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…

Matthew 9:6 (The Power To Forgive)

So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (Matthew 9:6) Read: Genesis 26:17 – 27:46, Matthew 9:1-17, Psalm 10:16-18, Proverbs 3:9-10 Relate: Jesus knew what they were…

The Die Is Cast

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Read: Genesis 23:1 – 24:51, Matthew 8:1-17, Psalm 9:13-20, Proverbs 3:1-6 Relate: 2064 years ago today the world drastically changed. Most likely it was…

Genesis 17:1 (Never Too Old)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. (Genesis 17:1) Read: Genesis 16:1 – 18:15, Matthew 6:1-24, Psalm 7:1-17, Proverbs 2:1-5   Relate: In 1934 Harry had a short story published in a magazine and decided that he wanted to make a living as…

What It Means

And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” The place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek, so that many people could read it. Then the leading priests objected and said to Pilate, “Change it from…

The Judge’s Chair

When they said this, Pilate brought Jesus out to them again. Then Pilate sat down on the judgment seat on the platform that is called the Stone Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people,“Look, here is your king!” “Away…

Twisted Logic

When they saw him, the leading priests and Temple guards began shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” “Take him yourselves and crucify him,” Pilate said. “I find him not guilty.” The Jewish leaders replied, “By our law he ought to die because he called himself the Son of God.” (John 19:6-7) Read: 2 Corinthians 2:5 – 6:13…