These are all warning markers—DANGER!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fallContinueContinue reading “Warning Markers”
Category Archives: New Testament
Onesimus
I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. (Philemon 10-11 NLT) The name Onesimus means “useful.” In his letter toContinueContinue reading “Onesimus”
Weak but Strong
But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is forContinueContinue reading “Weak but Strong”
Confronting Closed Doors
Paul and his friends went through Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit would not let them preach in Asia. After they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. (Acts 16:6-7 CEV) As a new graduate, I was thrilled by the prospect of aContinueContinue reading “Confronting Closed Doors”
You Did It for Me
“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’“ And the King willContinueContinue reading “You Did It for Me”
You Are What You Think
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. (Philippians 4:8 MSG) A few years ago, I was out with my friend, having dinnerContinueContinue reading “You Are What You Think”
Is God Your Father?
“You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.” (Psalm 89:26 NIV) Jesus’ hearers were in denial. They claimed that Abraham was their father, but failed to have Abraham’s faith. Then they claimed that God was their father, but their actions of hate spoke louder than their words of love. Jesus revealed who theirContinueContinue reading “Is God Your Father?”
Gifts to the Poor
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!” (Acts 10:4 NLT) In Acts chapter ten, we’re introduced to Cornelius, a captain of a group of soldiers called “The Italian Unit.”ContinueContinue reading “Gifts to the Poor”
Respect Your Husbands
Wives, respect and obey your husbands in the same way. Then the husbands who do not obey the word of God will want to know God. They will want to know God because their wives live good lives, even though they say nothing about God. They will see that you live holy lives and respectContinueContinue reading “Respect Your Husbands”
You Can!
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT) “Apart from me you can do nothing,” Jesus said. So years later, having experienced the truth of these words, Paul penned downContinueContinue reading “You Can!”
Rising with the Son 