Blogs in this category are designed to present something to think about. They may present a different angle on a familiar passage. Or they may simply present a challenge for the reader to relate to the passage in a way they may not have before.
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. Hebrews 11:3 Let’s look at some examples: It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable …
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10 NASB Herein lies spiritual truth: there is a God who loves you, who took on human flesh at the expense of great personal sacrifice, then lived a …
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NASB Jesus encourages us to focus only on today, for tomorrow will take care of itself. There’s a lot of freedom in that thought. We don’t have to …
Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV Why would God want us to give thanks in all circumstances? Could it be that we need to constantly counter the enemy’s voice by reminding ourselves of all that …
I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalms 16:8 ESV There’s a quiet confidence that accompanies a life focused on the Lord. It’s not that the Lord spares us from difficult times, things go wrong in everyone’s …
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also. But Paul kept insisting that they should …
She did what she could. Mark 14:8a NIV While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. …
“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 ESV Jesus gives us fair warning that we will give an account for every …
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the …
And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11 NASB We live in a land of scorched places; …
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1 NIV Just as a shepherd personally commits to protect, provide for and watch over the sheep so God commits to care for us. When God is your shepherd you lack nothing. He may not give us everything we think we …
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28 NIV Thomas shall forever be the disciple known as “Doubting Thomas.” But when I look at the other details we’re given about this follower of Jesus, I have to admit, I find him very easy to relate to and …
When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. John 6:16-18 NIV As …
Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering… he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4a, 5 NIV Take a moment to reflect upon all Christ has …
I know, Lord, that your laws are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:75-76 NIV I have to admire this psalmist’s relationship with God. There is something special about knowing God so …
Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When …