“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (I Peter 4:9, ESV) When I think of hospitality, I think of my mother. She was happiest when cooking a meal for someone or finding some small gift to give them as they left our home. I can’t remember Mom ever displaying “grumbling hospitality.” She just loved people and enjoyed offering hospitality. I can’t say the same about myself. As a child, my mom’s hospitality meant I slept on the couch when overnight guests were given my bedroom. According to dictionary.com, hospitality is “the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.” The…
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5, ESV) According to one source, the richest man in the world is currently worth $424 billion dollars. It’s difficult for me to imagine that many zeros after a dollar sign. Do I feel envious? Not really. I’m not wealthy, but I am content with the blessings I’ve received from the Lord. Does the richest man have that same contentment? Contentment is not based on circumstance. The apostle Paul had none of the things that many would consider a good life. Scripture says nothing of him having wealth or an abundance of possessions. Material goods did not attract him. Paul’s passion was lost souls, not money. The apostle traveled 10,000 miles or more during his missionary journeys, much of the time on foot or by ship. He endured many hardships through his years of ministry. In II Corinthians 11:25-27, Paul describes the difficulties he faced. “Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on…
“You will only look on with your eyes And see the retaliation against the wicked. For you have made the Lord, my refuge, The Most High, your dwelling place.” Psalm 91:8-9 NASB RECOMPENSE / shillumah / reward, reparation, retribution Bible Hub: “The term ‘shillumah’ refers to the concept of recompense or reward, often in the context of repayment for actions, whether good or bad. It conveys the idea of receiving what is due, either as a reward for righteousness or as a consequence for wrongdoing.” Webster’s 1828: “To require; to repay; to return an equivalent; in a bad sense.” FOR YOU HAVE MADE / sum or sim / To put, place, set, appoint, make Bible Hub: “In ancient Hebrew culture, the act of placing or setting something was significant, often symbolizing authority, intention, or purpose. ” DWELLING PLACE / maon or main/ Dwelling, habitation, refuge Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word ‘maon’ primarily refers to a dwelling place or habitation. It is often used in the context of a physical location where one resides, but it can also have a metaphorical or spiritual connotation, referring to a place of refuge or sanctuary.” Webster’s 1828: “Inhabiting; residing; sojourning; continuing with fixed attention. Continuance; residence; state…
“Of the plague that stalks in darkness, Or of the destruction that devastates at noon. A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:6-7 NASB DESTRUCTION / qeteb / ruin Webster’s 1828: The act of destroying; demolition; a pulling down; subversion; ruin, by whatever means THAT LAYS WASTE / shadad / To devastate, destroy, ruin, spoil, oppress Bible Hub: “The Hebrew verb ‘shadad’ primarily conveys the act of violently destroying or devastating. It is often used in the context of military conquest, where cities or nations are…
“You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Or of the arrow that flies by day;” Psalm 91:5 TERROR / pachad / fear, dread, an alarm Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word ‘pachad’ primarily denotes a sense of fear or dread. It is often used to describe a profound, sometimes paralyzing fear that can be both a natural human response to danger and a reverential awe towards God.” NIGHT / layil or lel or layelah / a twist, night, adversity Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word ‘layil’ primarily refers to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise, commonly known as ‘night.’ It is used in the Bible to denote both the literal time of night and metaphorically to represent times of trouble, ignorance, or spiritual darkness. ARROW / chets / a piercer, an arrow, a wound Bible Hub: “In ancient Israel, arrows were a common part of military equipment. They were typically made of wood with a metal or stone tip and were used with a bow. Arrows symbolized speed, precision, and the ability to reach a target from a distance.” Have you ever been filled with terror? I’ve really only experienced it in the form of a dream.…
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” Psalm 91:4 KJV “He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.” Psalm 91:4 NASB COVER / sakak / overshadow, screen, cover Webster’s 1828: “To hide; to conceal by something overspread.” WINGS / kanaph / wing, edge, extremity, corner Bible Hub: ” In ancient Hebrew culture, the concept of ‘kanaph’ was rich with symbolism. Wings were often associated with protection and refuge, as birds shelter their young under their wings.” to take REFUGE / chasah / to trust, to seek shelter Bible Hub: “The Hebrew verb “chasah” primarily means to seek refuge or to trust in something or someone for protection. It conveys a sense of seeking safety and security, often in the context of trusting in God as a refuge.” FAITHFULNESS / emeth / truth, reliability, firmness, stability, certainty, trustworthiness Bible Hub: “The Hebrew word “emeth” primarily conveys the concept of truth in the sense of reliability and faithfulness. It is used to describe the nature of God, His words, and His actions, emphasizing His…