Tag: Jesus

September 30, 2025

September 30th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 13-14

Highlight Verse:

“When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Why did God unleash the plagues on Egypt?

Sure, it can be said that it was to punish the Egyptians for enslaving the Israelites.

But this verse points to a deeper meaning. He wanted to woo His people to Him.

It was an act of love.

I’m here in Texas today because I love my oldest daughter and want the best for her.

There’s nothing (legal) I wouldn’t do bring her into a relationship with Jesus. That is a big part of why I am here.

God loved all his people over all time so much that he took radical steps to woo us.

We would do well to help God in this effort.

What else did God do woo His people?
What can we do to help?
September 27, 2025

September 27th, 2025

Saturday – Open Topic

Reading – Proverbs 3

Highlight Verse:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I was recently driving in my work van with the adaptive cruise control on.

I love how it adjusts my speed to the traffic ahead of me and still keeps me from going too fast when traffic opens up.

I’m impressed with the practical science that has advanced to the point that it will maintain the distance I set even in stop and go traffic.

But I always cancel it before traffic gets very slow.

Why?

I believe in the science and technology that went into making that system work.

But deep down, I don’t trust it.

In one of those moments of tapping the brake to take it out of cruise, truth hit me.

It’s so easy to believe that truth – that God is in control, and He has good plans for my life.

But how many times have I tapped the brake and taken control.

I’ve done it so often I couldn’t even tell you.

Like tapping out of cruise control, it’s natural to want control when God takes you into risky places.

We crave safety.

But the rewards lie at the end of the risky road.

I still don’t advocate letting our fancy new cars take total control.

But I want to keep my eyes open for times when Jesus wants to take the wheel.

When I get past my fear, I might just enjoy the ride.

When have you hit the brakes on God’s risky plans for your life?
What rewards have you seen from giving Him control even in the risky parts of your life?
September 23, 2025

September 23rd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 12

Highlight Verse:

“But the blood on your doorposts will serve as a sign, marking the houses where you are staying. When I see the blood, I will pass over you. This plague of death will not touch you when I strike the land of Egypt.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I remember hearing these stories as a child and thinking how gross it must have been to have blood on your doorposts.

I look back now and realize that, even then, God was setting His plan for salvation in motion.

Just as the Israelites were spared the plague of the firstborn deaths by demonstrating their faith through the blood on their doorposts,

so we are granted eternal life when we accept the blood of Jesus.

Some would say that we must display our acceptance of that sacrifice through participating in communion.

The New Testament makes it plain that Jesus sacrifice must be accepted, but that is all.

As a result of accepting God’s new deal for us, we would certainly want to take communion, but that is not a prerequisite for salvation.

So, while this historical event foreshadows the new covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice completes it.

Have you ever felt like you had to complete the sacraments or meet other standards before you could get eternal life?
How has God’s gift of eternal life altered your view of sacraments and laws?
September 22, 2025

September 22nd, 2025

Monday – Gospels

Reading – Matthew 10

Highlight Verse:

““Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Much of my childhood was spent seeking acknowledgment from my dad.

That didn’t come often.

After my parents’ divorce, it was even more scarce.

Then I got to know my Heavenly Father and verses like this clicked into place.

Knowing that God knows who I am down to the last hair on my head brings joy to my heart.

How could I not acknowledge Him to others.

That doesn’t mean I preach to strangers.

I prefer to bring my relationship with God up naturally.

The stickers on my water bottle at work can sometimes bring up conversations. Other times, a simple “whatcha up to this weekend” conversation opens the subject of church or creation if I’m heading to the mountains.

Regardless of the method, I am not ashamed of the Gospel and not afraid to bring it up in a non-threatening loving and respectful way.

What is your favorite way to share the Gospel?
Where do you struggle the most with sharing?
September 16, 2025

September 16th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 10-11

Highlight Verse:

“(Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people alike.)”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This puzzled me.

Why would the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s officials look favorably on Moses and the people of Israel?

I would have expected them to blame Moses and Israel for the plagues.

This verse tells me they knew better.

The plagues were a result of God’s wrath against Pharaoh’s stubbornness.

The people of Egypt saw how the Israelites had favor with God and wanted to be on their good side.

