Archive for January 2019

Pro 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].   I’m sure we have all heard some version of the quote uttered by Spiderman’s Uncle Ben and whose origin has been much debated: “with great power there must also come — great responsibility!”  This echoes the sentiments of Luke…

Pro 25: 20 Like one who takes off a garment in cold weather, or like [a reactive, useless mixture of] vinegar on soda, is he who [thoughtlessly] sings [joyful] songs to a heavy heart.   Empathy can be defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.  When you are experiencing a…

Pro 15:1 A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, but harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.   Imagine how your relationship with a boss or business partner would look if you made it your practice to only speak harshly, painfully and carelessly.  I think we’ve all seen marriages and…

Pro 18:24 The man of too many friends [chosen indiscriminately] will be broken in pieces and come to ruin, but there is a [true, loving] friend who [is reliable and] sticks closer than a brother.   You’ve undoubtedly heard the old adage “choose your friends wisely.”  This indeed is wise advice as Solomon, the principal…

Our second series takes a look at practical biblical instruction on how to foster relationships in genuine love.  The following Proverbs speak to specific types of relationships and what love requires of us if we are to walk out those relationships effectively, but these concepts also can be applied generally to all our personal interactions. …

Eph. 1: 14 That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it–to the praise of His glory.   This series shows us the ways in which God not only changes us…

Eph. 1: 13 In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.   One of the most effective ways to overcome the power of your…

Eph. 1: 11-12 In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will, So that we who first hoped in Christ [who…

Eph. 1: 7-10 In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor, which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence), making known to us…