The Merit of Another

Posted on 2014/03/17 by Shawn Thomas

In II Samuel 19:31-38 we find the seldom-told story of Barzillai and Chimham, which serves as another Biblical example of favor to one on the basis of the merit of another:

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Rescued From Darkness

Posted on 2014/03/14 by Shawn Thomas

Colossians 1:13 calls God the One “Who rescued us from the domain of darkness …” (NASB). This verse teaches us that when we were lost, we were under the “domain” — the Greek word is “exousia”: the authority, the jurisdiction, the power — of darkness. Continue reading →

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No Right To Complain!

Posted on 2014/03/13 by Shawn Thomas

In II Samuel 19:28, Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth uttered these words: “What right do I have yet to complain anymore to the king?” He spoke them as a man who had suffered some loss of property and reputation, but kept his blessings in perspective: Continue reading →

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Fit For Heaven

Posted on 2014/03/12 by Shawn Thomas

Colossians 1:12 says that we are to be “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Here the Bible describes how each Christian — even the least worthy — can have confidence that they are qualified for the glories of heaven: Continue reading →

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Evidence of God’s Power

Posted on 2014/03/11 by Shawn Thomas

In Colossians 1:11 Paul prays that the readers will be “strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience”. Several words are used here to describe the abundance of God’s power that is available to the Christian: “strengthened”; “all power”; “His glorious might.” But it may surprise us to note what Paul says is the result of all this power of God in our lives:

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Responding To Correction

Posted on 2014/03/10 by Shawn Thomas

In II Samuel 19, King David is mourning the death of his rebellious son, Absalom, while his victorious army comes “by stealth” back into the city because of his grief. In :5-7 David’s general, Joab spoke a spoke difficult truth to David which may have saved his kingdom:

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It Starts On The Inside

Posted on 2014/03/07 by Shawn Thomas

In Psalm 5:9 David writes: “There is nothing reliable in what they say; their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.” This teaches us an important truth about where our words really come from:

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His Way, Not Ours!

Posted on 2014/03/06 by Shawn Thomas

In Psalm 5:8b David prays to the Lord, “Make Your way straight before me.” In Hebrew it is literally: “Make straight before my face Your path”! This is a significant prayer:

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Entering By Grace

Posted on 2014/03/05 by Shawn Thomas

Psalm 5:7 says, “But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house …”. This little half-verse is packed with significance regarding our salvation: Continue reading →

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And WATCH!

Posted on 2014/03/04 by Shawn Thomas

In Psalm 5:3 David says, “In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice. In the morning, I will order my prayer to You, and eagerly watch.” Those last words are important. David did not just say that he was going to get up and pray; he said he was going to get up and pray — and then WATCH!

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