(REFLECTIONS ON Psalm 117–Psalm 118) In this one statement, “for His lovingkindness is everlasting,” we are reminded that there is nothing better than the Lord to help us and be our refuge in times of despair and trouble. What is so amazing about this statement and why is it so powerful? It is because in this […]
(REFLECTIONS ON 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28) In the Old Testament, the prophets preached the word of God to Israel. They did not speak their own words, mixed with their own desires and motives, but it was their duty to be a vessel for God’s word to His people. However, there were prophets that didn’t speak God’s word, […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 20:1-23) In today’s Scripture, we see an interesting progression from the missing body of Jesus to the knowledge that Jesus is alive. When Mary first came to the tomb, she and those with her saw that the stone had already been taken away from the tomb. Her assumption without looking in to investigate […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 15:1-27) In today’s Scripture, Jesus gives another “I am” statement, saying, “I am the true vine.” His Father, God, is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Jesus then emphasizes that we as the branches need to abide in Him, meaning that as the branches we need to stay connected to Him as the true vine. That […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 11:45-57) The chief priests and the Pharisees were waiting for the Messiah, the one that would restore Israel. However, the chief priests and the Pharisees had their own expectations for the Messiah, and wanted the Messiah to be someone that fit within their expectations and structures. They expected someone who would uphold the […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 8:31-47) In today’s Scripture, Jesus talks about being free, but His definition of freedom is different than the Jews definition of freedom. This is a pattern that exists throughout the Gospel of John, that Jesus is often defining things differently than those that hear Him speak. Even as today’s Scripture begins stating that […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 6:1-21) In today’s Scripture, as a large crowd followed Jesus, He asked Philip a question, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” Interestingly, the author of the Gospel of John, which he often does, provides us with some spiritual insight. He writes, 6 This He (Jesus) was saying to […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 3:22-36) John the Baptist came to prepare the way of the Lord. His baptism was one of repentance, and preparation for the kingdom of God, and of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, to be revealed to the world. However, as we see in today’s Scripture, Jesus also was baptizing, and although John’s baptism continued, […]
(REFLECTIONS ON John 1:1-18) 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. 14 And […]
(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 33:1-29) Moses’ time is almost up. What words would he leave for the Israelites? What would his final words be for the people that he had such a complicated relationship with? Throughout their journey in the wilderness there was accusation, complaint, anger, doubt, false promises, etc. However, the last words of Moses to […]