Deciding—Not Only Desiring—To Be Strong in Him (Ephesians 6:10-20)

November 1, 2023 Nate Holdridge

Today, my mind is on a particular insight in Paul's exhortations to the Ephesians about spiritual warfare (or, really, about life). He said we wrestle not against people but powers, so he told us to take up the armor of God. I've identified and explained this armor elsewhere, so today, let’s consider the personal responsibility Paul expected each of us to take in putting on that armor.

Believe the Right Things About Jesus (Mark 3:20-35)

June 8, 2022 Nate Holdridge

Mark sets up our next scene by pointing out two separate groups, Jesus' family and the scribes. But before looking at each group and their response to Christ, Mark is clear to point out why both of them reacted to Jesus at this time. The crowds. (14 Minutes/3600 Words)

Remember Who You Are -- Young Men: Victorious Over the Evil One (1 John 2:13-14)

April 27, 2021 Nate Holdridge

Here, after our previous study of the children and fathers, we have the young men. They represent that great middle section of the Christian life. The children enjoy being forgiven. The fathers have enjoyed Christ. And the young men enjoy victory, for they are the ones sent into battle. (5 Minutes/1100 Words)

Walk With a Limp (Genesis 32:31)

March 3, 2020 Nate Holdridge

walk with a limp.jpg — Walk With a Limp

(Genesis 32:31)

My old Christian rap tape rings in my mind: *I walked with a limp and carried a brew. You know why? Cause that was cool.* Well, I don't know about that. But Jacob was a man who ended up walking with a limp. For most of his life, he connived and schemed to get his way. He manipulated the people around him to obtain his heart's desires. (2 Minutes/500 Words)

Archival Post: When Plans Magically Come Together Proverbs 16:1

July 22, 2019 Nate Holdridge

When Plans Magically Come Together -
Proverbs 16:1

Archival Post

“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.”(Proverbs 16:1). As I sat at a table full of pastors, my plan was set. Through prayer and thought, time and research, observation and faith, I had come to my conclusion. I had written down bullet points and was now ready to share the plan of my heart. Then something magical happened, only it wasn’t magic, but the Spirit of God changing plans as they traveled from my heart to my tongue. (1 Minute/250 Words)