Read 2 Corinthians 4:1–6 Since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 The way we look at our ministry helps to determine how we will fulfill it. If we look on serving Christ as a burden, we will be a drudge and...
Read Galatians 1:13–24 And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:24 If Paul had been interested in glorifying himself, he could have remained a Jewish rabbi and perhaps become Gamaliel’s successor. But it was the glory of God that motivated Paul, and this ought to motivate our lives as...
Read Hebrews 2:10–18 For this reason [Jesus] had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17 Jesus Christ is...
Read Hebrews 3:1–11 Fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Hebrews 3:1 Jesus Christ is not only the Apostle; He is also the High Priest. In fact, Jesus Christ has the title “great high priest” (Heb. 4:14). As the Apostle, Jesus Christ represented God...
Read Job 1:6–19 Yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting … when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead.” Job 1:18–19 In one day, Job was stripped...
Read Romans 4:16–25 [Jesus our Lord] was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Romans 4:25 Justification is the act of God whereby He declares believing sinners righteous in Christ on the basis of the finished work of Christ on the cross....
Read James 4:13–14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14 We count our years at each birthday, but God tells us to number our days (Ps. 90:12). After all,...
Read Isaiah 4—6 I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Anyone reading the first few chapters of Isaiah’s book might be inclined to ask, “What right does this man...
Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–13 It seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. 1 Corinthians 4:9 Pride has no place in ministry. If a truly great leader like Paul considered himself “on display...
Read Colossians 2:16–23 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Colossians 2:18 The word translated “disqualify” means “to declare unworthy of a prize.” It is an athletic term: The umpire disqualifies contestants who do not obey the rules....