The Organized Life

You prepare a table for me before my enemies. Psalm 23:5   Prepare – Preparing a table has special meaning in the ancient culture of Israel.  It was a sign of hospitality and a precursor to relationship commitments.  That’s why you will often find meals associated with legal and political agreements.  But in this psalm,…

James and Paul

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:23 With – You wouldn’t think there was much to make from a preposition, but you might be wrong.  You see, Paul is unusually particular about using his Greek prepositions in deliberate ways.  The result is…

Thoroughly

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours.  Therefore acknowledge such men. 1 Corinthians 16:18 Acknowledge – How do you treat those who are instrumental in lifting you up?  If you read this verse in the Greek, it might change your actions.  The word is epiginosko, an intensified verb from ginosko (to know).  We might…

Who Would Be King?

“I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” 1 Samuel 15:11 Regret – It was a triumph of self-determination, and a tragedy of spiritual disintegration.  The man who would be king decided that his interpretation of God’s command was good…

Et too

“Vengeance and retribution belong to Me; in due time their foot will slip; for the day of their calamity is near; and the things prepared are hurrying for them.” Deuteronomy 32:35 In Due Time – God will avenge.  Great!  When?  “In due time.”  So, what time is that?  Coming to terms with the way God…

The God of Justice (6)

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:9 Will Bring Me Out – There is nothing more destructive than secrets.  In fact, you…

The God of Justice (5)

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:9 Justice – Justice at last.  The path to justice includes experiencing my guilt, carrying the…

The God of Justice (4)

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:9 Pleads – You’re caught.  You are arrested and charged.  There’s not much point in resisting…

The God of Justice (3)

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:9 Until – “How long, O Lord, how long?”  Until.  That’s the word ‘ad.  The phrase…

The God of Justice (2)

I will bear the indignation of the Lord because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my case and executes justice for me.  He will bring me out to the light, and I will see His righteousness. Micah 7:9 Indignation – The storm warnings are out.  There is a fury in the sky, headed…