Category: Uncategorized

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 23:1-49 ESV, Hebrews 10:18-39 ESV, Psalm 109:1-31 ESV, Proverbs 27:13 ESV

Daily Verse: “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (Hebrews 10:39 ESV)

HUPOSTOLE (5289): “As a non, is translated “of them who draw back” Heb 11:39”[1]

Draw back.

I shrank when my brothers threw earthworms at me as a child.  Not a fan of slimy things; if I made myself small, they couldn’t touch me.  We draw away from things we don’t like.

Life comes with challenges we must face.  When the next hill rises before us, we have a choice in approaching it with dread and trepidation or with excited anticipation.  Living life with Jesus gives us the courage to turn the challenge into an encouragement as God leads us to victory.

When David stood before Goliath, he didn’t shrink away from the challenge; he embraced it.  The servant with a heart like God’s knew the source of his strength intimately.  David’s confidence came from the Creator.

Stand tall!

Trusting in the Lord, we can stand tall like David.  Short in stature, the young shepherd didn’t need height to win the battle; he needed confidence.  David got what he needed from the Lord.  God provides the tools to slay our giants and win the fight.

When I sit at my desk and write, I balance a book on my head to help me maintain proper posture.  Having developed hip pain, slouching didn’t help.  As a result of my new discipline, I’m standing taller. The positive results help me feel physically better. 

Squaring back my shoulders and lifting my head, chin parallel to the floor empowers me.  I feel balanced and ready to take on the world, but when I shrink back, eye to the ground, shoulders slumped, I feel defeated. 

Jesus gives us a reason to stand tall and face the world.  All things work for the good of those who trust and believe in Christ, living their life following Him.  With Jesus, we either win or learn, but we never lose.

Remind your giant about the size of your God.  Don’t let the temporary problems of this world keep you from experiencing the eternal peace Christ offers.  Lay your burdens at the altar, then stand tall, knowing God’s got your back!

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 260) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 21:1-22:31 ESV, Hebrews 10:1-17 ESV, Psalm 108:1-13 ESV, Proverbs 27:12 ESV

Daily Verse: “For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.” (Hebrews 10:1 ESV)

SKIA (4639): “Is used of “a shadow,” of these as appointed under the Law, Heb 10:1.”[1]

Preliminary outline.

“The “shadow” then is the preliminary outline that an artist may make before he gets to his colors, and the “reality” is the finished portrait.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

When I don’t understand a verse, I turn to commentaries; Expositor’s a favorite.  Nothing beats their description of the law and its application to faith in Jesus.  Without the early commandments, we wouldn’t understand why we need Jesus.  Unable to keep them, we need someone who could.

Become colorful.

Placing your faith in Jesus fills the lines in the shadow.  Continually taking the next step of faith leads you to an unimaginable grace.  Christ’s presence in the present moment becomes so real it overwhelms you.  Understanding that life’s fragility and vitality coexist together gives it new meaning.

At any moment, God can call us home.  But in the meantime, live.  The poem at my mother and nephew’s funeral instructed us:

“think of me sometimes, but not too much.  While you live, let your thoughts be with the living.” Unknown

Our thoughts control our actions. To live, we must think in the now, not the then.  Taking with us the meat, leaving behind the bones.  Forgive yourself for the laws you struggle to keep.  Try to do better today, and keep going; life’s journey never ends.

Like a tire stuck in a mud puddle, spinning its wheels, when we spend too much time in the valley, we get stuck in a rut with our thoughts.  Not able to see a way out, we think life won’t change, but don’t believe the lie.

Like the unending waves in the ocean, time never stops, nor does life.  Grace moves us forward on the journey, allowing us to forgive ourselves for breaking the “law” and try again.  You can try again every day God gives you on earth and make different choices. Become colorful as you follow Jesus, applying His teachings to your life.  Let grace become your calling card.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 228) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 20:1-49 ESV, Hebrews 9:11-28 ESV, Psalm 107:1-43 ESV, Proverbs 27:11 ESV

Daily Verse: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” (Hebrews 9:15 ESV)

MESITES (3316): “Means lit., “a go-between” (from mesos, “middle,” and eimi, “to go”). Is used in two ways in the NT, “one who mediate” between two parties with a view to producing peace, as in 1 Ti 2:5, though more than mere “mediatorship” is in view, for the salvation of men necessitated that the Mediator should Himself possess the nature and attributes of Him towards whom He acts, and should likewise participate in the nature of those for whom He acts (sin apart); only by being possessed both of deity and humanity could He comprehend the claims of the one and the needs of the other; further, the claims and the needs could be met only by One who Himself being proved sinless, would offer Himself an expiatory sacrifice on behalf of men; “one who acts as a guarantee” so as to secure something which otherwise would not be obtained.  Thus, in Heb 9:15 Christ is the Surety of “the better covenant,” “the new covenant,” guaranteeing its terms for His people.”[1]

Go between.

