May we have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:18-19, ESV). I love Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. I memorized this prayer many years ago and meditate on it often before I get out of […]
Breadth, Length, Height, and Depth Read More »
For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples (Isaiah 56:7b, ESV). Jesus said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13). Solomon’s original temple, built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586
Praying at the Wailing Wall Read More »
We all want to experience the teaching of this verse taught by Jesus: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Jesus isn’t just talking about a good night’s sleep, but about spiritual, emotional, and physical peace that lives above fear, anxiety, and weariness. Jesus doesn’t
Understanding the Rest Jesus Gives Read More »
The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying. . . (Leviticus 1:1, ESV) In the Book of Leviticus, the Israelites didn’t travel or wander around the wilderness all the time; they stayed in one place for about one month while God, speaking to Moses daily, gave him 251 laws for God’s people.
Skimming not Reading the Book of Leviticus Read More »
Reading the one hundred and fifty Psalms, we find some that are best understood by reading the last verse first (typically the first verse sets the tone). But with Psalm 73 let’s flip the script in this Interruption beginning with the last verse and then ending this blog with the first verse. The Psalm makes
Psalms on Saturday: Psalm 73 Read More »
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13, ESV). I take a multivitamin daily. It’s labeled “for men” (that’s me) and promises to benefit. . . After taking my vitamin today, I think I
A Power Verse ~ Romans 15:13 Read More »
Today, I use the word “nuance” in the title as “nuance” means “a subtle difference.” Joy isn’t just a word used in many Christian songs, but it also, biblically, represents contentment. And examining joy in the Scriptures, we find it’s not a singular concept, but four nuances that, if woven correctly, allow us to enjoy
Four Nuances of Biblical Joy Read More »
By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen (Hebrews 11:3, NLT). There is a known fact of creation that nobody understands. Let me explain this “known fact” in Pastor Grant’s terminology, which will likely further confuse
It Doesn’t Make Sense Read More »
I’ve heard opponents of tithing call it an Old Testament concept. That’s true as we read this command. . . You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year (Deuteronomy 14:22, ESV). But the Old Testament also describes a blessing that comes from diligent tithing. . .
Did Jesus Teach Tithing? Read More »
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1, ESV). Have you been at a conference (or other meeting) with people mostly unknown to one another, and the leader asked everyone to briefly introduce themselves? I feel awkward at this moment. I’ve used words like pastor, ex-hippie, husband,
How Paul Introduces Himself Read More »