Category Archives: obedience
the Holy Spirit’s other gifts
Luke 11:1-36. Jesus told his disciples to expect the Father to give them the Holy Spirit. He is not reluctant, but eager to do so (5-13). From this gift of an intimate relationship with God flows other gifts – and … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, evangelism, gospel, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, obedience, resurrection
Tagged Luke 11
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disciples: absent
Mark 15. The disciples are conspicuously absent from the narrative in this chapter, although they have a prominent place everywhere else. They are not there in this chapter to speak up for Jesus when he is being accused and mocked … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, commitment, deliverance, gospel, Jesus Christ, obedience, plan of God, the cross
Tagged Mark 15
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disciples: preaching and hardened hearts
Mark 6. One of the facts of discipleship that we must be aware of is that our ministry will not always be accepted and appreciated. Many hearts are hardened to God’s truth. Even Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, courage, discipleship, evangelism, faithfulness, ministry, missions, obedience, suffering, witness
Tagged Mark 6
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only Jesus: provider of God’s rest
Hebrews 3:7-4:13. Moses offered a promised land and took his people to a place of rest, but they were not able to enter God’s rest because of their disobedience. Now Jesus offers God’s Sabbath rest. This is the rest of … Continue reading
Posted in dependence upon God, grace, Jesus Christ, obedience, works
Tagged Hebrews 3, Hebrews 4
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responding to heaven’s king
Matthew 28. To Matthew, the resurrection of Jesus was such an obvious reality that he didn’t even describe it. Instead, he focused on the various responses to the resurrection that first Easter morning. The angel came down with such force … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, courage, kingdom of God, obedience, witness, worship
Tagged Matthew 28
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being ready for heaven’s king
Matthew 25. Jesus had taught his disciples that they “must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (24:44). He concludes his eschatological discourse with three parable illustrating the need for that … Continue reading
relationships that reflect grace
Ephesians 5:22-6:9. The grace walk requires voluntary submission in all relationships. This is a means of obeying the command in 5:18, being filled with the Spirit. It is accomplished by submitting to one another. So, what follows should not be … Continue reading
Posted in church, equality, family, grace, love, obedience, peace, sanctification, submission, witness
Tagged Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
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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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things that defile
2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16. The temple under the old covenant was a building in Jerusalem, and it could be defiled by people who came in contact with certain things: a dead body, certain animals, etc. Since the death of Christ on … Continue reading
Posted in faithfulness, forgiveness, genuineness, holiness, idolatry, obedience, relationship with God
Tagged 2 Corinthians 6, 2 Corinthians 7
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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 