Monday Miscellany
11 May 2026
Greetings!
Peace, mercy, and grace be with you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
We hope all the moms out there had a happy Mother’s Day yesterday. And we hope they are not forgotten and taken for granted today and in the future. We also hope all is well with all of you.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
The Voice 16.19: Rejoice in Peace | Philippians 4:4-9
Toward the end of his letters Paul would frequently provide a series of rapid fire / scattershot exhortations on various subjects. It’s the peroration of the letter, and a lot of the verses quoted regarding various forms of Christian behaviors come from such perorations.
In Philippians 4:4-9, Paul presented such a peroration, and focused primarily on rejoicing in the Lord and obtaining His peace through prayer and devotion. Paul did not intend to beat up people with mental health issues but does encourage us to pray and entrust ourselves to God rather than presuming we have all the power and control in situations.
Indeed, may the peace of God which surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
A Little Foolishness | 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 | Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians
Outline | Podcast | YouTube Conversation
Paul would challenge his opponents and address the Corinthian Christians with a “little foolishness” in 2 Corinthians 11:1-15.
Maybe a little foolishness, but a good amount of sarcasm, that’s for sure.
It was an interesting rhetorical decision: an understandable one in order to suggest the ways in which the opponents were speaking and working were beneath the dignity of Christ and Paul’s ministry in Him.
And in this way Paul would denounce his opponents as presumed “super-apostles” who are really false apostles and servants of Satan, chide the Corinthians for how they tolerated such people, and would not be made ashamed for not receiving financial support from the Corinthians.
Also, let’s not get blinded by Paul talking about how Satan can appear as an angel of light. Yep, we should be concerned about Satan presenting as righteous…but, just as with Paul, so we should also be quite concerned about how those who are actually serving Satan present themselves as if they are servants of righteousness.
Some such servants probably recognize they are serving Satan. Probably a good number of them are deceived into thinking their cause and purpose is righteous.
But it’s never not a good time to remember how plenty of people present themselves as serving Jesus in righteousness but are really serving Satan and advancing his agenda. You shall know them by their fruit and the ultimate end of what they would have you believe and do.
On the Internets
He Remade the Southern Baptist Convention in His Image. Then Came the Abuse Allegations.
Important testimony regarding Paul Pressler and his influence in the Southern Baptist Convention.
Draw parallels from 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 as desired.
Bible Readings for May 11-17, 2026
Acts Reading: Acts 1:6-14
Jesus ascended to heaven. The disciples had gathered together at the Mount of Olives and asked Jesus whether it was the time to restore the Kingdom to Israel. Jesus told them it was not for them to know the times the Father had established. They would receive power when the Holy Spirit would fall on them, and they would be Jesus’ witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus was then lifted up out of their sight. The disciples looked to heaven with mouths agape; two angels appeared to them and told them Jesus would return one day the way He departed. The disciples then returned to Jerusalem, went to the upper room in which they were staying, and continued together in prayer.
How would the Kingdom of God be established?
The Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
David rejoiced in YHWH his God. God arises and His enemies are scattered. David asked God to drive them away: as wax melts in fire, thus the wicked out to perish before the presence of God. The righteous should exalt before God and sing praises to His name; they should exult in the name of YHWH their God. God is the father of orphans, a judge of widows, and dwells in Israel. When God went before His people in the wilderness, the earth and heavens trembled before His presence. God confirmed His people and inheritance and provided His goodness to the poor among them. The kingdoms of the world should sing praises to God. Strength is to be ascribed to the God who rides upon the heavens and utters His mighty voice; God is terrifying in His holy place; He gives strength and power to His people.
How does God vindicate His people?
Gospel Reading: John 17:1-11
Jesus prayed His “High Priestly Prayer” before the Father. The time had come; Jesus asked the Father to glorify His Son, so His Son would glorify Him, as He had received authority to give eternal life to all who obtained the Son. Eternal life is to know the Father and Jesus Christ sent by the Father. Jesus glorified the Father by doing the work given to Him; He now asked for the Father to glorify Him at His side with pre-existent glory. Jesus made known the name of the Father to the disciples given to Him. They received the words of Jesus from the Father and have come to recognize how the Father sent the Son. Jesus prayed for His disciples, not the world; nevertheless, they are in the world but come to the Father. Jesus prayed for the Father to keep them safe in His name so they all could share in relational unity. Jesus preserved all but the one destined for destruction.
How did Jesus accomplish God’s purposes in terms of His disciples?
New Testament Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19; 5:5b-11
Peter exhorted Christians to endure despite distress. Christians should not be surprised to experience a trial as by fire. They should instead rejoice inasmuch as they are sharing in Christ’s sufferings, and thus will rejoice when His glory is revealed. Those insulted in Christ’s name are blessed; the Spirit of glory rests on them. They ought not suffer as sinners, but if they suffer as a Christian, they ought not be ashamed. Judgment begins at the house of God; what will then become of those who do not obey the Gospel of God? Thus Christians enduring trial ought to entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing good.
All Christians ought to clothe themselves with humility toward one another; God would exalt them at the right time if they humble themselves under His hand. Christians ought to cast their cares and anxieties on God, for He cares for them. Christians must be sober and aware, for their enemy the Devil prowls as a roaring lion seeking those he might devour. Christians must resist him, firm in faith, recognizing Christians around the world suffer similarly. After they suffer a little while, God who called them to eternal glory in Christ would restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish them. He has all power forever. Amen!
Cat tax this week is Ezra in his natural environment: asleep. On my bed.
Thanks again for your interest, prayers, and support.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.
Ethan