Scripture- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message) Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. Observations- Attitudes are choices and are not determined by circumstances. God commands His followers to be cheerful, prayerful, and thankful. [...]
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Scripture- Psalm 56:13 (The Message) You pulled me from the brink of death, my feet from the cliff-edge of doom. Now I stroll with God in the sunlit fields of life. Observations- David wrote this psalm when the Philistines had captured him. God had rescued David when his life was in peril. He compared his [...]
Scripture- Matthew 5:48 (The Message) You’re my kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. Observations- Christ followers are subjects in the Kingdom of God. Being subjects in God’s Kingdom drives our behavior and defines our identity as God intends. [...]
Scripture- Psalm 37:23-24 (The Message) Stalwart walks in step with God; his path is blazed by God, he’s happy. If he stumbles, he’s not down for long; God has a grip on his hand. Observations- The psalmist speaks of someone so focused and faithful he is called “Stalwart.” This type of person does not run [...]
Scripture- Psalm 69:29 (The Message) I’m hurt and in pain; give me space for healing, and mountain air. Observations- In this lament psalm of David he is feeling ridiculed, betrayed, judged, and abandoned… sinking and drowning. He cries out to God for deliverance and salvation. He is concerned that his circumstances will discourage others from [...]
Scripture- Deuteronomy 30:3,10 GOD, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered… Nothing halfhearted here; you must return to GOD, your God, totally, heart and soul, holding nothing back. Observations- God is not heartless or [...]
This year I have chosen to do my devotional Bible reading in The Message by Eugene H. Peterson. As Peterson says in the Introduction: “The Message is a reading Bible. It is not intended to replace the excellent study Bibles that are available.” I won’t be preaching or teaching from The Message. I won’t be [...]
