Monthly Archives: February 2023

Thinking about Jesus; February 17, 2023


Hebrews 12:3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Often emotional exhaustion is worse than physical exhaustion. (The Japanese here doesn’t just say “weary,” but “exhausted.”) The two … Continue reading

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Angels; February 16, 2023


Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Evidently there was an issue, back in the 1st Century, of some people worshiping angels instead of God. This sort of thing has been … Continue reading

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Human Distinctions; February 15, 2023


Philemon 1:10-11 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. Paul could at … Continue reading

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Words; February 14, 2023


2 Timpthy 1:2 To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. This chapter has several verses that are long-time favorites, but it struck me just now that this verse, which … Continue reading

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Ikigai; February 13, 2023


1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. The Japanese of this verse uses an expression that I have recently seen taken up in multiple English articles, pointed out because there isn’t … Continue reading

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Fathers; February 12, 2023


1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. … Continue reading

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Perspective; February 11, 2023


1 Thessalonians 1:6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. The joy of the Lord doesn’t depend on circumstances. The Bible … Continue reading

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Maturity; February 10, 2023


Colossians 1:28-29 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. What a beautiful, … Continue reading

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Thinking; February 9, 2023


Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, 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. The whole letter to the Philippians is so loving, joyful, … Continue reading

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Credentials; February 8, 2023


Philippians 3:7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. We take pride in many things, but most of them aren’t worth it. We evaluate ourselves and others on the basis of things … Continue reading

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