Full confession, I didn’t begin to mature in my faith until my late twenties.  Raised in the church, I knew I needed Christ; I didn’t understand why.  Connecting with God’s purity requires a go-between; Jesus fits the bill.

When light enters a dark room, the darkness leaves, the two can’t coexist together.  Light expels darkness, or the absence of light equals darkness.  Either way, you can’t have them both in the same room. 

Jesus expels.

Our sin lives in the darkness; Jesus brings it into the light, expelling the darkness from our lives.  God and evil can’t coexist; Jesus forgives the sin in our lives and ushers us into the Lord’s presence.

Mediators bring peace if they do their job well.  Jesus excels at bringing peace into our hearts when we place our faith in Him.  Christ shows us a new way to live that will help us discover a vibrant life. 

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10 ESV)

Embrace Jesus’s mediation in your life, and let the light into the dark areas of your hearts.  Experience life abundantly as you follow Christ, letting Him fill your heart with peace.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 161) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-19:14 ESV, Hebrews 9:1-10 ESV, Psalm 106:32-48 ESV, Proverbs 27:10 ESV

Daily Verse: “This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.” (Hebrews 9:9 ESV)

ENISTEMI (1764): “To set in,” or, in the middle voice and perfect tense of the active voice, “to stand in, be present,” is used of the present in contrast with the past, Heb 9:9.”[1]

Be present.

Once again, the author points out that we can’t save ourselves from our past and future sins; only Jesus can help us.  But people spend so much time living in the past or future that they miss now.  And now matters.

Deciding to lay down your past and embrace a future grounded in now, we must learn to become present.  Understanding that eternity started long ago, continuing onward in the present, and moving forward. 

“For the present is the point at which time touches eternity.” C.S. Lewis

Choose now.

Today begins a new day, full of God’s grace and mercy; choose to embrace it.  Lay your burdens at the foot of the cross; let them go to the King.  Bring joy into your heart as you allow God to take control.  Don’t let eternity pass you by as you live in a moment already gone or yet to come.  Live in this moment, knowing it will pass, good or bad. 

Our emotions help guide us in our relationship with God.  Throughout the scriptures, we witness the many emotions of the Lord.  Instead of condemning yourself for having feelings, explore them, understand them, and learn from them.

Following Jesus requires a relationship of trust.  On earth, people prove untrustworthy, but God always comes through.  Christ walks with us in our valleys and the mountains, never leaving or forsaking us.  Trust Him.  Turn to Jesus today, pour out your heart to Him, and let Christ begin to heal the hurt.

Today will never come again.  Whatever circumstance lies before you, God has a plan.  One, He will walk you through; Jesus doesn’t let you go alone.  Christ went first; follow Him.  In the Lord, you will find everlasting peace, now and forever.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 89) Thomas Nelson

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 16:42-17:24 ESV, Hebrews 8:1-13 ESV, Psalm 106:13-31 ESV, Proverbs 27:7-9 ESV

Daily Verse: “Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.” (Hebrews 8:3 ESV)

ARCHIEREUS (749): “This word means “a chief priest, high priest” and is frequent in the gospels, Acts and Hebrews, but there only in the NT.  It is used of Christ.”[1]

High Priest.

As head of the church, no one ranks higher than Jesus.  The gifts and sacrifices Christ offers bring life to the fullest to all who receive them.  No one can choose Jesus for you.  Only you can decide to follow the Highest Priest of them all.

Reading comments on social media responding to an ad for the latest Christian film made my heart sink.  People’s opinion of Christ’s church doesn’t baffle me.  Having experienced pain at the hands of believers, I get it.  But we must learn to forgive.

People will hurt you.  My husband loves me more than anyone on earth, but he occasionally steps on my feelings.  Relationships can’t exist without some strife because imperfect people create connections.  We all have hurt people in our lives, sometimes intentionally.  “Get off your high horse,” my mother used to say.

Let go.

Submit your life to Jesus, and give Him all of it.  Don’t hold back.  “The Cuckoo Syndrome,” by Andrea Anderson Polk, gave me a new perspective on dark periods in my life.

“The greatest treasures are often buried in the deepest, darkest places.” AAP

Life’s challenges can take us places we never thought about or wanted to go.  But amid our valley, God exists.  And when we give those dark places to Him, you will experience unexplainable grace.

