But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? I John 3:17 NASB Goods – How do you measure your success? Most of us will say that we think of success in terms of relationships, community and…
Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes. Matthew 24:46 NASB So doing – While I was washing the car, I suddenly thought about asset management. I don’t know why, except that the Spirit was prompting me in moments of unaware routines. I thought about what really matters to God…
But the woman fearing and trembling, aware of what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him, and told Him the whole truth. Mark 5:33 NASB Fearing and trembling – What is the relationship between sin and healing? That question plays a significant role in the gospel accounts. The disciples voice their opinion…
“He felt compassion for her, and said to her, “Do not weep.” Luke 7:13 NASB Compassion – Nain. The village named “pleasant” or “beautiful”. But on this day the Hebrew name does not fit the mood at all. Today is the day of a funeral. Today is a mother’s worst nightmare – death invades life. …
“Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” Luke 10:36 NASB Proved to be – It’s a matter of DNA. Spiritual DNA, in this case. You would know that if you read the Greek text. The choice for the verb here is…
“Now there was a certain rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day.” Luke 16:19 Gaily Living – “Reading the Bible in a translation is like kissing your new bride through a veil.”[1] Kenneth Bailey underlines Bialik’s point in this parable.[2] The translation “living gaily” disguises…
“But a certain Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion.” Luke 10:33 Felt Compassion – We have often mentioned that Hebrew thought development moves like the lines of a pyramid. The story develops from the foundation up to the pinnacle and then concludes by returning…
and when you seek for me you will find me, when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 Seek/Search – How many times have you heard this verse given as motivation for seeking God? It seems to be a favorite when we need exhortation and encouragement. But how many of us know…
“So also My heavenly Father will do to you unless each of you from your hearts forgive his brother their offenses.” Matthew 18:35 Forgive – Forgiveness is fundamental to faith. It is the action that separates human being from human biology. When I refuse to forgive, I move away from alignment with the Father. In…
“and this is another thing you do; covering the altar of YHWH with tears, with weeping and groaning; because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand.” Malachi 2:13 Weeping and Groaning – Is God without compassion? As Paul would say, “May it never be!” God reveals Himself filled…
