It Only Takes Once

Unlike those other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices every day. They did this for their own sins first and then for the sins of the people. But Jesus did this once and for all when he offered himself as the sacrifice for the people’s sins. The law appointed high priests who…

Irrational Obedience

“As they watch, lift your pack to your shoulders and walk away into the night. Cover your face so you cannot see the land you are leaving. For I have made you a sign for the people of Israel.” So I did as I was told. (Ezekiel 12:6-7) Read: Ezekiel 12:1 – 14:11, Hebrews 7:1-17, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 27:3 Relate: There…

Just Five Minutes

While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. (Hebrews 5:7) Read: Ezekiel 7:1 – 9:11, Hebrews 5:1-14, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 26:28 Relate: I think it was my junior year in…

Dare To Hope

I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore,…

2 Corinthians 11:2 (Jealous)

For I am jealous for you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure bride to one husband—Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:2) Read: Isaiah 3:1 – 5:30, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 22:28-29 Relate:  Oprah is a smart woman. Strike that. She is brilliant. I don’t buy it for a second that she…

Romans 4:2-5 (Father Abraham)

If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work their wages are not a gift, but something they have…

2 Samuel 20:9-10 (One Unguarded Moment)

“How are you, my cousin?” Joab said and took him by the beard with his right hand as though to kiss him. Amasa didn’t notice the dagger in his left hand, and Joab stabbed him in the stomach with it so that his insides gushed out onto the ground. (2 Samuel 20:9-10) Read: 2 Samuel 19:11…

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…