Tag Archives: peace

Dread; June 17, 2025


Psalm 64:1 Hear me, my God, as I voice my complaint;    protect my life from the threat of the enemy. For once, the ESV translation really struck me. The second half of the verse says, “Preserve my life from dread of … Continue reading

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The Basis for Joy; May 25, 2025


Psalm 4:7 Fill my heart with joy    when their grain and new wine abound.(I greatly prefer the alternative translation:You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.) We tend to let our joy be dependent on … Continue reading

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Sharing; April 2, 2025


1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear … Continue reading

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The Mystery of the Gospel; March 23, 2025


Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” is so familiar to most Christians … Continue reading

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Living and Dying; March 21, 2025


Philippians 1:20-21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is … Continue reading

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Peace; December 13, 2024


Micah 5:5 And he will be our peace. For once I really don’t care for the Japanese translation, but I really like the English! The Japanese says, “Peace will come in the following way.” What is inspiring about that? However, … Continue reading

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People’s Opinions; November 6, 2024


Isaiah 51:7 “Hear me, you who know what is right,    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals    or be terrified by their insults.” This is extremely important, yet extremely difficult for some people. … Continue reading

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God’s Music; November 1, 2024


Isaiah 30:29 And you will sing    as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;your hearts will rejoice    as when people playing pipes go upto the mountain of the Lord,    to the Rock of Israel. This chapter is head-spinning in its contrasts. Isaiah describes the ferocity of … Continue reading

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Fear; September 29, 2024


Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;    he delivered me from all my fears. The introduction to this Psalm says that it was written right after David had been in genuine physical danger for his life, but this verse applies more … Continue reading

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True Success; September 17, 2024


Job 11:17 Life will be brighter than noonday,    and darkness will become like morning. I somewhat regret including this passage in the Scripture readings, because it is nothing but platitudes. That’s the tricky thing about reading Job: you have to be … Continue reading

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