2017
John 5:17 My Father is working_
But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working. John 5:17 NKJV For me, Jesus’ encounter with the sick man raises a few questions: Of the many people seeking healing, why only this man? Why the instruction to pick up his bed? It was the Sabbath and every…
Read MoreProverbs 11:15 Safety with strangers_
Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe. Proverbs 11:15 NIV Solomon’s advice makes sense, and upon reading it, it seems like there should be nothing to add. Making a financial commitment for someone you do not know seems not only risky but…
Read MoreProverbs 11:14 Counselors_
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 NKJV The word counsel comes from a Hebrew word originally meaning “rope pulling” as in steering or directing a ship. It has come to mean steerage (as in the management of ropes) or figuratively as guidance,…
Read MoreProverbs 11:13 Faithful in spirit_
He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter. Proverbs 11:13 NASB Gills exposition of the Bible discusses a tale bearer: (One) that goes about with tales from place to place, who is like a walking merchant or peddler, who takes up his wares at one place,…
Read MoreJohn 5:15 Sin and Sickness_
Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 NIV What could be worse than sitting crippled for 38 years? Whatever illness or condition this man had, Jesus connected it with sin. Similarly in Mark 2:5 Jesus…
Read MoreJohn 5:3-6 Do you want to be made well?_
In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water… When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:3, 6 NKJV What a…
Read MoreJohn 4:48 Signs and wonders_
“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” John 4:48 NIV As a young Bible College student, I read this as criticism. A person with sufficient, or even abundant, faith would not need a sign or a wonder to believe. Boy, how that motivated me to achieve a super-faith…
Read MoreProverbs 11:12 Silence_
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12 NIV The Hebrew word for “derides” means to despise, or show contempt. So, what if that neighbor is truly mean, abrasive, dismissive, and in the process others think he is the rising star, the person to listen…
Read MoreProverbs 11:11 Exalted, because I am blessed_
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. Proverbs 11:11 NIV Where is your city? It could be your job, your church, your municipality, or anywhere people gather for a purpose. Those who are redeemed have an impact. We are salt to our…
Read MoreJohn 4:34 My food_
“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34 NIV My food… The story started with Jesus speaking about Spirit-water. And now Spirit-food. Do you get the idea that the nourishment of our spirit is important? But when I think about Jesus the…
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