Read Philippians 1:1–5 I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3–5 Paul’s letter to the Philippian church is a missionary thank-you...
Read Romans 12:17—13:14 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 Returning evil for evil, or good for good, is the way most people live. But we Christians must return good for evil. This response requires love, because our first inclination is to fight back....
Read 1 Corinthians 10 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 1 Corinthians 10:24 Paul probably appeared inconsistent to those who did not understand his principles of Christian living. At times, he would eat what the Gentiles were eating. At other times, he would eat only...
Read 1 John 5:4–5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5 A Civil War veteran used to wander from place to place, begging a bed and bite to eat and always talking about his friend “Mr....
Read Colossians 1:28–29 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28 A more literal translation of the first part of Colossians 1:29 is “For this I labor to the point of exhaustion, agonizing.” What a picture of...
Read Job 22 Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless? Job 22:5 What should have been an encouraging discussion among friends had become an angry and painful debate. Eliphaz had assumed the office of prosecuting attorney and turned the debate into a trial. It was three against...
Read Philippians 4:6–9 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 Paul balanced four activities: “learned” and “received” and “heard” and “seen.” It is one thing to learn a truth,...
Read Isaiah 29 Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 29:19 Isaiah asked the people to consider what God had planned for them. They had turned things upside down, but God would one day turn everything around...
Read 1 Peter 2:13–25 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17 True Christians submit to authority because they are first of all submitted to Christ. They use their freedom as a tool to build with and not as a...
Read Philippians 2:22–30 Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. Philippians 2:22–23 Timothy knew the meaning of sacrifice and...