Jesus said something insightful and powerful to the religious leaders. He told them that he didn’t seek the glory of man (John 5:41). At first that statement doesn’t seem all that powerful, until we reflect that if we do not seek the praise of other men, then we are completely free from their control. TheContinue reading “Flattery or Freedom”
Author Archives: dpfreitag
The Irony of an Offense
It can happen that what we consider truth may actually hinder us from growth in our understanding. Jesus revealed an ironic truth to the religious leaders during his conversation with them after he healed the man by the pool on the Sabbath. They rejected Jesus for two reasons; he healed on the Sabbath and heContinue reading “The Irony of an Offense”
Jesus’ Love For His Followers
When reading through the Gospel of John I’m always surprised at how Jesus addressed his mother. He never addressed her as “mother”, or “mom”. But always as “woman”. With Mary he did so when she mentioned that the hosts had run out of wine at the wedding of Cana (John 2:4). He did so againContinue reading “Jesus’ Love For His Followers”
God’s Glory
There are almost four hundred references to “glory” in the Bible; it might surprise you to learn that many of those references liken us to God’s glory. We were created with a purpose and a destiny to rule, crowned with God’s glory (Psalm 8:5-8; Isaiah 60:2-3; 62:2-3). A ruler’s crown sets him or her apartContinue reading “God’s Glory”
God’s Great Love
Several years ago I was watching an episode of “Bones”. Bones and Booth were driving; they were discussing Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Booth told Bones how he could never do what Abraham did and be willing to offer his son as a sacrifice. There conversation provoked me to further reflection on that story foundContinue reading “God’s Great Love”
Abraham’s Extraordinary Faith
In Genesis 22, we read a surprising account. God tells Abraham to go and sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. God referred to Isaac as Abraham’s “only son, whom he loves”. God’s reference to Isaac as Abraham’s only son is an indication that something bigger is taking place here, because Abraham had another son, Ishmael. GodContinue reading “Abraham’s Extraordinary Faith”
Understanding Life’s Challenges
Have you ever noticed that when we gain a certain level of experience, we begin to depend on that past experience? We tell ourselves that we’ve done that before, so we can do it again. However, when we face a challenge for the first time, we pray, knowing that it is impossible. So, we goContinue reading “Understanding Life’s Challenges”
How to respond to blessing
In the parable of the talents, Jesus taught his disciples how to respond to blessings in our life. The first two servants responded by using their blessings (talents) for good, but the third man hid his because he was afraid of the Master. In fear, he actually accused his Master of stealing from others (seeContinue reading “How to respond to blessing”
The Paradox of Blessing and Tribulation
While we often misinterpret tribulation, I believe we do the same with blessing. Blessing comes to us starting out as good, because it comes from Father. But, throughout Scripture, people who were blessed often fell. It happened over and over, until in Luke 18, Jesus declared how hard it was for a rich man toContinue reading “The Paradox of Blessing and Tribulation”
The Benefit of Adversity
Let me suggest to you that exercise is to the physical body what adversity is to the spirit. We may not like it, but it is helpful in developing strength. Furthermore, without adversity, you will never develop greatness in the kingdom. If you consider anyone who was ever great in the kingdom or in theContinue reading “The Benefit of Adversity”
David Freitag 