But first, you must let go.  Admit you need help.  Stop posing; start living.  Embrace God’s grace and mercy, fill yourself with His love, and let Him change your life.  Nothing you have done or will do can separate you from Christ’s love.

Believe it today!

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 43) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 14:12-16:41 ESV, Hebrews 7:18-28 ESV, Psalm 106:1-12 ESV, Proverbs 27:4-6 ESV                 

Daily Verse: “Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.” (Hebrews 7:22 ESV)

EGGUOS (1450): “Primarily signifies the bail who personally answers for anyone, whether with his life or his property.  In Heb 7:22 it refers to Jesus, the personal guarantee of the terms of the new and better covenant secured on the ground of His perfect sacrifice.”[1]

Personal guarantee.

During my college years, my mom made car payments for me.  She personally guaranteed I would have a vehicle to drive because I couldn’t afford it.  She did for me what I couldn’t do for myself.

Jesus personally guaranteed our salvation because He knows we can’t.  Nothing we do can save us from ourselves and our fleshly desires; only Jesus can.  Christ guarantees a better covenant, a new promise not dependent on our actions but His.

Selfless love.

Christ brought unconditional love into the world. By studying His life and developing a relationship with Jesus, you will begin to understand true love. His actions selfless, Jesus showed us a new way to live.

Loving God and others, as Jesus commanded, doesn’t mean getting walked all over.  Pleasing other people doesn’t mean love.  But accepting and loving others, assisting them on their journey, and encouraging them to become all God desires them does. 

And sometimes, difficult decisions require ties to break.  Allowing others to live their lives, even if you disagree with the choice, does take work, especially when you see a loved one heading in the wrong direction.

But we all make bad decisions.  God doesn’t love us because we make mistakes.  He loves us because the Lord created us to love.  So let Him.

And love God back.  Then love others with all those good feelings.  Unconditionally, God loves us.  Unconditionally, we must love others.  Through Jesus, you will learn how to establish healthy boundaries.  Allowing Christ to lead will help you know when to walk away, just as He did on occasion.

Jesus came so we could have life to the fullest.  Christ put His guarantee on our life.  Live it well for Him today.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 74) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11 ESV, Hebrews 7:1-17 ESV, Psalm 105:37-45 ESV, Proverbs 27:3 ESV

Daily Verse: “For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.” (Hebrews 7:12 ESV)

NOMOS (3551): “In the NT is used of “law” in general.  In the Epistle to the Hebrews the “Law” is treated of especially in regard to the contrast between the Priesthood of Christ and that established under the “law” of Moses, and in regard to access to God and to worship.  In these respects the “Law” “made nothing perfect,” 7:19.  There was “a disannulling of a foregoing commandment…and a bringing in of a better hope.”  This is established under the “new Covenant,” a covenant instituted on the bases of “better promises.” 8:6.”[1]

Better promises.

Because Christ died and rose again, the law changed.  Before Jesus’ death, life revolved around the Mosaic laws instituted by Moses long ago, the most famous the Ten Commandments.  We needed help because no one could keep even the primary ten.  God answered with Jesus.

The Lord understands our human frailty.  No matter how hard we try, we fail to keep perfect commandments.  Lies pop up easier than dandelions.  Think about the last time you told someone, “I’m fine,” because you didn’t want to tell them the truth about your life.  We couldn’t keep the law, so God sent His Son, who could.

Fulfilled law.

Jesus’ life and death fulfilled the requirements of the law for us.  Instead of hundreds of commandments, Christ narrowed it down to two: love God, and love others.  All efforts to fulfill the Great Commandment draw you into a closer relationship with God.  Through Jesus, you can love others unconditionally as He loves you.

The Ten Commandments help you fulfill the great one.  If you read the list, the first half tells you how to love God, and the second half tells you how to love others.  We still strive to maintain the law, but it no longer defines our eternal rewards.  Instead, following God’s law helps us develop healthy, life-giving relationships.

Jesus came, and the law changed; Christ gave us a new purpose with four words.  Each day we can love God and others better than the previous day.  If you fail one day, try again the next, knowing God blesses your efforts.

Fulfill the law, love God, love others, and enjoy life to the fullest!

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (pp. 172-3) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 10:1-11:25 ESV, Hebrews 6:1-20 ESV, Psalm 105:16-36 ESV, Proverbs 27:1-2 ESV

Daily Verse: “But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.” (Hebrews 6:8 ESV)

AKANTHA (173): “Akantha, as a noun means “a brier, a thorn” is always used in the plural in the NT.”[1]

Briers.

