Paul sure does remember a lot of people constantly in prayer. It makes me wonder at how long his prayer sessions really are. On another note, I think that it’s fascinating that Paul gets so happy when he thinks about the people he has seen come to Christ. He wants to continue to see them … Continue reading Discipleship (1 Thessalonians 1-2)

And finishing up the essay…Paul again focuses on – you guessed it! – the gospel. I like reading Paul’s letters in that it always always always reminds me of how we must constantly be focussing on Christ in everything we do. He is the reason for all things. Also Paul’s anguish and desire to share … Continue reading In Closing … (Romans 15-16)

Paul continues his exposition as he moves into how we should live. I have to say that while I like reading the way he describes all these things and the ideals behind them, it’s also a little convicting when you realize you aren’t living all of these out. Today my stand out is where Paul … Continue reading Love (Romans 13-14)

Hmm…the concept I’m picking up in Romans 11 is a little new to me, but this is how I’m understanding it. Salvation was first offered to the Jews, but due to their rejection, any Gentile can also now receive salvation. In doing so, God brings glory to himself and fulfils Israel (remembering that now we … Continue reading Glorious Salvation (Romans 11-12)

God is just. All the time he is just. And he has made us to fulfil the purposes he has called us to fill. This passage isn’t exactly the easiest of them all to swallow. Chapter 9 reminds us that it is purely God’s will that saves, and follows up in chapter 10 with the … Continue reading Evangelism (Romans 9-10)

I always return to Paul’s description of fighting with the fleshly desires in chapter 7. Even though it’s super wordy and confusing, I think that makes it even more appropriate for describing the confusion and frustration at trying to live contrary to what our sinful nature desires. I have to side with Paul when he … Continue reading Wretched to Lovely (Romans 7-8)

And now we can move into the joy and peace we have through faith and the reconciliation Christ won for us. My standout in chapter 5 is verses 6-8. First off, it was at the right time that Christ died. There was no better or more perfect time than the moment that he died. Secondly, … Continue reading Dead to Sin (Romans 5-6)

As we move on in Paul’s exposition to Rome, we are reminded that we are all sinners. Every single last one of us. We have a need for salvation. There is a distinct need for a way to be saved since we are all condemned to die. But there is hope moving on into chapter … Continue reading Need and Faith (Romans 3-4)

Whenever I read Romans, I feel like I’m reading a long, well written essay. He makes his points and backs them up and weaves all his arguments so that he gets to say the gospel about a million times (figuratively speaking, that is). I like how Paul begins his whole letter off with … the … Continue reading Setting up the Essay (Romans 1-2)

This last chapter is one of reconciliation and commission. In forgiveness, Peter is sent to take care of those whom Jesus loves. It is similar to our own salvation stories. As we are saved and pulled out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light, we too are commissioned to go and … Continue reading Next Steps (John 21)

There are so many emotions as I read these two chapters. Sorrow and awe at the death of Jesus. John hasn’t used very many scriptures to prove Jesus’ authenticity (unlike Matthew), but he pulls them out here. It blows my mind every time that Jesus was able to think about other people and fulfilling things … Continue reading Death, Resurrection, and Belief (John 19-20)

And then Jesus dedicates those whom the Father has given to him back to the Father. Jesus prayed for those who did and would believe in him. I’m pretty sure I just read a prayer Jesus said for me. I am kind of convicted in that I don’t pray as much as I ought to … Continue reading Dedicate in Prayer (John 17-18)

If I was a disciple at this point in time, I would have been confused. And possibly terrified. Here, the guy I’ve been following for 3 years, is telling me that the future is going to be horrible. It’s going to be full of persecutions, and it’s going to have sorrow. There will be people … Continue reading He has Overcome (John 15-16)

I see the caring side of Jesus in these chapters. First off, he shows incredible humility in washing all the disciples feet – even that of Judas. He sets the example of serving one another and then instructs his disciples, and us by extension, to serve each other. These last commandments he is giving benefit … Continue reading The Last Instructions (John 13-14)

I hope that I am able to have the faith of Martha. I get that everyone tells us to be Marys and learn how to sit and rest and stuff, but I would like to have a story like Martha who learns and grows in her faith over time. I would like to be able … Continue reading Thoughts and Tangents (John 11-12)

John is continually using these “light of the world” and “bread/water of life” references. He seems to be trying to make a point here… The more Jesus does and says, as John forms his argument for Christ, there seems to be no real alternatives for who Jesus is. He keeps shutting down the demon concept, … Continue reading The Shepherd Messiah (John 9-10)

Jesus makes many claims in these chapters about being the Messiah/the Son of God. I can understand the confusion and frustration of the Pharisees. This guy came out of nowhere and is jeopardising the very things they held as truth. Yes, he did miracles, but he did not act like they thought he would outside … Continue reading Green Flags (John 7 and 8)

Jesus talks a lot in these chapters, and about a lot of things. Today, though, the parts about being the bread of life stand out to me. Something I’ve learned, being at camp, is that time in the presence of Jesus through reading or praying can literally make or break a day. I could tell … Continue reading Bread of Life (John 5-6)

“He must increase, but I must decrease” – John 3:30 I often hear this quoted, but I never actually connected it was something that John the Baptist said. Jesus tells Nicodemus about how we must be born again. We give everything that we have because the son of God has come into the world to … Continue reading Mistaken Identity (John 3-4)

Excited to be starting a new book! I think it is cool how John sets up his first two chapters to tell us that Jesus is the one we have been (supposedly) looking and waiting for. No wasting time, he jumps right in. He was there in the beginning, John the Baptist prepared the way, … Continue reading Jumping In (John 1-2)