Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 24:16 (New Living Translation) But God kept them from recognizing him (Jesus). This is from the (hi)story of the men walking to Emmaus with Jesus. They didn’t recognize Jesus. From this verse, God prevented them from recognizing Jesus. Does God do the same today? Does Jesus walk among us from time to time, but […]

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Acts 2:13 (New Living Translation) But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!” Combine this verse with this phrase from verse 7: These people are all from Galilee Why of course. People from Galilee are always drunk in the middle of the morning. They must be the 33 A.D. equivalent […]

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2 Timothy 4:5 (New Living Translation) But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. The first phrase of this verse appeals to the tough-minded thinkers. It doesn’t appeal […]

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Ephesians 5:6 (New Living Translation) Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Sin has no excuse. What? But what about…? No, not even that. This verse refers to a list of sins given before it. Basically, this part of […]

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2 Timothy 2 (New Living Translation) 16 – Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 23 – Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. Years ago I head an expression, “Don’t argue with dead people.” Such arguments waste time and only tend to raise […]

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Hebrews 11:27 (New Living Translation) It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. This is one of those things in the Bible that doesn’t make any sense to us. Moses kept […]

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Colossians 4:6 New Living Translation – Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. New International Version – Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. I love this verse. I have taught three-month classes about what this verse […]

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Hebrews 12:15 (New Living Translation) Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Here is some stark poetry – the poisonous root of bitterness growing up to trouble us. To me, this […]

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1 Peter 3:10-12 (New Living Translation) 10 For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. 11 Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. 12 The eyes of the […]

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Colossians 4:2 (New Living Translation) Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Notice how we are to pray: with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Both the heart and the mind are involved. We can’t be all mindful – all analytical. We can’t be all heart – all feeling. […]

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