Category Archives: love
Isaac: a wife for the master’s son
Genesis 24. Abraham gave his servant specific instructions that he should travel the long distance back to Paddan-Aram and find a wife for Isaac there. She should not come from the Canaanites. The servant found Rebekah, who demonstrated the qualities … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, evangelism, Isaac, Jesus Christ, love, relationship with God, submission, will of God
Tagged Genesis 24
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first look at paradise
Genesis 2. Eden was God’s best for humanity. Its idyllic atmosphere gave Adam everything he could ask for. He had life, a feast for eyes and mouth, meaningful work, and the perfect companion to share it with. God only prohibited … Continue reading
tests of authenticity
1 John 4. Is your faith genuine? Here are some tests to determine the authenticity of a profession of faith. Do I confess that Jesus is God’s Son who has come in the flesh? (2,15) Do I love other believers, … Continue reading
following Jesus
John 11:55-12:19. There are many who count themselves as followers of Jesus. The question is “Why are you following him?” Judas followed him for the occasional dip into the moneybag. Do you follow Jesus for financial gain? Mary followed Jesus … Continue reading
evangelism: perspective on differences
Romans 14. Paul encourages believers in Rome to get along with each other by refusing to let differences be a cause for division. There will be differences among believers, but we dishonor our mutual Lord when we use those differences … Continue reading
the Holy Spirit draws the lost
Luke 15. In a series of three parables, Jesus responds to those who object to his acceptance of the tax collectors and sinners. In each parable, someone seeks something lost [a sheep (3-7), a coin (8-10), and a son (11-32)]. … Continue reading
Posted in evangelism, faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, Holy Spirit, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace, self-control
Tagged Luke 15
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how the Holy Spirit manifests
Luke 10:25-42. Luke puts together two stories from Jesus’ life in which the messages seem to be complete opposites. In the first story, Jesus explains to a lawyer that devotion to God is not enough. In order to inherit eternal … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, love, relationship with God, worship
Tagged Luke 10
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The Holy Spirit loves much
Luke 7:36-8:3. Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus into his house. He respected Jesus as a teacher, and was curious to know what he had to say. He had problems with the people that Jesus hung around with. He probably tolerated … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, genuineness, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, love
Tagged Luke 7, Luke 8
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disciples: contributions to the kingdom
Mark 12. Jesus continues to teach his disciples by drawing attention to spiritual realities they are observing in the physical Jerusalem. He points out a poor widow and her offering of two leptas – about 1/64th of a day’s … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, genuineness, giving, kingdom of God, love, money, works
Tagged Mark 12
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hard questions and heaven’s king
Matthew 22:15-46. The various religious and political parties in Jerusalem had decided to get rid of Jesus by publically humiliating him. They each chose a hard question to ask him “to entangle him in his words.” Jesus shows the … Continue reading
Devotions 