The Unlovables

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31) Read: Numbers 4:1 – 5:31, Mark 12:18-37, Psalm 48:1-14, Proverbs 10:26 Relate: Some people are easy to like. They just exude charm. It…

Iconoclasm

Do not make idols or set up carved images, or sacred pillars, or sculptured stones in your land so you may worship them. I am the Lord your God. (Leviticus 26:1) Read: Leviticus 25:47-27:13, Mark 10:32-52, Psalm 45:1-17, Proverbs 10:22   Relate: Emperor Leo III overthrew his predecessor to save the Kingdom. Byzantium had been severely mismanaged and was…

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…

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…