Category Archives: dependence upon God
deeply committed, deeply hurt
Philemon 1-3. Philemon was a good man. He was not just a pew-sitter in Colossae. He hosted a fellowship in his own house. Paul described him as a “beloved fellow worker.” The picture we get from Paul’s words in this … Continue reading
Posted in conflict, courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, forgiveness, grace, trust
Tagged Philemon
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Christ, our substance
Colossians 2:6-23. Christ is our substance, we do not need to grasp at the shadows that others seek. Christ is the reality that has set us free from dependence upon the philosophies of earth and false allegiances of the heavenly … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, discernment, genuineness, grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, sanctification, the cross
Tagged Colossians 2
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joy from others
Philippians 2:12-30. Paul was no lone ranger. He was blessed by those who ministered the gospel because of him, those who served alongside him in his team, and those who were sent to support him and provide for his needs. … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, grace, mercy, ministry, prayer, witness, works
Tagged Philippians 2
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grace for love and war
Ephesians 6:10-24. Paul concludes this letter with a prayer for grace to all who read it, that they might love the Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. The warfare that they face will challenge that love. His concluding words to … Continue reading
Posted in church, conflict, deliverance, dependence upon God, faith, grace, peace, perseverance, prayer, scriptures
Tagged Ephesians 6
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but God’s grace
Ephesians 2. We were lost, but God’s grace has saved us! We were dead in trespasses and sins, but God’s grace has made us alive together with Christ (1-5). We were incapable of bringing glory to God, but God’s grace … Continue reading
Posted in adoption, dependence upon God, grace, relationship with God, the cross
Tagged Ephesians 2
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the gospel for the free
Galatians 5: 1-15. What does standing in freedom look like? Paul had told the Corinthians “faith, hope, and love abide” (1 Corinthians 13:13). To abide is to remain, to stand firm. A person who is trusting in God and not … Continue reading
choosing God on his terms
Galatians 4. You and I have to make the same choice as the Galatians did. We can decide to do our best, and hope that God accepts it. That is the choice of Hagar, of Ishmael, of the letter, of … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, faith, grace, Holy Spirit, the cross
Tagged Galatians 4
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not man’s gospel
Galatians 1:11-24. Paul had already said that his missionary calling was not “from men nor through man (1:1). He had also made it clear that no man was his master, because he was not serving man, nor trying to please … Continue reading
Posted in church, dependence upon God, gospel, Jesus Christ, witness
Tagged Galatians 1
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false hope
Isaiah 19-20. It would have been embarrassing to see the great prophet walking around naked and barefoot for three years. The people probably thought that he had finally lost it – that he had gone utterly mad. All this time … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, discernment, hope, trust, Uncategorized, will of God
Tagged Isaiah 19, Isaiah 20
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sometimes God says no
2 Corinthians 12:1-10. As I write this, I am going through a severe spiritual battle. Something that I really expected to happen has not happened. Like Paul and his thorn in the flesh, I have prayed many times about this, … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, dependence upon God, faith, faithfulness, obedience, plan of God, submission, will of God
Tagged 2 Corinthians 12
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Devotions 