Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV Study – “It is easier to study than to pray. It is harder to become a God-fearing person than a scholar. The evil spirit permits learning.”[1] Heschel’s comment sends shock…
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11 NASB Give us – The God who gives. That’s how we usually think of the God of the New Testament. If He isn’t providing for our salvation, then He is busy taking care of our needs. He is the Christmas God, secretly arranging presents for His…
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 NASB Pray – Perhaps you feel like I do. Tossed on the waves. Sparks flying upward. Tohu wabohu. The…
“My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord, my mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.” 1 Samuel 2:1 NASB Exults – “Exults” isn’t a common expression for us. We might substitute “rejoices,” but neither of these really captures what Hannah feels. In Proverbs the…
In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. Psalm 120:1 ESV Answered – Tell me about the last time that God answered your distress call. Did you hear His voice? Did you see His mighty arm defeating your enemy? Did you smell the aroma of His presence? What was it that…
“Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.’” 2 Kings 20:5 NASB Prayer –…
He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 NASB Israel – Why is Jacob called Israel? The man (angel?) in the story tells us. Israel is somehow a name that means “striving with God.” Payne’s comment is instructive…
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB Might – “If love is real, one should be able to express deep, intimate feelings, unafraid of being judged, ridiculed, or mocked; one is able to take off masks and be…
Come and pray. . . The Jerusalem Talmud, Berakhot 4:4 (8b) Pray – The Jerusalem Talmud, the shorter of the two great collections of rabbinic material, includes the following instruction: “One who is called upon to lead services is not told, ‘Come and pray,’ but ‘Come and kerav – offer our sacrifices, seek out our…