I believed that’s why they gave so generously.

So why do so many people today see Christians in a negative light?

The Israelites continued to work despite Pharaoh’s cruelty and were blessed by God for their efforts.

Besides that, they had a solid faith that didn’t change with the passing of each Pharaoh.

The Egyptian belief system revolved around appeasing many gods including the self-proclaimed God Pharaoh.

Today we hold on to a solid faith in the one true God.

We have joy that comes from that faith.

But we have a history of criticizing the shortfalls of those still bound by sin.

Instead of reaching out with the love of God, we rant on social media and or stay to ourselves, not even knowing our neighbors.

I believe it is also true that our society has given the evil one the unprecedented right to indoctrinate people against Christianity.

So, what can we do about it?

I believe we are at the beginning of a great world-wide revival.

If we continue the trend of pressing into God and reaching out to others with His love, we may yet see a turn around on the scale of Exodus.

If we stay within our little Christian clubs while we let the world influence us into complacency or reactionary anger,

that flame will fizzle out.

I for one, intend to reach out in love with the Author of all Love.

How can you press in to make your faith more solid?
What has God called you to do to reach out to others with His Love?
September 11, 2025

September 11th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Ephesians 5-6

Highlight Verse:

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

32-year-old Todd boarded an American Airlines plane at Newark, New Jersey, headed to San Francisco. A third of the way through the flight, 4 men stormed the cockpit and hijacked the plane, intending to use it as a weapon.

When Todd tried to call his wife, he learned from a phone operator that this was part of a coordinated attack.

He couldn’t stand by and let that happen.

Todd rallied some of his fellow passengers and attacked the terrorists. Together, they made sure the plane crashed hundreds of miles short of the terrorist’s target, potentially saving hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

His last recorded words, “Let’s roll,” exemplified the sacrificial efforts of many heroes that fateful day 24 years ago today.

That day sheds new light on this verse.

None of us know when our last day on Earth will be.

As Christ sacrificed His life for us, we would do well to follow His example of sacrificial living each and every day, giving of ourselves to show His love.

What are some practical ways we can share Christ’s sacrificial love today?
How have people showed sacrificial love to you?
September 4, 2025

September 4th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Ephesians 3-4

Highlight Verse:

“Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I’ve never been in full-time ministry but I’ve had the privilege of being involved in next generation ministry on one level or another for decades.

If you ask me what my favorite part of ministry is, it is that moment when speaking to students and I see that look in their eyes that says

they finally get it.

When that is followed by a prayer and positive response to the Gospel, it makes it all worth it.

So, when Paul says it is a privilege to share the Gospel,

he is 100 percent right.

In case you are tempted to say something like, “that’s all well and good for you,” realize that God uses whoever is willing to share.

Some of the most powerful testimonies I’ve heard were from people who just found Jesus after a rebellious life and shared their new found joy.

God once used a donkey to speak to Balaam.

There’s no limit to what He can do through you.

Have you experienced the joy of telling others about Jesus?
What ways has God used you to spread the Gospel?
How is He challenging you to share in the future?
September 3, 2025

September 3rd, 2025

NOTE: While most of the readers of this on our Facebook page are from the United States, interestingly, most who read here on the webpage are from elsewhere across the globe. While I am not familiar with the political situation where you might be reading this, the American political landscape has become increasingly divided in recent decades. My hope is that we may see beyond what divides us and find common ground in Jesus.

Wednesday – History

Reading – 2 Samuel 1-2

Highlight Verses:

“Then David composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan, and he commanded that it be taught to the people of Judah. It is known as the Song of the Bow, and it is recorded in The Book of Jashar.”
‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

One Memorial Day when I lived in Virginia, I was in Washington DC for the weekend and happened to visit Arlington National Cemetery. There were crowds streaming toward the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier so, curious, I followed the crowd.

I found myself trapped in the amphitheater and forced to witness the Memorial Day speech of the then current President.

I did not like that President.

I was of the opposing party and I disliked much of what he did as President.

But that day, he brought respect to those who had given their lives to create and defend the United States.

I respected that.

It brought me new respect for the man.

I still wouldn’t vote for him, but he was the duly elected President of the United States and I fully respected the office.

