Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” Observation: Paul’s writing to the church at Colossae was to counter their tendency to blend the teachings of Christ with Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Oriental...

1 Kings 17:18 “You have come to me to bring my iniquity to remembrance.” 1 Kings 18:17 “Is this you, you troubler of Israel?” Observation: The contrast of heart attitude in these two passages could hardly be more profound. The widow of 1 Kings 17 was a pagan to whom...

2 Chronicles 15:17 “But the high places were not removed from Israel; nevertheless Asa’s heart was blameless all his days.” Observation: Asa was a good king of Judah, a good man. His heart was to pursue the Lord wholeheartedly. Verses 12–15 detail the national...

2 Chronicles 14:11 “Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, ‘Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this...

1 Kings 13:21 “‘You have disobeyed the command of the Lord, and have not observed the commandment which the Lord your God commanded you.’” Observation: The prophet from Judah had spoken the word of the Lord to King Jeroboam concerning the king’s sinful behavior. The...

Philemon 14, 18 “But without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your goodness would not be, in effect, by compulsion, but of your own free will … But if Onesimus has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account.” Observation:...

Song of Solomon 1:4, 15; 4:7, 9 “Draw me after You and let us run together! The King has brought me into His chambers.” … “We will extol Your love better than wine.” “How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves.” “You are...

Psalm 14:1 “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Observation: In this simple phrase we discover again Scripture’s commitment to utter honesty. As severe as a “fool’s judgment” must surely be, the passage goes on to declare the universality of fools:...

Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 “The day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter. … The...

Ephesians 3:14–15 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.” Observation: Paul had been expanding the concept of the body of Christ, enlarging it to include not only Jews who believe, but...