In today’s Bible reading*, Paul completes his statement of what being filled with the Holy Spirit looks like as it applies to relationships with parents and children and with masters and servants (employers and employees in our context). He concludes the chapter discussing Spiritual Warfare. Most believers think they’re being persecuted for being a believer when…
I’ve said many times that when you see a word or idea repeated several times in a few Bible verses, it’s a pretty good sign that the word or idea is important. Well, in today’s Bible reading* the word “comfort” appears nine times in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7. That’s nine times in five verses! It’s safe to say that…
In today’s Bible reading*, following his brief greeting, Paul assures the Thessalonians that God will take care of those who persecute Christians. I’m sure the Thessalonians were on board with Paul’s promise until they read what is now labeled as 2 Thessalonians 1:7, “This will take place at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from…
James doesn’t mince words about suffering. He is clear that there is no shortcut to spiritual maturity. He begins his book urging his readers to rejoice whenever they experience trials. And he wraps up his book with today’s Bible reading*, urging his readers to be patient in suffering. (James 5:7-11) He fills in the gaps…
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus’ friends sent word that his friend Lazarus has died. Jesus knows that He will raise his friend from the dead. And yet, when He approaches His friend’s grave, Jesus wept. (John 11:35) The Jewish bystanders correctly observe that Jesus could have kept Lazarus from dying in the first place. I’m…
In today’s Bible reading, John tells us about Jesus’ encounter with a man who was born blind. The Jewish leaders asked Jesus about the source of his blindness. Was it his sin or his parents’ sin? Evidently, these First Century Jewish leaders believed there was a connection between sin and physical ailments. They were partially…
