Has the pain of your past become a prison in your present? *Ephesians 4:31-32* Picture a man hunched over a chemistry set, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to the unpleasant green fluid before him. He is thinking of someone who harmed him, replaying all the perceived slights and hurts, and is concocting a poison to repay the offender. His work finished, he breathes a sigh of relief and takes the beaker in his hands, marveling at what’s been created. “This will show him,” the man says, and then drinks the bitter brew himself. That’s a…
Author: Gerald Kure
“We hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies … we command and exhort … to work peacefully and eat their own bread … brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good.”—2 Thessalonians 3:11–13 NASB The supernatural was a central part of Paul’s ministry; he frequently taught about God’s power and demonstrated miracle-working power. But he was also concerned about practical matters. For example, in writing to Christians in Thessalonica, he stressed the importance of living a disciplined life. He heard that some believers were “undisciplined.” The…
“He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”—Colossians 1:13–14 NASB A major change had taken place, and Paul wanted believers to realize the amazing transformation. The Colossians had heard the Gospel and the “hope reserved for [them] in heaven.” But Paul urged them to realize that a change already had taken place. The Gospel “is bearing fruit and increasing” in their lives (vs. 5–6). Through the Gospel, they were “qualified…to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (v. 12).…
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”—Philippians 4:8 NASB Why do some people have better memories than others? Are they more intelligent? Better educated? Do they have biological advantages? These questions were examined in tests conducted by the Institute of Neurology in London. Two groups with similar backgrounds were compared. These tests revealed that there was only one significant difference between the groups: Those with superior memories had developed habits that led to an…
“My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19 NASB When George Mueller was young, his father, a tax collector, often trusted him with money, hoping to teach discipline. Instead, George developed ways to use money without being detected. He even cheated a minister out of funds his father had given to their church. When George was 15, his father was transferred to another city. Left at home, George continued his life of deceit. He used money that had been paid in taxes for a trip he called “days of…
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”—Philippians 4:5 NIV What did it take to impact the first-century world and demonstrate the difference Jesus could make? Paul may have surprised believers in Philippi by stressing the importance of gentleness. The Greek word here means mild and moderate, patient and soft spoken, kind and considerate. This is a reminder of the importance of gentleness in our Christian lives. Gentleness is a byproduct of the presence of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We always are to speak with a spirit of gentleness (1 Peter 3:15). We are to be like…
“I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 1:6 NASB How would we act today if we really believed that God’s Word was true, that He really will provide for our every need? How would it change our thinking if we spent every minute convinced that He never forgets us but continually is refining us, that He constantly is with us to guide us? Help us? Even perfect us? Paul clearly was sure of these truths. He used a Greek word indicating…
“Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand that is on the seashore in abundance […] God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore.”—1 Kings 4:20, 29 NASB Standing on a beach, we see sand in every direction. Each grain seems immeasurably tiny, with hundreds, perhaps thousands, in just a handful. Pondering the expanse of the beach, the volume of sand seems beyond counting. Researchers at the University of Hawaii actually tried to calculate the number of grains of sand on earth. They estimated that the earth…
“My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known … the brothers and sisters … have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”—Philippians 1:12–14 NASB As a prisoner in Rome, Paul had every reason to be afraid and discouraged or to assume his ministry had ended. But he discovered his life still had an enormous impact even in prison. He had the opportunity to write letters and help churches throughout the Roman world. He had a powerful influence on people…
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God.”—Ephesians 6:12–13 NASB Paul used military terms to describe the Christian life. He knew we are engaged in a real war with serious consequences. Paul also described how to be prepared for this conflict if we want to be victorious. Clearly there are parallels between spiritual warfare and military conflicts. Studying military history, Bevin Alexander discovered that great generals tend to…
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”—2 Corinthians 4:6 NASB Many were shocked when Malcolm Muggeridge declared that he had become a Christian. In the 1940s, he had become famous as a writer and personality noted for cynicism. His private life was characterized by drinking and womanizing. But later in life, he discovered the reality of faith in Jesus. As a result, everything changed. Describing the transformation, he wrote about the…
“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”—2 4:7 NIV For Ludwig van Beethoven, conditions were difficult. His city of Vienna, Austria, had been invaded by French forces under Napoleon Bonaparte. Describing conditions, Beethoven wrote, “What a destructive, disorderly life I see and hear around me, nothing but drums, cannons, and human misery in every form.” Beethoven also had reason to be discouraged about his health. He was nearly deaf and losing his hearing. Yet in 1809, amid this turmoil and despair, Beethoven was able to compose…
“To this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed … the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”—2 Corinthians 3:15–17 ESV Despite all the evidence, why do some people simply reject the Gospel and refuse to believe? Why do some seem unmoved by the sincere testimony of believers? Why do some find it hard to respond, no matter how clearly the Gospel is presented? One reason? Paul explained that a veil lies over their heart. He was…
“Whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”—2 Corinthians 2:10–11 Conditions seemed desperate. It was the fifth century BC, and China was plagued by wars and leadership struggles. Amid this dire situation, their general Sun Tzu developed a winning strategy, summarized in the book The Art of War. His insights worked so well that they have continued to be studied and employed worldwide—in military matters as…
“These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.”—1 John 2:26 NASB Colonel Wilhelm Stieber was a master manipulator. Called “one of the nastiest men who ever lived,” he revealed his character while serving with the Prussian police, who dismissed him because of his abuses. But the Russian government decided to hire him. Stieber returned to prominence when the Prussian ambassador in Russia, Otto von Bismarck, became the Prussian president. He asked Stieber to head the Prussian police force. This ushered in a new era of manipulation. Stieber learned that by controlling information, he…
