Today's reading reminds me of God's character. He listens and directs. I need to listen and follow. And don't be selfish.......

(Luke 5:12-28)Do you remember when, as a child, you played ‘Hide & Seek’ or went on ‘treasure hunts’ with your friends in the neighborhood?  I can think of many times my brothers and I along with some neighborhood boys would head out into the wild to search out new treasures.  And while we would be out wandering through the forest for most of the day, we were focused and there was not much that co...

The Numbers passage is a summary of the 40 years that the people of Israel wandered after disobeying God. As a “people” of God, we are also called to “obey God lest we wander.”  In the Luke passage, we see our Lord calling out demons on the sabbath and the calling of men to do His will.  In the Psalm, we see David calling on God to hide him from the plotting against him. Later, David states that G...

In Numbers 30-31 the phrase that stands out to me is that they “did as the Lord commanded them.” I have to ask myself, “Do I do all that the Lord asks of me?”  This includes my attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words.  Do I listen to the nudging of the Holy Spirit when He asks me to do something?  Do I live according to all the commands written in the Word of God?  Do I do all things without grumb...

Psalm 60:2-52: You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking.3: You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger.4: But for those that fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.5: Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.I don’t usually cherry pick verses when I ...

In today’s reading from Psalm 59, the psalmist asks God to deliver him from his enemies and protect him from those who rise up against him.  Growing up as a Christian, I really can’t say that I had enemies because of my Christianity.  There were those who did not believe like me, but they didn’t come across as enemies.  How things have changed over time.  Less and less people claim to be Christian...

Have you ever caught yourself sharing a captivating story about the misfortunes of your neighbors, coworkers, or churchmates? Of course, we only share with compassion in our heart. We tell of the scandal, or the unforeseen consequences, and probably remind ourselves and others to pray. Proverbs 11:12-13 reminds us to be careful what we share about others and counsels us to strongly consider keepin...

PSALM 57 Prayer for Rescue from Persecutors. For the choir director; set to Al-tashheth. A Mikhtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Praise in the midst of trouble… It works for a king, it works for you. Psalm 57 shows us the way it’s done.Ever want to hide from your enemies. David was forced to hide from Saul several times in his life and it’s amazing how he constantly uses his rough ...

In today’s OYB New Testament reading, Mark 14:53-72, Jesus is on trial before the Jewish religious leaders. They testify falsely against Him, and, when asked for a response, Jesus “kept silent and did not answer,” (14:61). But when He was asked, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus did answer, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming...

In today’s One Year Bible reading in Numbers 10–11, the people of Israel had been on their way from Egypt to the Promised Land for over a year. The journey had been difficult, and the people were complaining. They were getting tired of the manna God had provided for their food, and now were whining for meat.Moses was aggravated by their complaints, and expressed his frustration to the Lord. He fel...

It is not often that I go shopping for groceries, but it does happen. My wife will talk through all the items I need to remember to get, and then she will ask me to repeat back the things I need to get. Married men know exactly what happens next: Before I walk out the door, she will write it out for me, because she knows I will forget at least 50% of the list by the time I start the car. I’m gra...

When I got the email about writing this blog, it was coming on the heels of almost 2 months straight of sickness for me and my family. I instantly thought, I need to let them know that this isn't something I can do right now because I don't have the mental energy. But as I read the passages, the thing that stood out to me was the parable of the widow with the two mites. She didn't have much to giv...

Psalms 46:1 "GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble."Life presents to all of us many struggles and difficulties. There are many things we have to deal with. There are financial setbacks, physical problems, loss of loved ones, wrong decisions and their consequences, divorce, people who seek to take advantage of us, and on and on we go. This is only a drop in the ...

We face countless challenges as believers not the least of which is a general disposition to rely on anything other than God’s truth. For patience, we trust in something from a bottle. For parenting direction, we look to culture. For financial freedom, we believe just another dollar will fix it. But God has given us all we need for life and godliness (2 Pt. 1:3) in His Word. All Scripture is God-b...

Church attendance since Covid has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Playgrounds on the church property that used to be full are quiet and rows of temporary chairs for the auditorium in the hallways gather dust. Missionaries that were sent out have returned and funding is tight. Attendance at times is strong which leaves one longing for the past because lighter Sundays follow all too often. God...

Today’s reading includes the account of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13; also found in Matthew 17:1-8 and Luke 9:28-36). In all three accounts it is prefaced with Jesus’ promise to His disciples that some of those with Him would not taste death until they had seen the kingdom of God come with power.Up to this time in Jesus’ ministry, His disciples had only known Him in His earthly body. But he...

Psalm 40:11-1711: Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; May your love and faithfulness always protect me.  12: For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.  13: Be pleased to save me, Lord, to help me.  14: May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who d...

I grew up believing God was just waiting to ‘bring down the hammer’ on me for all my bad decisions.  It was not a pleasant way to live or walk in relationship with my Savior. It took me a while before the Scripture corrected my theology and showed me Who the Lord was.  Once again, our One Year Bible Reading reinforces itself by having us read similar texts on the same day.  Psalm 38 and Proverbs 1...

In today’s One Year Bible reading in Mark 2, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Levi (whom we also know as Matthew) was despised by his fellow Jews, for he had aligned himself with the Roman government that was occupying Israel. By doing so, Levi was seen as a traitor to his people. Nevertheless, Jesus chose him to become one of His disciples.Then Jesus attended a dinner party at Le...

Being reminded is a good and necessary thing.  I need to be regularly reminded to take my medicine.  I  have to be reminded what my passwords are for the many websites, doors and alarms I access.  Taking out the trash, watering the plants and closing the blinds at night require frequently reminders.  In today’s One Year Bible Reading we read across a priority we all must be reminded of and which n...