This is one of those books often overlooked in the Old Testament. I think part of it has to do with the genre, and I think part of it has to do with how short it is. It’s just easy to skip over. When I mention the genre, what I’m referencing is the title ofContinue reading “Lamentations (1)”
Tag Archives: the bible scribe
Zephaniah (part 3)
Chapter 3 begins with a proclamation of doom to the rebellious city. There’s a line in this section that really sticks out to me, and it is this: “Her priests desecrate the Sanctuary. They use God’s law as a weapon to maim and kill souls.” Have you ever met someone who uses the Bible, orContinue reading “Zephaniah (part 3)”
Zephaniah (part 2)
Two main things in chapter two. Zephaniah brings a lot more judgment in chapter two. Or maybe I should say God brings a lot more judgment. First, against the Philistine cities. Then, against Moab and Ammon. Then, against Ethiopia. Finally, against Nineveh and Assyria. Geographically speaking, this covers judgment to the west, east, south, andContinue reading “Zephaniah (part 2)”
Zephaniah (part 1)
I wrote a super quick summary of Zephaniah a few years back. This time, however, I’m going in more depth. Zephaniah is one of the Minor Prophets. Not minor because he’s less important or because he’s not a “professional,” but because his writing is so short. In only three chapters, Zephaniah covers a lot ofContinue reading “Zephaniah (part 1)”
Pros and Cons of The Message Bible
If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you’ve heard of The Message Bible and you’re in one of three camps: You’ve heard it can be a good paraphrase and you’re curious what makes it different, fresh, etc. as well as what potential pitfalls it may have. You’ve heard it is NOT a good version ofContinue reading “Pros and Cons of The Message Bible”
Colossians 4
There’s a great command from Paul, here at the start of chapter 4: Pray diligently. Do you know what it looks like to pray diligently? Diligent is defined as showing care and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties. So you could say it means praying with care. Praying conscientious of what’s going on around you.Continue reading “Colossians 4”
Colossians 3
Paul is on a roll here in chapter 3. There are four very different phrases that I want to pull out here. Four unique analogies and proclamations. The thread through them all is this: Jesus is your life, so live like it. Number 1: Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ. – Christine Caine talksContinue reading “Colossians 3”
Colossians 2
Paul wrote so many good lines in Colossians 2. I’m struggling with which ones to call attention to and dive into. I can’t possibly cover it all. And I’m sure Paul felt the same way when writing these letters. He had written roughly 2,000 words, and he was trying to explain the mystery of theContinue reading “Colossians 2”
Colossians 1
I love the way Paul opens most of his letters. They’re so grandiose, so meta, so big and dynamic. This letter is no different. Paul then affirms this truth with the folks at Colossae: The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn’t diminish or weaken over time.Continue reading “Colossians 1”
Ephesians 6b
I’m just going to quote part of Ephesians 6 verbatim: Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith,Continue reading “Ephesians 6b”
Ephesians 6
Children, fathers, servants, masters… each group is addressed in order. For the children, they’re encouraged to honor their father and mother knowing that there is a promise attached to it, “so you will live well and have a long life.” Simple enough, right? “Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with no-win scenarios.” An interesting command, isn’tContinue reading “Ephesians 6”
Ephesians 5b
The second half of Ephesians 5 is such a popular passage. It’s often read at weddings because Paul outlines the relationship of husbands and wives, which is really supposed to be an image of Christ and the Church. I don’t know about you, but a lot of the marriages I see don’t represent Christ andContinue reading “Ephesians 5b”