What produces thorns brings fire.  From an agricultural standpoint, during Paul’s time, farmers burned fields to rid them of weeds and prepare them for crops.  Applying the farming principle to faith, following Jesus should yield healthy crops, not briers.

Putting our fleshly desires first produces thorns.  If we only think about our wants and needs, we completely miss God’s and people’s. Paul wants to ensure the Hebrews, and us, keep our priorities straight.

 We produce the type of crop we plant.  If I plant seeds of selfishness, jealousy, and hatred, without a doubt, briers will grow.  However, planting seeds of love, joy and peace produces a mighty bounty.

Full crop.

At the end of harvest, farmers thank God for their bounty.  The Creator’s provision and the farmer’s hard work produce entire crops that will sustain them through winter.  Man can’t make the seeds grow, but he can decide what kind of kernels he wants to plant.  God does the growing.

Plant seeds of love in the people around you by serving them for the Lord.  Identify their needs, pray for them, and help them as God guides and directs you. Multiplication happens as life change occurs and people begin to experience and spread the word about Jesus.

Battling the flesh never ends, but in Jesus, you can find victory.  Don’t produce fields of briers; plant the fruit of the Spirit everywhere: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Watch the world bloom around you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 11) Thomas Nelson

2 minuter read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 7:1-9:11 ESV, Hebrews 5:1-14 ESV, Psalm 105:1-15 ESV, Proverbs 26:28 ESV

Daily Verse: “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 ESV)

GUMNAZO (1128): “Primarily means to exercise naked (from gumnos, “naked”); then generally, of exercising the senses, so as to discern good and evil (Heb. 5:14).”[1]

Exercise naked!

Having the capability to consume mature food means discernment came from exercising naked.  What an insane thought to even ponder.  Yet, when we practice something so much, it becomes second nature to us. 

Training yourself to become naked with God does take time and effort.  Having an intimate relationship with God means laying your heart bare for Him to see and others.  In our vulnerability, we connect with others in a closer relationship.

As husband and wife for ten years, I see my husband naked all the time, as he does me.   No one else on earth sees my body but him and my doctors.  Because Ron sees me in my most vulnerable moments, I have a closer relationship with him than anyone except God.

Exercise the senses

Becoming completely vulnerable before God, taking off all the layers, and becoming naked, awakens the senses.  Like slipping into a hot bubble bath, with fragrant smells coming from the heated water, everything relaxes as you let your senses take over.

Practicing nakedness with God means letting Him see everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  We all have blemishes we don’t want anyone to see.  But with God, you don’t have to worry.  The Creator loves every inch of you and wants you to love yourself.

Because loving God’s creation means loving what He created, you!  And as my mom liked to say, “God doesn’t make junk!”

The more you open yourself up to God, the more discerning you will become.  Experiencing the goodness of the Creator will make evil easily distinguished.  You don’t have to know all the devil’s schemes; God exposes them with His light.

Become naked with God, and experience His goodness in a way you won’t know unless you do.  Nothing in your past will stop the Creator from loving His creation, you.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 62) Thomas Nelson

2 minute read.

Daily Reading: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14 ESV, Hebrews 4:1-16 ESV, Psalm 104:24-35 ESV, Proverbs 26:27 ESV

Daily Verse: “For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.” (Hebrews 4:2 ESV)

OPHELEIA (5623): “Signifies “to be useful, do good, profit,” and is translated “profit” in Heb. 4:2.”[1]

Do good.

Receiving God’s message requires a heart ready for instruction.  Hardened hearts can’t accept.  If you think about an M&M, the crisp shell protects the soft chocolate inside.  When people experience pain, they create self-defense mechanisms to protect their hearts from future damage.  If the outer surface becomes too thick, nothing can penetrate it.

Paul warns the Hebrews not to let their hearts harden.  People head in the wrong direction when they hear the message but don’t put it into practice in their life.  Jesus calls us to follow Him; you must move to follow.

Fluid faith.

Absorbing Jesus’s message of unconditional love into your life causes movement.  The first step of faith happens when you believe in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  From that moment onward, Jesus leads you into becoming a new person. 

Faith keeps flowing and moving as you pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus.  Reading about His life, studying the scriptures, and applying them to your life all take steps of faith, especially putting Jesus’ commands into action and making them a reality in your life.

Working on forgiving someone who hurt you takes faith.  When you tithe to the local church, faith causes the action.  And when you confess your sins, trusting God forgives you, faith lets you accept His grace.

As long as God leaves us on earth, we’ll take faith steps.  But when the Good Lord calls us home, we’ll no longer need faith; in His presence, we’ll live.

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[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 277) Thomas Nelson