Darkened Glass Reflections

Category: Bible meditations

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—First Corinthians 2:14–16

    First Corinthians 2:14–16 reminds us that the natural man cannot understand the things of the Spirit of God. They sound like foolishness to non-believers. Yet, all too often, Christians begin by trying to explain secondary issues to those around them. Those things will seem illogical if the Holy Spirit is not giving wisdom to the…

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—James 1:26–27

    Scripture Sabbath Challenge—James 1:26–27

    The traditions, rituals, and liturgy of the Church are valuable only to the extent that they bring us closer to Jesus. The best way to know whether we are close to Jesus is to measure how much we are reflecting His love to the world.

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—2 Corinthians 3:18

    Scripture Sabbath Challenge—2 Corinthians 3:18

    When I look in the spiritual mirror (the Bible), I often see my weaknesses and flaws. According to this passage, though, I should see something more. Not only should I see where I fail, but I should also see God’s glory in me: a glory that all of His children share.

  • Scripture Sabbath Challenge—Genesis 17:1–6

    By establishing a covenant with Abram (or Abraham), God took a “nobody” and transformed him into a “somebody” whose life and faith still impact our world.

  • Modern-Day Elijahs III: Healing and Hope

    Modern-Day Elijahs III: Healing and Hope

    We may never have the privilege of bringing a dead child back to life, but Christians are always called to minister as intercessors. Especially when others blame us or question our faith, we should stand as mediators between God and others. It is not our job to prove that we are right; it is our…

  • 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…