“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?” Genesis 4:7 Do Well – What do you do when you fail to live up to God’s standard? You could throw up your hands in defeat and say, “It’s impossible. No one can be perfect.” Of course, then you would have to re-read Deuteronomy…
“You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him.” Leviticus 19:13 Oppress – Today’s Standard Operating Procedure in business is to stall payments as long as possible. Making promises substitutes for sending a check. With more than 16 million child support cases in the United States alone, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize…
pray without ceasing 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Without Ceasing – Doesn’t this command from Paul make you feel inadequate? I know that I don’t pray constantly. I am quite sure that the vast majority of Christians don’t either. That makes me feel as though I just can’t live up to the standard. And I probably never…
“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 Faithful – What does it mean to be faithful? What do you think of when you hear these words? Do you think about a marriage vow or a promise or someone? Do you think about unwavering commitment or loyalty? If…
“But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Revelation 2:4 Against – It’s an up and down matter. Greek prepositions, like this one, almost always have a root meaning in some kind of physical space movement. Kata is no exception. The root meaning is movement downwards. For example, in 2…
But when Simon Peter saw that, he fell down at Jesus’ feet, saying, “Go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 Go Away – Simon understood at least this much. The man before him had powers that only God could grant. It scared him. All Jesus did was…
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is…
If you will not take heed to do all the words of this law which are written in this book, to fear this glorious and fearful Name, Yahweh your God, then . . “ Deuteronomy 28:58 If You Will Not Take Heed – The email expressed real concern. “Are you saying that the old law…
“Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.” Matthew 7:13 Narrow Gate – Jesus had been there before – at the narrow path; the place where there is unseen danger; where the blind have no idea…
Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. Psalm 25:3 Wait For – It’s just a little change in the grammar, just the difference between a present tense verb and a participle. But the implications are important. This Hebrew verse might also be…
