SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-4 OBSERVATION: John starts by talking about the tangible, touchable appearance of the Life of God, or the Word (Logos) of Life. He identifies himself and the other disciples as witnesses to It’s appearance. This Life (or Word of Life) was with God. In his account of Jesus’ life, he states even more clearly…
Feb 29 — Haggai 2:20-23
SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:20-23 OBSERVATION: God reminds Zerubbabel of His ultimate purpose, to overthrow evil and establish justice, truth and goodness. This is an ultimate promise that God gives to everyone who suffers – “trust Me, I am working to set things straight, and one day… you will see!” Zerubbabel represents the line of the Messiah, the…
Feb 28 — Haggai 2:10-19
SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:10-19 OBSERVATION: God is challenging His people to see the poisonous affect of their sinful hearts, how it stains and pollutes their religious observances (even their temple building). If their hearts are still self-centered, even while building the temple, it defiles their efforts. Religious observances do not make sinful hearts holy, but sinful hearts…
Feb 27 — Haggai 2:1-9
SCRIPTURE: Haggai 2:1-9 OBSERVATION: Apparently this new temple building was less impressive than the previous one, and it was discouraging for those who could remember it. But God promises that He will take this small, unimpressive symbol and turn the world upside down through it. With God, 5 loaves and 2 fish can feed a multitude;…
Feb 26 — Haggai 1:1-15
SCRIPTURE: Haggai 1:1-15 OBSERVATION: Based on the dates, it is guessed that this took place August, 520 BC. It is after the Jews returned from the Babylonian captivity. Instead of devoting their energy to establishing God at the center (symbolized by the temple), they devote themselves to building bigger, better homes, and establishing bigger, better bank…
Feb 25 — Colossians 4:2-18
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 4:2-18 OBSERVATION: Paul is a missionary through and through. He concludes this letter with an encouragement to pray and stand firm in their mission for the Lord. He also names and commends those who are working with him in the mission. Through this section I hear the Lord reminding me to keep the passion…
Feb 24 — Colossians 3:18-4:1
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:18-4:1 OBSERVATION: This is very interesting. How do you translate the life of Jesus into real life? Paul shows us how to apply the law of love in the culture of that day, which included slavery, dictatorial governments, abusive masters and parents and husbands, etc. Paul does not advocate rebellion, but a revolution of…
Feb 23 — Colossians 3:1-17
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3:1-17 OBSERVATION: The new life is not about fasting, attending services, style of dress, abstaining from certain pleasures, etc., which are outward disciplines and practices. The focus is on character, values and priorities. The heavenly perspective is not disconnected from reality, but is this-world reality from a heavenly (ie God’s) point of view. From…
Feb 22 — Colossians 2:6-23
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2:6-23 OBSERVATION: Paul contrasts ‘religion’ from relationship with Christ, living in, with, like and for Him. Religion puts the emphasis on being religious, following religious rules and traditions and practices. But these things do not change the heart. The change of heart required comes from humbly surrendering to Jesus, relating to Him as Lord…
Feb 21 — Colossians 1:24-2:5
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:24-2:5 OBSERVATION: Here is the passion that inspires me, the passion for the Lord, for His purpose and for people that drives Paul. I believe this is not just something for the “ordained” or the “called” but the pattern for everyone who claims to follow Jesus. So many “christians” live without passion for the…