Kevin Davis

Exegetical Meditations (26)

The devil was certain he had Jesus.

He had him “alone” in the wilderness and Jesus was hungry—very hungry. All the devil had to do was convince Jesus to trust him instead of God.

With the second of a series of three tests or temptations the devil asks Jesus to jump off the highest point of the temple because angels will catch him. He supports this by quoting Scripture. Specifically he quotes Psalm 91:11-12, which says, “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” The devil “knows” Scripture and he’s using it with the Word incarnate. It’s really an amazing scene within the story of Jesus’ life.

Exegetical Meditations (25)

Wouldn’t it have been amazing to have lived during the same time and in the same place as Jesus?

You could have walked around with him. You could have listened to him. You could have eaten with him. You could have seen his miracles. You could have benefited from his presence in a way that only a select generation ever could.

One of the questions that would remain, however, is: Would you have believed him?

Exegetical Meditations (24)

What Jude’s letter lacks in size it more than makes up for with love and urgency.

The way Jude wrote his letter makes it sound a little like one of those old-time gospel calls. As anachronistic as it is, it has hints of Jonathan Edwards and John Wesley.

Here’s the truth and warning.

Jude begins by stating up-front the reason for his writing. He was very eager to write about the common salvation he and his readers share; however, before he could write about that, something changed his mind. Whatever it was, it caused him to shift the focus of his letter from a hearty celebration of salvation to a hearty urgent call for them to contend for the faith.

Worshiping in Defiance

We worship because of what God has done to us and for us. That much is for sure.

Often our individual worship happens when we come to the realization that God has blessed far more than we could ever have imagined. We’ve been given life when we should have received death. We’ve been given health when we should have received sickness. We’ve been given prosperity when all we should have received is hardship. Over and over again God gives us what we don’t deserve, because he loves us. And so, we worship him.

Exegetical Meditations (23)

What a difference a word makes!

In the beginning of the book of Leviticus—before God had given his instruction through Moses to the people of Israel regarding their state of cleanliness in his presence—Yahweh (the LORD) spoke to Moses from the tent of meeting.

Why, from?

Because Moses could not enter; this was before the instruction had been given.

Then we continue reading and God (through Moses) gives to the Israelites everything they need to do to be clean before God. The rituals are extensive and somewhat boring and out-of-touch to us, but they meant everything for the Israelites. You see, there was a problem between them and God.

Emails to a Christian (2)

Hey Mark,

I didn’t expect to hear back from you so quickly, but I’m glad I did.

Your follow-up questions about your salvation are good on a couple of levels. One, they’re good because they’re where you’re at right now. I think it’s best to deal with the questions you have no matter what they are. I don’t see the point in being disappointed or nervous because of particular questions. If you have a question or a bunch of questions—whatever it or they may be—let’s look at them.

Exegetical Meditations (22)

Familiarity with Scripture is a great thing.

It’s wonderful to be reading one of the gospels or Paul’s letters and to feel as though it’s a road you’ve driven many times before. You know the speed limit without checking, you know the stop signs before you see them, and you know where your turn is without looking for a road sign. Your familiarity helps you enjoy the ride without being preoccupied with navigating.

Exegetical Meditations (21)

I don’t believe in coincidences; nor do I believe in “fate.” I believe in the sovereignty and providence of God over all things and all people. The reason for that is simply because of what I read in the Bible.

I’m required to make a rational decision: either see the world and my life as governed by coincidences and “fate” or (and this is a big OR) see the world and my life as governed by God.

Emails to a Christian (1)

Hi Mark,

It was great to get your email today!

Even though we haven’t talked for a while, I’d been praying for you—as I know others have as well. That’s why it was so great to get your email saying that you’ve come to believe in Jesus. I’m grateful to God for what he’s done to you and for you and I pray that he would continue to have mercy on you as you grow in your love for and understanding of him and find your way in his kingdom. I’m happy you emailed me, and I hope we can continue this conversation!

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Living Waters Church family:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the things we need most in times like these is to be reminded of the truest things in the world. Unfortunately, during times like these, the first thing we often neglect are those opportunities to be reminded of the truth, because we’re now having to live our lives and navigate our days in ways we’ve never done before. Spending time in Scripture just doesn’t seem like the most important or convenient thing to do. What I’d like to do is offer some help.