why that would be important.
Paul has a problem: Like the rest of us, he is limited to being in one place at a time. Unlike most of us, however, he needs to be everywhere all at once.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:15a – Unchanging”
For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Summary: Paul touches on a topic that challenges every thoughtful and well-meaning Christian. Ironically, those who are not thoughtful and well-meaning might not feel challenged at all.
This verse shifts gears rather rapidly. If the resulting head-bob makes your neck hurt, don’t feel alone. We are all in the same situation.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:18 – Doing and Saying”
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Summary: Paul’s thoughts are sometimes complex. In this meditation, we take a 30,000-foot view of Paul’s thoughts in his passage in hopes of seeing the “bigger picture.”
If you have read this blog for any length of time, you are probably shocked to see a meditation that is based on two entire verses at once. Never fear! We will, no doubt, dissect this in future meditations. However, given the complexity of Paul’s thought here, I thought it best to begin with an overview.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:1-2 – Paul’s Request”
… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Summary: Words matter, and the Bible’s words matter the most. Helping people understand the gospel is often a matter of making sure we are using words correctly.
What does it mean to have a partnership in the gospel?
The word “partnership” seems straightforward. Paul acknowledges the support he has received from the Philippians. The word “gospel” is a little different.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:5 – Good News”
[… rid yourselves of all such things] … and filthy language from your lips.
Summary: Words can be weapons. Paul points out that the tools of slander are words that cause real hurt.
If your idea of “filthy language” is anything that gets **BLEEPED** out on TV, you are on the right track. Strong’s Concordance calls this kind of language “vile conversation.” “But wait!” (As they say on TV), “There’s more!!”
The Greek word Paul used has roots. They are made up of root words that mean “shameful” (G153) and to “disfigure” or be “ashamed.”
Continue reading “Colossians 3:8f – Words of War”Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place …
Summary: The self-checkout line at the grocery provides a metaphor for today’s passage. Paul tells us what language to avoid, and in doing so, he points to the things we should “check out” to make sure they reflect well on our relationship with God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:4a – Self-Checkout”Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths …
Summary: Words have amazing power to build up or tear down. Paul is giving us a clue as to how we can monitor what is going on in our hearts and minds by watching what comes out of our mouths.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:29a – Words Have Power”
… he has given us his very great and precious promises …
Summary: Peter is writing us a letter, but he is not a writer. His thoughts might seem a bit disconnected to us two thousand years later. (They might have seemed disconnected to his first readers, too.) Yet, if we give Peter a bit of grace, the meaning of his words shines very brightly.
Continue reading “2 Peter 1:4b — Awkwardness”