Monday, January 3 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6 “We thank God and pray for you” In giving thanks and praying for the Thessalonians, Paul models behavior he will later encourage them to practice (5:17-18). Here, Paul gives thanks for their active faith, their hard-working love, and their patient, enduring hope. This familiar triad of faith,… Read more about Letters of Paul
The Spirit in Jesus’ Ministry
Monday, December 27 John 4:21-26 “Worship the Father in spirit and in truth” Just as “God is love” and “God is light,” so “God is spirit.” These phrases describe the ways God reveals himself and how he impacts people in our world. Therefore “worship in spirit” does not refer to the human spirit.… Read more about The Spirit in Jesus’ Ministry
The Spirit in Jesus’ Birth and Baptism
Monday, December 20 Luke 1:1-25 “Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you are to name him John” There were twenty-four divisions of priests in Israel at the time, far more priests than needed in the Temple. Each division took a turn yearly to serve for two weeks. Only one priest at… Read more about The Spirit in Jesus’ Birth and Baptism
Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
Monday, December 13 1 Thessalonians 1:1-6 “You received the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit” The Thessalonian Christians’ reception of the Good News of Jesus Christ resulted in a blend of suffering and joy. Had the Gospel just been a source of blessing and gain, their response might well have been… Read more about Fruit of the Spirit: Joy
Fruit of the Spirit: Love
Monday, December 6 1 John 4:7-12 “Let us love one another” Love is a word about which we make decisions; it involves our will by which we choose to love others. Why should we make the decision to love others? Because love originates in God, and all who belong to God practice their relationship… Read more about Fruit of the Spirit: Love
Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
Monday, November 29 Colossians 3:15-17 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” The New English Bible renders it, “Let Christ’s peace be arbiter in your hearts.” This is a colorful picture that comes from the athletic arena, and Paul is encouraging us to let the peace of Christ act as the umpire… Read more about Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
Fruit of the Spirit: Hope
Monday, November 22 Romans 5:1-5 “Hope does not disappoint us” To be forgiven of our sins through the death of Jesus is the most important blessing that the gospel brings to our lives. But it doesn’t come alone. It opens a door of hope through which each reconciled sinner may look forward to a… Read more about Fruit of the Spirit: Hope
Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control
Monday, November 15 2 Timothy 3:1-5 “They have no self-control” The expression “last days” is found in both the Old and New Testament, and calls attention to major events that characterize different phases of history. In this passage, Paul uses the expression to denote the time between the first and the second coming… Read more about Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control