Put Down Your Sword

I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; (Psalm 44:6-7) Relate: Like pretty much every day this week, Wednesday’s paper had an article about the conflict between Russia, Ukraine and the separatists that are little more than Russia’s…

Mark 9:24 (Help My Unbelief)

The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) Read: Leviticus 20:22-27, Leviticus 21, Leviticus 22:1-16, Mark 9:1-29, Psalms 43:1-5, Proverbs 10:18 Relate: I have always known that I serve a powerful and capable God, but understanding has not always translated to a belief that God will be…

Before Dawn Breaks

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (Mark 1:35) Read: Leviticus 1:1 – 3:17, Mark 1:29 – 2:12, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 9:13-18 Relate: By nature I am a night owl. I often feel like my best, most productive moments don’t come until that sun sets. In…

The Ten C’s

I’ve read recently that those claiming to be “spiritual but not religious” are actually performing an act of linguistic terrorism. They are placing themselves in a position where they can snipe and criticize others while avoiding any stand of their own. In the desire to feel good about themselves, they are also avoiding any attempt at truth.

Exodus 34:20 (Empty Hands)

No one is to appear before me empty-handed. (Exodus 34:20) Read: Exodus 34:1 – 35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 Relate: From what I have read, the Japanese concept of gift giving, “chugen” (chu-gane), is a very important aspect of their culture. Phil Van Auken of Baylor University describes it as “giving until it hurts”. The gift…

Over My Heart

In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chest piece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. (Exodus 28:29) Read: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 Relate: I’m flipping over…

Psalm 21:13 (Ordinary Resurrections)

Rise up, O Lord, in all your power. With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts. (Psalm 21:13) Read: Genesis 50:1-26, Exodus 1:1-2:10, Matthew 16:13-17:9, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 5:1-6 React: Jacob dies. Joseph dies. A new Pharaoh comes to power who isn’t a big fan of the Hebrew people. Slavery ensues. Four hundred years of oppression follows. Things…

Get A Grip

Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. (Proverbs 4:13) Read: Genesis 44:1-45:28, Matthew 14:13-36, Psalm 18:37-50, Proverbs 4:11-13 Relate: I love goodreads. If you don’t have a goodreads account, get one. If you do, friend me. Or not. I don’t use goodreads like one would facebook or other social…

Matthew 14:10 (He Lost His Head)

So John was beheaded in the prison, (Matthew 14:10) Read: Genesis 42:18-43:34, Matthew 13:47-14:12, Psalm 18:16-36, Proverbs 4:7-10   Relate: What names would come to mind if I were to ask you who was the godliest people of our generation? Who best has modeled integrity, sacrifice, holiness, etc? For me, two names immediately jump to the forefront at…