Day 273 Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12 Let This Mind Be in You This passage in Philippians has been widely studied by theologians in all ages because of what it says about the deity of Jesus. The passage claims that Jesus existed in the form of God before He became human. In…
Day 272 Isaiah 57:14-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10 Our Attitude in Adversity Paul’s letter to the Philippians is probably the most joyful letter he wrote, which is surprising considering the conditions he was in. Paul was in prison, and he had only two avenues open to himself. He would go before the Emperor…
Day 271 Isaiah 54:1-57:13; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8 This Is Good News! I am so grateful to one of my seminary professors, Dr. Richard Pratt, who instilled in me a way of comprehending the Old Testament prophets and their writings. Often in the Scriptures, we find forms of various “oracles” or declarations spoken…
Day 270 Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7 Sing to the Lord a New Song! At various times in my life – high school, college, and a few times since – I have performed in Broadway musicals. Often people make fun of such works on the grounds that in “real life” people don’t…
Day 269 Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6 Putting On a New Self Again… For the First Time One of the risks we face as Christians is found in the overuse of popular Scriptures we come to appreciate for their broad appeal and advice on Christian life. Ephesians 4:17-32 is such a passage,…
Day 268 Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4 Worthy of Our Calling “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” – Ephesians 4:1 This phrase is a sermon in itself. It’s a challenge from Paul. It’s tough….
Day 267 Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2 By the Power at Work Within Us When Israel was desolate and imprisoned in Egypt, God showed Himself to be “Father of orphans and protector of widows” (Psalm 68:5-6). He rose up and scattered His enemies (68:1), providing rescue and a homeland for His people….
Through his resurrection power at work in us by the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit, we are literally being liberated from all evil powers including our own sin and its consequences. The powerful force of the Gospel of Salvation is literally saving the world, one person at a time!
Once a little girl was playing on the playground with other children. When they began teasing her about being adopted, she responded, “My parents chose me; your parents got stuck with you!” Indeed. You are special because God chose you as His child. He called you to Himself, adopted you, and you are His.
Heavenly Father, teach us to make prayer the first thing we do when confronted with seemingly overwhelming situations, and to ask others to join us in prayer.
Day 263 Isaiah 33:13-36:22; Galatians 5:13-26; Psalm 64:1-10; Proverbs 23:23 Walk by the Spirit When I received my license at age 16, there were no GPS or smart phones that could help me find my way around. Don’t feel too bad for me; I didn’t really need one at the time. I lived in a…
What’s a Father Got to Do With Anything?
We live in a time of self-improvement and self-help; commencement speakers regularly affirm that we can do and be anything that we set their hearts to. The Scriptures however approach life from a very different angle.
