Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Reflection on Mark 9:38-41

    John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said,“Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. For the…

  • We Need to be Watchmen

    “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth” (Isaiah 62:6-7, ESV). After reading this passage recently, I read the…

  • Teaching, Reproof, Correction, and Training in Righteousness

    As we read the Bible, we should look at it from this perspective. What is God trying to tell me? What is He trying to teach me about Himself, or myself, or the world He created? What sinful behaviors or bad habits is He pointing out in my life? What false beliefs is He seeking…

  • Getting Ready

    While the world calls us to stores and sales, Christians need to focus more on the coming of the Lord, and His current abiding presence in our lives. That is the message of Advent, as we await the joyous celebration of Christmas. Let us not be swept away by the storm of secularism and materialism…

  • Christian Perfection vs. Perfectionism

    “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, ESV). This is one Bible verse that has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years. It is not a problem with Scripture itself; God and His Word are perfect. Instead, it was my problem. Having a compulsive sort of…

  • Set Free

    “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’” (John 8:31-32, ESV).

  • Light of the World

    The Gospel according to John highlights seven “I am” statements by Jesus, where He made bold declarations about His divine identity. In John 8:12, He tells us that He is “the light of the world.”

  • Repentance: More than a Feeling

      “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy…

  • Unity of the Spirit

    What is truly important in the “unity of the Spirit” is the personal relationship with Christ. Through that relationship, we are bound to other Christians in the church. Scripture often very appropriately uses the language of family to describe the church: God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters through our relationship with…

  • Freedom in Christ

    (Note: I published this article last year, around July 4, on michaelelynch.wordpress.com. I believe it is always worthwhile to reflect on the true meaning of freedom on this day of the year. May God pour out His grace and mercy upon our nation.) July begins with one of America’s favorite holidays. On July 4, most…