Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Matthew 16:13–19

    Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Matthew 16:13–19

    This is the believer’s authority: To offer God’s forgiveness to a lost and dying world. To proclaim to sinners that Jesus died for them and offers eternal life to all who will come to Him. We are not called to proclaim condemnation, but to offer life and hope.

  • Modern-Day Elijahs II: Protected and Preserved

    The most important lesson we can learn from the life of Elijah is this: God calls us to be obedient. He does not call us to be popular, wealthy, or successful. Success and provision are in the Lord’s hand, so we should always be eager to seek His blessings, not the things of the world.

  • Modern-Day Elijahs I: The Person God Calls

    In a chapter title in his classic book, Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill asked, “Where are the Elijahs of God?” The question is a slight twist on the prophet Elisha’s question, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14). Ravenhill observed that, although God has not changed and is still on the…

  • In the World, Not of It

    Christians should not really be surprised that society is growing increasingly hostile towards us. We should be surprised that we have enjoyed a somewhat favorable status in American society for so long. Jesus warned His disciples that the world would hate them.

  • 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).