This post is part of the series The Names of God. Judges 6:22–24 (ESV) — 22 Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the LORD. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel … Continue reading The Names of God: YHWH Shalom
Reading the Word “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!‘” (Proverbs 26:18–19, ESV) Understanding and Applying the Word Today’s passage deals with causing quarrels with … Continue reading I Am Only Joking!
Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I do not publish supplemental material on Sundays, but I do include a Scripture reading for the day. Please be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along … Continue reading Stop the Fight before It Starts
Reading the Word James 3:13–18 (ESV) 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy … Continue reading The Wise Seek Peace
Reading the Word Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Understanding and Applying the Word We are living through circumstances right now that are unprecedented in our lifetimes. The whole world is facing the rapid spread … Continue reading Peace Surpassing All Understanding
Reading the Word 2 Corinthians 13:11–14 (ESV) 11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Understanding and Applying the Word It is far too common that we Christians spend a great deal of time and energy fighting among ourselves. And it is … Continue reading Live in Peace
Reading the Word John 14:27–31 (ESV) 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 … Continue reading True Peace
Reading the Word Luke 12:49–53 (ESV) 49 “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 51 Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52 For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, … Continue reading A Divisive Message
Reading the Word Psalm 139:1–12 (ESV) 1 O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where shall I … Continue reading The Lord Who Is There
Reading the Word Psalm 131:1–3 (ESV) 1 O LORD, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Understanding and Applying the Word The psalmist voices his trust in the Lord. Some things are too great to be grasped. We are limited in … Continue reading Like a Child
