The principle of submission stated in 5:31 is the theme of these verses. Children submit to their parents by obeying and honoring them. God made a promise if we do. Children submitting does not mean all parents are always worthy of honor and obedience, nor does it mean long lived life comes from them. […]
Author: Stephen Ricker
BDBD is Ephesians 5:21-33
The interaction and relationship between a man and a woman, between husband and wife, need to have guiding principles to succeed. Without guiding principles all relationships will be like driving a car without a steering wheel, eventually, they crash and may even cause death. The relationship between God the Father and Son, between the Son […]
BDBD is Ephesians 5:15-20
“Be careful how you live” (15) and “making the most out of every opportunity” (16) is similar to “living in the moment” with the understanding that a Christian’s heart “understands what the Lord’s will is” (17). I can worship God by celebrating what he is lovingly doing in my life every moment. I know that […]
BDBD is Ephesians 5:1-14
To walk in the way of love (1,2) and live as children of the light (8,9) are similar. The chapter before spoke of changing my heart, mind, and will. These verses are what my heart, mind, and will are to be set on and not set on. These verses deal with practically loving sacrificially as […]
BDBD is Ephesians 4:25-32
The main subject in these verses is anger (26, 27, 29-31). Anger is an emotion that in itself is not evil nor godly. Anger in itself is not good nor bad. Anger is a natural emotional expression from the heart. Anger is a result. Anger is the plant springing from a seed. Many heart […]
BDBD is Ephesians 4:17-24
A common desire and question Christians have is, “What does a daily life in Christ look like?” New and growing believers especially are interested in knowing what they should cease doing and what they should start doing. A personal relationship with Jesus must start with changing thought patterns (17) and heart attitudes (18). Before accepting […]
BDBD is Ephesians 4:7-16
Jesus rose from the dead amd ascended into the highest heavens (9,10). He brought with him all those who had died while believing in him and loving him (8). Jesus also gave gifts to those still on the earth who also believe him and love (11). Jesus gave many types of gifts because there […]
BDBD is Ephesians 4:1-6
God’s love is greater than I can comprehend. His love maintains, connects, and supports all creation and all people. I can stay connected to him and his love. This was yesterday’s devotional theme. Today’s verses concern my love towards others. Verse 2 contains the 3 “be”s. Be patient, Be humble, Be gentle. These are […]
BDBD is Ephesians 3:14-20
Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers may come to know God’s love (14,15) He prayed this even though God’s love can never be fully known (19). Perhaps the fact that God’s love can never be fully known is because it is so vast (18), explains the reason why love is so hard to define […]
BDBD is Ephesians 3:1-12
The NIV in verse 10 states, “the manifild wisdom of God.” The GNT states, “God’s wisdom in all its different forms.” God wisdom has many facets that constantly pour out different flavors like the modern day soda dispensers in movie theaters. God’s intent for the church is to reveal, display, and make known the many […]
BDBD is Ephesians 2:11-22
Jesus “set aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two (Jew and Gentile), thus making peace.” (15) Jesus accomplished this by allowing himself to be crucified on the cross and by raising himself from the dead. Jesus’ […]
BDBD is Ephesians 2:1-10
The good news, the gospel, is presentedl in these 10 verses. Accepting the truth laid out here is not hard, complicated, nor undesirable. Believing them personally does not require going to a special group, congregation, nor denomination. The gift of God as spelled out here does not require getting ones life right before God […]
BDBD is Ephesians 1:15-23
God has so much to offer his people. He gives the Spirit of wisdom, revelation (17), and power (19). And he will give the riches of his glorious inheritance. Yet at times I do not believe nor feel these. I do not feel wise. I am not sure what his will is for me […]
BDBD is Ephesians 1:11-14
God has predestined every one who has been, is now, and will ever be chosen in Christ (11). This truth usually brings up objections and confusion. No wonder. For God’s wisdom and knowledge is far beyond the collective wisdom and knowledge of all who has been, is, and will ever be. “Who can fantom […]
BDBD is Ephesians 1:1-10
Paul is in a Roman prison as is recorded at the end of Acts. He first wrote to the congregation in Colossai. Then he wrote this letter to the congregation in Ephesus. God predestined his people, of which I am one, as laid out in these 10 verses. In Jesus I have every spiritual […]
