The LORD does not let the appetite of the righteous go unsatisfied, but what the wicked crave he thrusts aside. Proverbs 10:3 (Bruce Waltke translation) Appetite – What really moves you? What are the most important motivators in your life? What drives you to keep going? What inspires you to new heights? In Hebrew, all…
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2 NASB Law of sin and death – What is “the law of sin and death”? If you follow Martin Luther (and others), you might assume that Paul’s use of nomos…
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 NASB No condemnation – Celebrate! The judgment has been cancelled! That sounds great, doesn’t it? You and I are freed from the verdict that hung over us. The penalty that we deserved has been lifted. Joy should flood our lives….
Then David said to him, “How is it you were not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 2 Samuel 1:14 NASB How is it – Allocution is a formal speech of advice or warning. But if you watch “Law and Order,” the television crime series, then you know that allocution…
Then all the wicked and worthless men among those who went with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.” 1 Samuel 30:22 NASB…
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 NASB Came mightily – We know David’s story. Starts out great, lots of trouble in…
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 NASB Sin – In the end, everyone gets paid. Since reimbursement is inevitable, it makes sense to know the rules of the game, especially if Paul is correct and the real wages…
A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NASB Too many friends – “A trait often present in people with negative self-images is that they try to please everyone. . . . These people-pleasers are unquestionably unhappy people.”[1] This assessment demands…
A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of understanding draws it out. Proverbs 20:5 NASB Plan – The Jewish Learning Institute workbook, How Happiness Thinks, is a treasure of rabbinic and modern mental health collaboration. It’s designed to take the reader through exercises that uncover roadblocks to…
The name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 1 Samuel 14:50 NASB Ahinoam – There is no doubt that this woman’s name is unusual. In fact, the name means, “my brother is delight.” What? A…
