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Testing the Spirits
- -The other day my morning reading was in 1 John, and came to this opening imperative in Chapter 4-- Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. I… Read More -
Living in Babylon: Daniel's Tests and Ours, Part 2
- -In Part 1 of this two-part teaching, I shared three ways Daniel and his associates were tested as captives in Babylon, and considered how those tests parallel tests we experience as disciples navigating our modern-day Babylon. Here are three more tests in the book of Daniel that parallel our own.… Read More -
Living in Babylon: Daniel's Tests and Ours, Part 1
- -The stories of the early chapters of Daniel are captivating in plot, character, action, and scope. Lovers of God over the centuries have taken encouragement from the example set by Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. We can observe six tests encountered by these Hebrew youth that proved they were true… Read More -
Finding Meaning in our Suffering: A Study of Job
- -As I prepare to publish a book about how Scripture comes to life in counseling and caring for souls, I find it necessary and appropriate to include a chapter on suffering. I'm sharing it as a blog here, in hopes that it hits the mark for readers who have either… Read More -
Sitting in the Ashes Revisited
- -Most people, even those who know little of the Bible, have heard of Job, and connect his name to great loss and suffering. He’s the poster child for the apologetic question of why God allows bad things to happen to good people. Many books have been written attempting to give… Read More -
God is the Sorter
- -This blog was first written and published in May of 2021, while I was ensconced in the Gospel of Matthew. It came to my mind the other day from out of nowhere. I always try to pay attention to these things, because it could be a signal from the Holy… Read More -
Ephesians: An Embarrassment of Riches
- -(While reading Ephesians this morning I remembered this impassioned essay I first published at the end of 2020. I offer it again with a few revisions because it still resonates.) About forty years ago, a young musician living in New York City was drawn to the Lord Jesus Christ purely… Read More -
"Immediately" in the Ministry of Jesus
- -Mark the Gospel writer frequently expressed immediacy in his accounts of Jesus and his ministry. In this shortest of the four Gospels, Mark uses the word immediately 12 times, more than any of the other three. His Gospel is one of action, suddenness, and surprisingly fast, dramatic outcomes. This got… Read More -
Curriculum of Christ
- -The Gospels contain all sorts of questions and misguided assumptions from people about Jesus’s identity, his motives, his methods, and his works. His disciples ask questions and wonder what he is up to, as do those seeking his help and healing touch. The religious folks, who oppose him and eventually… Read More -
We Must Stand Firm in Faith
- -In both Isaiah and Judges, the theme of God’s faithfulness to his covenant in the face of the cyclical rebellion, disobedience, and apostasy of His people resonates. This is the age-old story of human fickle-mindedness; people can be on fire for God one day, and the next, forget all about… Read More -
Resetting for a New Year
- -I love Mondays. Yes, I really do. I also love a new year for the same reason I love Mondays. It’s a new start. There’s been a period of relative rest and reflection, and then—a reset, a fresh start with a new set of goals and priorities and activities. It’s… Read More -
The Wisdom and Favor of God: Joseph's Story
- -I’ve been reading Genesis, and I’m fascinated with Joseph, yet again. We often cite Joseph as a biblical character who exemplified faithfulness, integrity, and honor despite the grave injustices inflicted upon him. He never lashed out or sought revenge against his many betrayers. Joseph patiently endured great suffering and loss… Read More
The Scripture Comes to Life Blog
One of my greatest joys is reading and studying the Bible. While I do so, I pray that God will give me supernatural insight I’ve never seen or heard preached before. He has faithfully done so. A teacher at heart, my study is driven by a desire to teach and share the wonderful truths he reveals.
I’ve written on a wide variety of themes and topics. The blogs are searchable by topic and with keywords.
As you read, may Scripture come to life for you in many marvelous and helpful ways.