BDBD is Colossians 4:7-18
Paul ends his letter to the congregation in Colossea with greetings to individuals and from individuals who were with him. Tychicus and Onesimus were to give an update on Paul’s ministry. Paul was under house arrest awaiting trial before Ceasar’s court (18). I see that there is nothing wrong with giving personal updates as […]
BDBD is Colossians 4:2-6
Jesus gave his disciples and brothers a mission to share the good news, the mysteries of Christ. Thus, Paul speaks of the need for prayer, communication with my maker and commisioner. Everyday I engage in conversations with others. Do I seek to always be conscious of opportunities to be kind, pay attention to their […]
BDBD is Colossians 3:18-4:1
The majority of everyone’s life throughout human history involves being a spouse, a child, a parent, and an employee. The majority of life’s happy and joyful times involve being a spouse, a child, a parent, and an employee. The majority of life’s sad and hurting times involve being a spouse, a child, a parent, […]
BDBD is Colossians 3:15-17
Peace of heart is one of the most desirable and sought-after states of being, along with love and respect. Peace of heart is something that can be obtained. I can seek peace. I can “let peace rule my heart” (15), just like love and respect. Peace of heart, however, is different from love and […]
BDBD is Colossians 3:12-14
Love should be the premiere emotion guiding my actions. Much of modern media counters this. The media heroes today often act out at least one of these attributes; rudeness, disdain, meanness, harshness, and impatience. One of the reasons the heroes of today draw in the money is because we also act out with these […]
BDBD is Colossians 3:1-11
The Christian life consists of setting my heart and mind on Christ (1,2) rather than things that belong to the earthly nature (4,8,9). My battle starts and consists first and foremost in my mind. The battle in my mind is solely fought against me, that is my thoughts. I can control my thoughts. All […]
BDBD is Colossians 2:16-23
The congregation in the city of Colossae had people that demanded that everyone observe Sabbath and abstain from eating certain foods (15]. They also had rules in regards to touching, handling, and restraining sensual indulgence. (21, 23). They were not only in error but had also lost connection with Jesus (19). Christianity is not […]
BDBD opps
Well, I wrote DB devotional today, and when I was just about to post it disappeared.
BDBD is Colossians 2:9-15
Jesus is God (9). Thus, he has power and authority over the entire universe (10). What did he do with this power? He forgave me all my sins (13). He took it away and nailed it to the cross (14). Sin was a part of my being. It was a part of me that […]
BDBD is Colossians 2:6-8
Life is Jesus. Jesus is life. Living is Jesus. Jesus is living. Love is Jesus. Jesus is love. Loving is Jesus. Jesus is loving. Live my life in loving Jesus. Jesus is living my life in love. Faith in my Jesus. Jesus is my faith. Thanking Jesus’ love. Jesus is thanking love. Jesus is […]
BDBD is Colossians 2:1-5
Everyone’s desire is to be encouraged in heart and united in love with others for themselves. We want to experiemce these and so we wait for others to bestow them onto us. However, Paul desired these for others (2). He worked hard for their good. He had a genuine interest in their well being. […]
BDBD is Colossians 1
Paul is writing to all with the words, “Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your mind.” (21) Jesus taught that sin starts in the heart. The human heart is the mind and will. From these comes actions, whether good or evil. I was so alienated too. Thanks be to God. […]
BDBD is Colossians 1:15-20
Jesus is God (15, 19). He created everything (16,). He created light. He created the sun, the stars, and the planets. He created the earth. He created trees and flowers. He created birds, reptiles, bugs, and mammals. He created me. Jesus sustains all these, including me to this very day (17). Jesus created his […]
BDBD is Colossians 1:1-14
BDBD has been chronologically following Paul’s life. Paul was in his first Roman imprisonment as recorded in Acts 28 when he wrote at least 4 letters. The letter to the congregation in Colossal is his first. Verses 9b thru 12 is one long sentence full of great knowledge and encouragement. Being long makes this hard […]
BDBD is Acts 28:17-31
Paul used this opportunity to tell the Jews in Jerusalem that Jesus is the Messiah. He used many Old Testament verses. Some believed. Others did not. Such is the case with anyone who hears the truth. We either accept or reject. How is a callous heart softened? Is there any hope for someone who […]