Ephesians 1:5 continues by saying, “having predestined us to adoption…” Being predestinated is not what some erroneously interpret and teach, that certain ones are chosen to be saved while others are predestined to damnation. This twisted doctrine does not fly in the face of overall Biblical teaching which is that “God…desires all men (mankind) to […]
Continuing to look at what we are in Christ we come to Ephesians 1:4, “…He (God) chose us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world…” What security, what satisfaction, what a relationship, to be a chosen part of the family, no longer an outsider just looking in; rather to enjoy the fellowship, provisions, […]
Verse 3 of Ephesians 1 begins with the word “Blessed”; this Greek word means “adorable”. The Apostle here exalts in God, and shows us that He is to be worshipped, praised, adored, and revered for giving the Lord Jesus Christ through whose blood we have been redeemed, (verse 7). Then he says that God has […]
In Isaiah 55:1-3 God, speaking through the prophet, is inviting everyone that is hungry and thirsty to come and obtain satisfaction, delight, and experience the full benefit of His covenant provisions. In these verses the water, the wine, the milk, and the bread are all used symbolically. The water of His presence will bring refreshing; the […]
Isaiah prophesied over Israel of a time when they would be in captivity in a foreign, pagan land and they would feel dejected and forsaken. In 40:27 they seem to be in that place feeling that God no longer saw them and no longer answered their prayers. But in chapter 41:13 God gives this assurance […]
The final word of Psalm 23 is “Forever”, just one word but it is not isolated from the rest of what has just been said, his confidence is that he “will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.” This confidence instills Hope, Assurance, Peace, and rejoicing! Forever from the Hebrew focuses on a length […]
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life” Psalm 23:6. Goodness in the Hebrew text means just that; in Exodus 34:6 God “proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abounding in goodness and truth.” Mercy in the Hebrew means kindness, piety, and (rarely) reproof, but even […]
Psalm 23:5 continues “My cup runs over.” When a cup runs over it has been filled to the brim, and receiving more than it needs, or can hold, the excess flows over the side and covers the area around it. As we sit at God’s banquet table it is His plan, desire, and provision for […]
The next thing that Psalm 23:5 says of (and to) the shepherd is “You anoint my head with oil”, likely drawing from the practice of putting oil on the sheep to protect them from flies and other insects that could get into their eyes, ears, and nose. Aside from the sheep it was a custom […]
Picking up from last week’s meditation Psalm 23:4 continues “…I will fear no evil…” The Hebrew word here translated evil means bad or evil, and can associate with adversity, affliction, and calamity. It seems that as David makes this declaration he is refusing to focus on the shadow of this valley. It is a battle […]