Tag: theology

UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Grace of God Keeps Us

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Jude 24–25 (ESV) 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Understanding and Applying the Word The gospel teaches us that we are all sinners and in need of a Savior. It tells us that we cannot save ourselves, but God sent his Son into the world to die for the sins of … Continue reading The Grace of God Keeps Us

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Submission and Honor in a Pandemic

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Romans 13:1–7 (ESV) 1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do … Continue reading Submission and Honor in a Pandemic

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Peace Surpassing All Understanding

Tim Farley

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

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Avoid Irreverant Babble

Tim Farley

Reading the Word 2 Timothy 2:14–19 (ESV) 14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has … Continue reading Avoid Irreverant Babble

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Our Lack of Understanding

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Job 38:1–7 (ESV) 1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: 2 “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together and … Continue reading Our Lack of Understanding

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Everlasting God

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Psalm 90:1–4 (ESV) 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. 3 You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. Understanding and Applying the Word Nothing brings perspective like growing older. When we are young, we think of all of the time … Continue reading The Everlasting God

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Obedience from Love

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Psalm 119:1–3 (ESV) 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! Understanding and Applying the Word Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. It spends 176 verses telling of the goodness of God’s law and the blessings of keeping that law. The believer finds great benefit in living in obedience to God’s word. However, we must understand the type … Continue reading Obedience from Love

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

God Cares for You

Tim Farley

Reading the Word 1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Understanding and Applying the Word Have you ever felt that you would like to take your problems to God, but you wonder if your issues are a nuisance to him? Have you ever decided that your problems are too small and that God should not be bothered with such things? 1 Peter tells us that we can go in confidence to … Continue reading God Cares for You

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Be Doers of the Word

Tim Farley

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I do not publish supplemental material on Sundays, but I do include a suggested Scripture reading. Be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along each day. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word James 1:22–25 (ESV) 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and … Continue reading Be Doers of the Word

Rate this:

UncategorizedLeave a comment

Desire Gives Birth to Sin

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word James 1:12–15 (ESV) 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is … Continue reading Desire Gives Birth to Sin

Rate this: