Then I urge you, be imitators of me 1 Corinthians 4:16 Then – Paul calls us to follow his example because he follows the example of Jesus. We know that this is the divine pattern of the Christian life – follow the leader. But what we often overlook is the description that Paul provides of…
Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar Genesis 22:9 Bound – There is a deep connection between the binding of Isaac and Yeshua. There is a deep connection between the sacrifice of father Abraham and the Father. There is a deep connection…
Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar Genesis 22:9 Bound – According to Jewish tradition, Isaac was a young man of marriageable age (approximately 36) when his father Abraham took him to be sacrificed. Erase the idea of Isaac as the innocent…
Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; Genesis 22:13 Behind – If you’re reading this verse in English, you may discover two curious things. The first is here in the NASB with the addition of the word “him.” The second curiosity is…
in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses 2 Corinthians 6:4 Endurance – Frankly, I’m tore down. I can’t remember when I have been so tired. Every part of my body aches. I have a hard time thinking. I just want to go to sleep. Does that sound like you? It wouldn’t surprise me. …
if indeed you continue in faith firmly established and steadfast Colossians 1:23 If Indeed – Jesus wants to present us holy and blameless. That’s the plan (see verse 22). The first step in this glorious transformation has been accomplished (John 19:30). You and I have been reconciled with God. We have been rescued from inescapable…
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men. 1 Corinthians 16:18 Refreshed – Are there people in your life who refresh you? When you are exhausted, discouraged or disappointed, is there someone whose voice lifts your spirits? Do you value these wonderful people as a blessing from God? The impact of…
I will meditate on your precepts, and fix my eyes on your ways. Psalm 119:15 Meditate – Perhaps we “meditate” more than we think. For us, meditation usually implies something like quiet and deliberate reflection. But the Hebrew word siyach has some unusual history and application that just might open the door to a different…
Be humbled, then, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the opportune time 1 Peter 5:6 NASB Be Humbled – There is no better person to pen these words than Peter. The man who believed in personal power learned a life-altering lesson after the death and resurrection of Yeshua. Power…
Throwing all your cares on Him because you are the object of His concern (my translation) 1 Peter 5:7 The Object Of – God knows what you need, right? God is able to provide what you need, right? Then why bother Him about it? Why pester Him with your constant requests? After all, you don’t…
