Monthly Archives: January 2011
choosing the right fear
Luke 11:37-12:12. A Pharisee had invited Jesus to dine with him, and Jesus accepted. The Pharisee was astonished that Jesus did not follow his tradition of ceremonially washing his hands before eating. The Pharisee expected deference because he was a … Continue reading
an insufficient request
Gen. 18:16-33. God had determined to destroy Sodom because its sin was very grave (20), but he also chose to let Abraham know that it was going to happen. Abraham interceded for Sodom by appealing to God’s justice — not … Continue reading
seeking holiness
Luke 11:1-36. The kingdom of God is Holy Spirit empowered righteousness. A person in God’s kingdom prays for a minimum of things. She is satisfied with what is needed for today (3), but she begs for forgiveness and deliverance from … Continue reading
Posted in holiness, Holy Spirit, kingdom of God, prayer, relationship with God
Tagged Luke 11
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ultimate vindication
Psalm 17. David prays for deliverance from evil men. Like a lion, the wicked man lurks in ambush, seeking to do violence for personal gain (12). His portion is in this life (14). But David’s hope is that God would … Continue reading
Posted in conditional immortality, prayer, sleep of death, vindication
Tagged Psalm 17
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the lawyer and Martha
Luke 10:25-42. The balance needed to be a follower of Jesus is seen in the two people that he encounters in this text. First, there is the lawyer who knows all the right answers, yet in his heart he refuses … Continue reading
good reception, bad reception
Luke 9:51-10:24. The great evangelistic campaign of the seventy-two was a victory for the kingdom of God. Because these believers were spreading the gospel, even the demons could not stand in their way. Luke puts this story in its proper … Continue reading
Posted in faithfulness, ministry, obedience, perseverance, witness
Tagged Luke 10, Luke 9
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integrity now and then
Psalm 15. David’s question in verse 1 uses two verbs for residing in a residence. The verb sojourn implies a temporary residence. Sojourning in the LORD’s tent is having a relationship with him now — in the present. The verb … Continue reading
Posted in eternal life, genuineness, integrity, relationship with God
Tagged Psalm 15
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if at first…
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:3. David had learned his lesson from the previous attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem. This time he did it right. He tasked the Levites, whom God had commanded to handle the ark. He also tasked them … Continue reading
how long?
Psalm 13. The believer proceeds from victory to victory — with long stretches of waiting in between. These are opportunities for us to spend quality time in prayer. God is not offended when we ask how long it will be … Continue reading
the road paved with good intentions
1 Chronicles 13. It seemed like a good idea at the time. David enlisted the support of his kingdom to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. They built a new cart, got two drivers, and accompanied the procession … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, leadership, preparation, self-control, wisdom
Tagged 1 Chronicles 13
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Devotions 