Scripture: Titus 2:7-8 “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (NASB) Observation: The letters Paul writes to these young leaders are really [...]
Scripture: Amos 5:4 “This is what the Lord to the house of Israel, ‘Seek me and live’.” Observation: This verse reminds me of Chris Rice’s song, Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus); the song we played at Jeff’s funeral. It still makes me cry. It is so incredible that Jesus makes this offer for all time, [...]
Scripture: Joel 2:13 “Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts.” Observation: How often do we make an inappropriate response to grief? Tearing your clothing seems an odd practice to me, though it is certainly well documented in scripture as a sign of mourning. As is typical of God though, he doesn’t [...]
Scripture: 2 Kings 12:2-3 “All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. Yet, even so, he did not destroy the pagan shrines , and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.” Observation: I once dreamt I was a fully armored warrior walking proudly [...]
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:20 “Anyone who sins should be rebuked in front of the whole church so that others will have a proper fear of God.” Observation: I wonder what Christ thinks of this. Does he look at the way we do church today and think “you’re messing it up!” Or would he have said [...]
Wow – it’s great to be back for my quiet time. I was actually really excited this morning to be sitting with my savior again. Not for the first time I noticed that when I (perhaps) sacrifice a little sleep for this particular practice, God blesses my energy. However, when I don’t make this part [...]
Scripture: Philippians 1:20 “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” Observation: I appreciate Paul’s expectation for himself. [...]