“We were burdened excessively, beyond our strength … we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead … He will yet deliver us.”—2 Corinthians 1:8–10 NASB The reality is that all of us experience problems—even great men of God like Paul. He wrote to the Corinthians that he was “burdened excessively” in ways that were beyond his strength. He “despaired even of life.” Yet he emerged victorious. Facing situations like these brought power to his ministry. As he looked back,…
“I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”—Luke 24:49 NASB Mount Washington rises to a height of 6,288 feet in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. It is the highest peak in the northeastern United States and is notorious for harsh weather conditions, with a climate that is said to rival that of Antarctica. This mountain is known for its wind. The annual average wind speed is just under 35 miles per hour. But hurricane-force…
“Concerning the collection for the saints … so you are to do as well. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save as he may prosper, so that no collections need to be made when I come.”—1 Corinthians 16:1–2 NASB The Bible makes it clear. Stewardship is essential to being a Christian. It demonstrates our commitment to God and proves our priorities. Giving to Him helps us remember that everything we have belongs to Him and that He needs to have first place in our lives. But the Corinthian Christians needed to…
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’”—1 Corinthians 15:33 NASB Writing to the Corinthian Christians, Paul quoted Menander, an important Greek poet. The writer of more than 100 plays, Menander left a memorable quotation about bad company. By referencing this quote, Paul was demonstrating a principle that was recognized as true, not only from a Christian perspective but also from the context of their own society. Paul used this quote to address the reality of the resurrection. Some had been teaching the Corinthians that there had been no resurrection. Paul stressed that the resurrection was central to the…
“But one who prophesies speaks to people for edification, exhortation, and consolation […] All things are to be done for edification.”—1 Corinthians 14:3, 26 NASB Unity among believers is important to Jesus. He prayed that His followers would “be one” (John 17:21). The reality is that unity can be fragile. It easily can be tarnished when people think about themselves first, forget that every gift, talent, and resource is a gift from God, or become competitive and think of other believers as rivals. Instead of thinking about ourselves first, Paul urged us to approach life from the context of the…
“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways … we see in a mirror dimly.”—1 Corinthians 13:11–12 ESV Even as adults, we sometimes talk like children, think like children, and reason like children. Paul explained that we need to go through the process of being less like children and more like mature adults. This involves conscious decisions to put away childish things. We begin to realize that we have choices to make. As we trust in God, He…
“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit […] distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For just as the body is one and yet has many parts … though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.”—1 Corinthians 12:4, 11–12 NASB David Stirling seemed like a failure. Born in Scotland in 1915, he had abundant talent but failed at everything he tried. After being thrown out of college, he drifted. He decided to become an artist and moved to Paris to study, only to be told that his artistic abilities were inadequate. Then, he…
“To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some.”—1 Corinthians 9:22 NASB In October 1861, the Pony Express delivered its last transcontinental telegrams across the United States. When the Express started just 18 months earlier, long-term success seemed guaranteed. The Express employed a revolutionary concept, filling a practical need. Its mail delivery system used horse-and-rider relays operating between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California, stopping at 157 points on the 1,900-mile route. But after a few months of operations, it…
“For the present form of this world is passing away. But I want you to be free from concern.”—1 Corinthians 7:31–32 NASB The church was founded during a time of tremendous uncertainty. The Roman Empire dominated the culture. Believers were subject to the whims of local leaders and the changing rulings of emperors, governors, and generals. Christians faced opposition from other religions, local businesses, and secular authorities. They had many reasons to be anxious, but Paul encouraged them to remember that “the present form of this world is passing away.” This included the political, military, social, and economic climate, possible…
“Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me].”—1 Corinthians 6:12 AMP Paul made it clear: Because of what Jesus had done in his life, he knew that “everything is permissible for me.” This sounds like he was free to do anything he wanted. But he knew that this reaction missed the point. Yes, everything is permissible and even lawful. However, Paul said that we should be concerned not so much about what is lawful…
“All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”—1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB Cicero was born into a family without the aristocratic heritage normally required to achieve success in Rome. Yet he gained influence as a lawyer and gifted orator. In 63 BC, he became a consul, the highest elected Roman office, performing with distinction. But when Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus took control of Roman politics, Cicero was forced to leave Rome because of his outspoken beliefs. In exile, Cicero wrote extensively…
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”—1 Corinthians 4:1–2 ESV How did Paul view himself? Not as a spiritual superstar, a mighty warrior, or a powerful minister. No, he was simply a servant of Jesus and a “steward of the mysteries of God.” The only important measure was God’s calling. Paul knew we all will appear before God when He “will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart”…
“If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool [discarding his worldly pretensions and acknowledging his lack of wisdom], so that he may become [truly] wise.”—1 Corinthians 3:18 AMP The world is full of people ready to give advice or recommend ways to gain intelligence. They become wise by their own standards and criticize anyone who believes in the Bible. But the Bible reminds us of another dimension of wisdom found only in God. Paul said that if we want to receive this wisdom, we need to do things God’s way, even…
“If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become evident … it is to be revealed with fire and the fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work.”—1 Corinthians 3:12–13 NASB Geirr Tveitt found an ideal place to compose music: a farmstead in Hardanger, in southwestern Norway. In this tranquil environment, he generated what one critic called an “unstoppable waterfall” of compositions. But Tveitt, who was extremely sensitive, did not publish some works, storing them in his farmstead. Then in 1970, tragedy struck when his home and…
“Like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each person must be careful how he builds … no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”—1 Corinthians 3:10–11 NASB Imagine creating a mathematical system that remains as accepted today as it was more than 2,000 years ago! Euclid accomplished this amazing feat. Born in Egypt around 300 BC, he developed the 13-volume Elements, which provided rules, definitions, and procedures that still ring true. It has been said that other than the Bible, this is…
