Posts from 2020 (Page 5)

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 8 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). The line between consequences and anger is often blurred. It’s easy for the person who messed up to misinterpret a consequence as someone acting out of anger. It’s also tempting for the person who was wronged to embellish the consequences…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 7, #4: Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). When we are going through tough times, the last thing we need to hear is platitudes. They can come across as an easy way to fluff off bad feelings without really acknowledging the depth of someone’s suffering. Even biblical-sounding phrases…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 6: Isaiah 40:31 Tom, you’re telling me Bible verses are ranked? Apparently, some couch potato with a lot of time has surveyed Christians, and thus, a list has appeared. So, let’s take a peek at Isaiah 40:31. Maybe it’s on your top-ten list. I’m going to jump back to Verse 28 for context. You may even want to read from Verse 9. In Verse 28, two questions are presented: “Have…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 5: A New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:11 – 21) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A few years ago, my family purchased a butterfly kit. We actually did this for a few years, but the kits we would purchase would include a habitat for the caterpillars, some food, and about 4 or…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 4: Shelter Yourself in the Lord “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28 – 30). Definition Shelter: “What is given for protection” An invitation…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 3: Go Plant! (Matthew 28:19) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”  (Matthew 28:19) Amy and I love going to movies. We love good characters who are struggling through life to find success or love. One of my favorite kinds of movies is driven by several storylines. In the movie, each storyline…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 2, #9 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) I think Philippians 4:13 is a bit of a paradoxical verse. On one hand, this verse is not meant to be interpreted the way most of society interprets this verse, but once you get to its true meaning, it is exactly what people think it is: an encouragement that with God’s help we will make it…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 1 | #10: Proverbs 3:5 – 6 Stop and Ask Directions! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5 – 6). The book of Proverbs was, in simplest terms, written to impart wisdom and knowledge to everyone. It contrasts foolish, unholy, deadly living with wise, holy, lifegiving living. Simple enough. Life, however,…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 7: Keep On Doing the Work Jesus Left Us to Do | James 2:14 — 26 As I sit here writing this, it is the night before the election. We have many questions and we wonder who the victor will be in many different races, especially the presidential race. But for us, no matter who wins, what will be different? I say nothing. I say that we should imitate God, Who is the…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 6: Is Today the Day? (1 John 2:28) “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (1 John 2:28). Do you ever count down the days to a specific future event? My family has a countdown calendar that we use to prepare us for special days. We’ll use it for birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc., and…