Job 1-5 A key to understanding the man Job is to look at his life in everyday circumstances. God noted he was blameless and upright, and we see how he responded to his children’s choices. He offered sacrifices regularly ‘just in case’ they had cursed God, not out loud, but in their hearts. Job’s care […]
Rev 9-12 What am I busy about today?John describes what he has seen just as Jesus commanded him and what he sees is fierce and frightening, yet men remain steadfastly belligerent to the ways of God. They will long to die, but it won’t be possible. Today there is a movement to help people to […]
James 3-5 James has been preparing his reading audience to hear from God about what He considers the true test of our faith. It lies in the practical, not the superficial. Paul captured it precisely when he said: “For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I […]
Ephesians 1-3 Paul wrote to encourage the Ephesians to stand fast. About 25 yrs. later under the inspiration of Christ, John wrote to encourage these precious believers to return to their first love. Paul told them they were saints, set apart for God, faithful in Christ. John said you were faithful and enduring. What had […]
Gal 1 to 3 “Let Me Ask You” Paul traveled and founded the fledgling church in Galatia, teaching them the principle of justification by faith. With some dismay, he was astonished to learn that they had started deserting the faith and returning to the works of the Law in his absence. He asks why they […]
Acts 27-28 God’s Plans are Higher and Greater Isaiah explained to his listeners that God’s plans are higher and superior to men’s deeds. Men had cautioned the builders of the Titanic to prepare for any disaster, and Paul warned the ship’s captain about sailing away from Crete. Yet, their voices fell upon deaf ears. The […]
John 4 Jesus “had” go through Samaria, not because of expediency but because His Father had ordained a divine opportunity to meet the Samaritan woman. As she and Jesus interacted, He revealed, as she said later: “who told me everything I ever did.” Leaving her water pot at the well, she told the city residents, […]
Luke 14 Shame and Honor How do you handle shame and the contrasting character quality of honor? Jesus knows his audience pretty well. He observes, interprets, and then applies principles that we might learn. Invited to a dinner party, he notices how people jostle to sit closest to the host. He notices some take the […]
Mark 7 The religious leaders were intent on being perfect before men and before God. Their intent was good, but their practice was fraught with pride. They were insistent on how they were to wash their hands before taking in food, and today we, too, wash before eating—however, they thought this practice is what made […]
Matt 1-4 It has been 400 yrs. of silence since Malachi closed the OT. It was as if God rolled up the heavens like men roll up a scroll. What was He doing? What was He saying? What took place in those years? Today just as long ago, people were born, lived, and died. Rulers […]
