Constance Clay
We finished part 1 by looking at Ephesians 4:29. Let's pick up part 2 with verse 30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed (sphragizo) for the day of redemption. Sphragizo may occur “for security, from Satan,” or “to hide, keep in silence, keep secret,” or “to prove, confirm, or attest … Continue reading All or nothing, part 2: “Pas” or fail in Ephesians 4:30-5:21
Ephesians 4 contains life verses that I review at least every year, especially the last half of the chapter. For me, it's a handy guide to maturity in Christ. Paul begins by identifying himself as "the prisoner of the Lord," and appealing to the Ephesians "to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with … Continue reading All or nothing, part 1: Ephesians 4:1-29
Like polygamy, slavery is conditionally allowed in the Bible. Paul writes in Colossians 4:1, "Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven." Slaves were to be shown certain considerations including Sabbath rest to "refresh themselves" (Exodus 23:12). They were to go free if a master knocked … Continue reading Is the Bible pro-slavery?
In 1 Timothy 5:21, Paul writes, "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality." This verse sings a common refrain to Christians: we are to do what God asks, making no exceptions, … Continue reading Beyond bias
The Bible teaches that there are things worth dying for, and a time to obey God rather than man, as the apostles said in response to the Jewish Council in Acts 4:18-21: 18 “And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But … Continue reading A biblical response to (even unjust) authority
Humanity can make you lose heart these days, which is why I prize a 3” x 2.5” swatch of pink fabric given to me by a man I’ve never seen. When my decades-old sewing machine broke down last summer, replacing it was low priority because I’m no seamstress and really only used it for … Continue reading The Good, the Bad and the Pink
1 Timothy 4:4 "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude;" Do even simple tasks seem difficult lately? Is life laden with frustration? If so, please join me in a resounding cyber scream! I'll spare you the details, but even this post has been … Continue reading The Gratitude Attitude
This Sunday is Mother's Day, a perennially difficult day for those who have lost mothers, mothers who have lost children or women who wish they were mothers. I've spent time in all three categories. For those formerly untouched by tragedy, this year's celebration might bring new sadness in dealing with the restrictions, lockdowns, illnesses and … Continue reading A Place for Mom
Spoiler: It's coming soon.... For a summary of how to prepare according to the Bible, see the words in bold. When Jesus entered history, the time known as "the last days" began and has continued for about two thousand years. As a young married woman, I sifted Revelation, Daniel and related Scriptures trying to grasp … Continue reading Last Day?
I'm told some folks want a break from the rigors of reality, so here's an offering on the lighter side. The climax of this account happened about this time of year, many years ago.... One winter day, we got a call from our neighbors, who had grown tired of examining a frog and mudpuppy yet … Continue reading The Strange but True Tale of Bark and Leap
