E100-95

 

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

1 John 3:11—4:21

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Loving God, Your love is truly amazing. It never wavers, it never wanes, it never fails.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. How do we know what the essence of true love is? How does this kind of love differ from the kind we see in our popular culture? When have you experienced love?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What would you say are the marks or characteristics of a true Christian? Why do you say that?
• Do most Christians you know exhibit the characteristics John gives? Explain.
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Identify a nearby family in need (in your church or at the city mission). Help meet their need and tell them you’re doing this because God and you love them.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I want to love others with Your love. May my love be a reflection of Your love for me.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Before the Next Time: Plan now to set aside time this week to reflect on these passages and what you have learned. Ask God to help you love with his love and be an effective ambassador for him. Bring to God any “trials” you face and pray that you will grow and mature through them.

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POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-45

 

PROVERBS OF SOLOMON 

Proverbs 16–18

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Ask God to give you some real, practical wisdom for right living as you read these proverbs today.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What are some of the main themes of these proverbs? Which of them are most helpful to you? Are there any of your own you would add?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Would you say you are wise? Why or why not? What wisdom have you gained from your experiences in life? From your relationship with God?
• If you were writing a few “proverbs,” what would you say?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Choose 2–3 of these proverbs that seem most applicable to you. Write them on paper and put them where you’ll see them each day. Try to memorize them quickly.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, I don’t want to just read Your words of wisdom; I want them to really mold and shape my life.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

Before the Next Time: Make note this week of some of the characteristics of God that are most meaningful to you and take time to praise him for them. As you reflect on the advice given in both books, ask God to help you incorporate specific aspects into your life.

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#Wisdom

#Solomon

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-94

 

FAITH AND WORKS

James 1–2

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, You know my faith may be small much of the time, but such as it is, I place it in You.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Is it really possible to consider trials and suffering “pure joy”? How? Have you had that experience? What differentiates “pure religion” from the rest?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What are the biggest trials you’ve faced? Did they make you a better person? If so, how?
• What do you think is the proper relationship between faith and works, that is, good deeds? How do they relate in your life?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Take an opportunity this week to do at least one practical thing to demonstrate the reality of your faith (helping a needy neighbor, visiting the sick, etc.).
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, show me how to make my faith more real and visible to those around me.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-44

 

GODLY WISDOM

Proverbs 1–4

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. You are the source of all true wisdom, Lord. I come to You seeking more of Your wisdom.
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. People have many ideas about what wisdom is. What do you think it means to be really wise? How does one become truly wise?
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• In the Book of Proverbs, a father imparts wisdom to his son. What wisdom did your parents or other significant adults impart to you? What wisdom do you wish they had shared?
• What do you think it means to be wise? Is it different from simply being knowledgeable? How?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of someone you believe is really wise. What wisdom do they have that you need? Ask them how they got it and then ask them to share it with you.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Thank God that his wisdom is freely and readily available to you and to anyone who asks.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-93

 

A LIVING HOPE

1 Peter 1:1—2:12 

Kevin's Commentary 

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord, I pray that You will both challenge me and encourage me as I read Your Word today. 
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. 
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Do you think it’s possible to be sure about matters of faith? Why? How would you explain your own certainty? 
• Peter speaks of our “living hope” through Christ’s resurrection. What makes you the most hopeful in life? 
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Think of 2–3 steps you can take to grow in holiness in the week ahead. If you aren’t sure what to do, ask your pastor for guidance. 
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, it seems impossible for me ever to be holy, but I know that nothing is ever impossible with You. 

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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#Hashtag

#Christ

#Cornerstone

#Scripture

#Hope

#Salvation

#Redemption

#Holy

#Precious

#Mercy

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

E100-43

 

PRAISE THE LORD

Psalm 103

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Lord God, You are such a wonderful God; Creator and Sustainer of all! I marvel at all that You are! 
• Read = with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. Having read David’s words of praise in this psalm, what would you most praise God for? What inspires or hinders you in praising the Lord? 
• God is ... What do we learn about God?
• We are ... What do we learn about people?
• What things motivated David to praise God in Psalm 103? What most impresses you about the Lord as David describes him? 
• Do you have any reasons for praising God? If so, what are they? 
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Try to compose your own short psalm of praise to the Lord. Use David’s psalm as a guide but substitute your own words and specific ideas. 
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Praise God now for who he is and for all that he means to you and for all he has done for you. 

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Commentary Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

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Video

#Hashtag

#Healing

#Angels

#Praise

#Love of God

#Redemption

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL