Matthew 7:12, also known as the Golden Rule – “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.” It underscores the importance of respect, love and treating others with kindness, emphasizing that these values are foundational teachings of the Old Testament and fundamental to Christian living. Recognizing the challenge of putting this into practice. I challenge you to help meet others’ needs and to see benevolent acts as a form of ‘paying forward’ Jesus’ sacrificial love.
Tag Archives: bible
Temptation Fighter || 1 Corinthians 10:13 || Manna for the Mind #5
Let’s talk about 1 Corinthians 10:13 and the commonly misinterpreted phrase, “God won’t give you more than you can handle.” The passage intends to convey that while everyone faces temptation, they can resist it with God’s guidance. I encourage that individuals are not alone in their struggles, citing various statistics on common temptations such as overeating, overspending, lying, and alcohol abuse, among others. It underlines the power, strength, confidence and courage each person possesses to overcome these temptations, alongside prayer and community support.
Lighting the Room || Philippians 2:14-16 || Manna for the Mind #4
Philippians 2:14-16 urges us to live without complaining and arguing, to live moral lives, and be lights in an often dark world. I’ll delve into the etymology of the Greek words for ‘complaining’ and ‘arguing.’ Then, I’ll talk about God’s blessings rather than dwell on what’s lacking, and to emulate Jesus’ self-sacrificing love while being Christ’s light bearers to the world.
Pressed Passed the Threshold || Jesus’ Return Policy #1
The writer explores the biblical verse Luke 6:38 and its metaphor of giving and receiving. They delve into the Greek word ‘piezó’, meaning to press down, analyzing its use, context and symbolic implications through biblical passages. Upcoming blog posts will continue exploring this concept as part of the series ‘Jesus’ Return Policy’.
The Fall || Tower Defense #2 (FINALE)
God saw their unity and feared their ability to do anything they planned. To prevent this, he confused their language and scattered them. This incident resembles the story of Pentecost in Acts 2, where different languages were spoken but the Holy Spirit allowed everyone to understand.
Part of God’s Family || Galatians 3:26-28 || Manna for the Mind #3
Let’s explore the theme of unity and equality among believers, as portrayed in Galatians 3:26-28. I’ll talk about Christian practices like baptism, reflecting on its symbolism, significance and diverse interpretations. I’ll emphasize how faith, and particularly Jesus’s teachings, should blur social and cultural divides, promoting unity among people of different backgrounds. Believers’ unique identities are recognized, yet the shared faith in Jesus overrides all differences, fostering a spirit of commonality and community.
Faith Over Fear || Psalm 118:5-6 || Manna for the Mind #2
Welcome back to Day 2 of our “Manna for the Mind” series! Today, we’re breaking down Psalm 118:5-6, exploring the idea of fear vs. faith. We dive into how the Psalmist portrays God as a redeemer and protector, navigating life’s muddy puddles. We also discuss the transformative power of generosity and gratitude over FOMO, emphasizing the importance of understanding our real needs. And finally, a reminder to live through faith and give our fears to our Heavenly Father.
Be a Holy Person || 1 Peter 1:14-16 || Manna for the Mind #1
Based on 1 Peter 1:14-16, ‘holiness’ is being set apart by or for God. Reflecting on various Bible verses, Christians are to live apart from worldly standards, completely rely on God’s power, and constantly strive for improvement and holiness, showing mercy, justice, and self-sacrifice. The goal is to help Christians overcome their sins and positively influence others.
The Rise || Tower Defense #1
After studying various translations and connecting scriptures, I believe the Tower of Babel narrative illustrates self-centered human ambition that contrasts with divine will. This ambition led to human dispersion that comes full circle through Jesus. I’ll talk about the acts of the Moabites and Edomites, ancient peoples known for their resistance to God’s will.
A Year of Growth
In 2023, I faced numerous challenges, including being on paid administrative leave due to a sextortion case, battling COVID-19, and ultimately being terminated from my job. I found solace in their faith, community, and eventually landed a new job in the church and finance world. Despite the hardships, I am hopeful for the future and plan to focus on building my confidence in 2024.