Contemplative Bible Reading

Mark 6:30-31 (New International Version) 30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he {Jesus} said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get […]

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Matthew 8:29 (New International Version) “What do you want with us, son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” This one is a bit odd. The demons in a man are speaking to Jesus. They ask, Have you come here to torture us? Most of the things […]

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Mark 10:21 (New International Version) Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” He said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Jesus is talking to the person known as “the rich young ruler.” This rich person went […]

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Luke 7:39 (New International Version) When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” This strikes me as an odd thing for the Pharisee to say about […]

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Luke 2:28-32 (New International Version) 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss[d] your servant in peace. 30For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the sight of all people, 32a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory […]

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John 1:17 (New International Version) For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. I hadn’t noticed this short verse of a dozen or so words before. This type of writing is called contrast or opposition. It shows one thing, then another. Moses – a great and humble servant of […]

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Acts 4:25-26 (New International Version) from Psalms 2 25You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ” ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 26The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed […]

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1 Peter 2:1 (New International Version) Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind Malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander – these are bad things. I don’t want these things in my life. Is Peter telling us, “Stop this or you will go to hell.” I don’t […]

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Proverbs 18:18 (New International Version) Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart. I read this week as well. It was another of those, “What does this say? This must be a misprint!” The writer of this proverb is telling me to “roll the dice” or “cut a deck of cards” to settle […]

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Song of Solomon 1:16 (New International Version) How handsome you are, my lover! Oh, how charming! And our bed is verdant. Verdant. People don’t use words like “verdant” anymore. I had to learn what this meant. Some definitions: Lacking experience or sophistication Naïve Unripe in knowledge or judgment Unsophisticated Raw Green As a verdant youth […]

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