VERSE:No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the fruit of peace and righteousness to those who have been trained by it. — Hebrews 12:11 THOUGHT: The context of this verse is talking about God’s discipline towards us as His children, which is for our benefit. The previous verse says that God disciplines us “so that we can share His holiness”. Discipline is a …

VERSE: Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. — Romans 12:11 THOUGHT:“Zeal” is another word for enthusiasm. “Fervor” in the original language means “boiling”. It literally says “be boiling in spirit, serving the Lord”. Reread this verse and ask yourself: is this saying that you need to serve the Lord and be enthusiastic about it; or is it saying that when you serve the …

VERSE:I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! …

VERSE: And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. — Joel 2:28-29 THOUGHT: This Old Testament prophesy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost at the commencement of the church (Acts 2:15-18). …

VERSE: [God speaking to Israel] “But I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me.” — Hosea 13:4 THOUGHT: The bible leaves no room for misconceptions of Jesus’ deity (His Godhood). There is “no savior except” the one true God – Jehovah of the Old Testament who brought Israel out of Egypt – yet the New …