Monthly Archives: April 2011
they heard his voice
Psalm 95. The Israelites heard God’s voice one day,and he said “keep going, I will sustain you.” But all their fear said “we have no water. ” Later, they heard his voice, and it said “take the land.” But their … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, perseverance
Tagged Psalm 95
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not a competition
1 Corinthians 12. The Corinthians used the spiritual gifts manifested among themselves as a measurement of who should be followed and who should be shunned. Ministry became a means of perpetuating division. Some preferred the speaking gifts, others rallied behind … Continue reading
Posted in church, divisions, Holy Spirit, ministry, spiritual gifts
Tagged 1 Corinthians 12
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the ear planter hears, the eye former sees
Psalm 94. LORD, I am in the wilderness again this morning, I cannot see my deliverance. But You hear my cry because you planted the ear; you see my need, because you formed the eye. Thank you for reminding me … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, patience, sovereignty of God, trust
Tagged Psalm 94
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traditions that dishonor Christ
1 Corinthians 11:2-34. Paul had set up some traditions that the Corinthian churches were following. He commended them for following the head-covering tradition. This was especially important in first-century Corinth, because members of the freedom faction were arguing that their … Continue reading
Posted in divisions, integrity, self-control, submission, witness, worship
Tagged 1 Corinthians 11
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a prayer to the king
Psalm 93. LORD, today I acknowledge that you are king of the universe. You reign, and your reign is a majestic one that will last for eternity. I confess that I have been worrying about my future. I have not … Continue reading
the blood and body of one
1 Corinthians 10-11:1. In the wilderness, freedom is a dangerous thing. One wrong choice and your body is left to rot, and the people will go on. Paul wanted to discourage the Corinthians from abusing their freedom by getting too … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, confidence, dependence upon God, discernment, faithfulness, idolatry, Jesus Christ, the cross, worship
Tagged 1 Corinthians 10, 1 Corinthians 11
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indoor plant
Psalm 92. I can picture a believer worshipping at the temple in Jerusalem on the Sabbath and thinking about his fate compared to that of unbelievers. They are like patches of grass, which flourish for a time, but are doomed … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, destruction in hell, faithfulness, mortality, witness, worship
Tagged Psalm 92
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outside the box
1 Corinthians 9. Paul’s critics in Corinth were convinced that he was a loose cannon. Since he did not do his ministry the way the other apostles did, they were suggesting that his missionary work was illegitimate. Paul’s policy was … Continue reading
Posted in church, friends, gospel, ministry, missions, prayer, witness, works
Tagged 1 Corinthians 9
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for such a time as this
Esther 4. An enemy has convinced the king to make a decree that could result in the extermination of her people. Queen Esther is in turmoil. Interceding for her people could cost her life, because the law prohibits approaching the … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, courage, obedience, perseverance, relationship with God, sovereignty of God, will of God
Tagged Esther 4
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Devotions 