Year: 2008

  • All Tied Up

    So says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt” Jeremiah 11:3 Cursed – What comes to mind when you think of “cursed?”  If you’ve been the…

  • Inherent Ignorance

    I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23 Not In Himself – You think it’s a way out.  It seems to offer relief.  It looks like the solution.  It feels right.  But Jeremiah is there to remind…

  • Comparison Shopping

    we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Instruction – Sometimes you just have to have a bunch of translations in order…

  • No RSVP

    we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Request – Does God request your obedience?  Does He send an RSVP, asking you to consider whether or not you will decide to conform your life…

  • Prayer Addict (2)

    For I bear him witness that he has a deep concern for you Colossians 4:13 Deep Concern – Is that it?  Is “deep concern” what caused Epaphras to agonize in prayer?  Even the marginal notes in the NASB only suggest “much toil” or “great pain.”  But the Greek is zelon polun, literally “great zeal.”  Of…

  • Prayer Addict (1)

    Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, Colossians 4:12 Laboring Earnestly – What would happen if you did nothing but pray?  Does that idea make you a little uncomfortable?  The language itself makes us uneasy, doesn’t it?  Did…

  • Fundamental Shift

    and all who dwell on the earth will worship him, every one whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. Revelation 13:8 Foundation – In English, I prefer the New American Standard Bible.  So, I was quite surprised when…

  • Imperfect Priests

    return the wife of the man, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live. Genesis 20:7 Pray – Abraham caused the problem.  He passed off Sarah as his sister in order to protect himself.  Abimelech reaped the results.  God brought the notice of a death sentence on the…

  • Priests With Purpose

    but you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 Priesthood – Protestants love Luther’s proclamation of the priesthood of all believers.  Each one of…

  • Four Days Too Many

    “On the tenth of this month, they shall each take for themselves an animal of the flock.” Exodus 12:3 On The Tenth – Passover is the fourteenth day of the month of Nissan.  According to God’s instruction, this is to be the first month of the year.  It is to have the priority over all…