Saul was the anointed King of Israel.

He did many things that David didn’t approve of, not the least being attempting to kill him.

But David had great respect for God’s appointment and wasn’t afraid to show it.

If we were to show respect for those who politically oppose us, we might be surprised at how much more peaceful our lives would be.

I’m not asking for people to go against their political convictions.

But we don’t have to be nasty towards our political opponents and their followers.

In fact, the more respect we show them, the more likely they are to listen to us.

In what ways can we show respect toward our political opponents without compromising our values?
How have you been able to bridge the political gap among your friends or family?
September 2, 2025

September 2nd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Then Pharaoh called in his own wise men and sorcerers, and these Egyptian magicians did the same thing with their magic.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I read several commentaries on this verse.

The majority say that the Egyptian sorcerers used slight of hand or the Egyptian art of snake charming to make it appear that their staffs turned into serpents.

They point to the fact that the words used to describe them imply deception.

I’m not so sure.

I have no doubt that they were working in cooperation with the devil who is also known as the deceiver.

I also have no doubt that their aim was to deceive Pharaoh into not believing Moses.

I also know that the devil can pull off some convincing “miracles.”

He uses supernatural means to pull off what appears to be impossible.

There will come a day when the antichrist will display some miracles that will even fool some Christians.

My point is that “miracles” are not always of God.

Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe that God can and does still perform miracles.

I believe in the “full Gospel” which includes the modern day works of the Holy Spirit.

But I also believe that the deceiver can use very convincing signs and wonders to lead people astray.

If the miracle does not bring glory to God and God alone, watch out.

True miracles will always point people to Jesus and His grace and mercy.

“Miracles” that glorify people or faiths other than the Gospel are false, no matter how convincing they appear.

What miracles have you witnessed?
How did you know if they were bonafide (or not)?
August 28, 2025

August 28th, 2025

Thursday – Letters

Reading – Ephesians 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Did you know that you bring God pleasure?

I’ve written before about how I understood God’s love when my first child was born.

To sum it up, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to protect my children and there is nothing my children could do that would make me love them less.

There is one shortfall in that comparison to God’s love.

He chose us!

He made a great sacrifice, literally, to adopt us.

Our middle daughter was adopted by my wife and her late first husband.

They experienced great joy when they brought her home and a second wave of joy when the adoption was finalized.

Of course, we love all our children equally.

God loves the billions of His children equally.

But you and I have the power to bring pleasure to the God who created the universe.

All we have to do is accept adoption into God’s family.

I believe that continues beyond the day of adoption.

Every time with do what He has called us to do, we bring Him pleasure.

What has God called you to do while you are here on Earth?
What do you think of the fact that you give God pleasure?

Tag: Jesus

Why did God unleash the plagues on Egypt?

It was an act of love.

We would do well to help God in this effort.

But deep down, I don’t trust it.

But how many times have I tapped the brake and taken control.

But the rewards lie at the end of the risky road.

I remember hearing these stories as a child and thinking how gross it must have been to have blood on your doorposts.

so we are granted eternal life when we accept the blood of Jesus.

So, while this historical event foreshadows the new covenant, Jesus’ sacrifice completes it.

Then I got to know my Heavenly Father and verses like this clicked into place.

How could I not acknowledge Him to others.

Regardless of the method, I am not ashamed of the Gospel and not afraid to bring it up in a non-threatening loving and respectful way.

Why would the Egyptian people and Pharaoh’s officials look favorably on Moses and the people of Israel?

If we continue the trend of pressing into God and reaching out to others with His love, we may yet see a turn around on the scale of Exodus.

that flame will fizzle out.

He couldn’t stand by and let that happen.

That day sheds new light on this verse.

As Christ sacrificed His life for us, we would do well to follow His example of sacrificial living each and every day, giving of ourselves to show His love.

they finally get it.

he is 100 percent right.

There’s no limit to what He can do through you.

I did not like that President.

It brought me new respect for the man.

If we were to show respect for those who politically oppose us, we might be surprised at how much more peaceful our lives would be.

I’m not so sure.

My point is that “miracles” are not always of God.

If the miracle does not bring glory to God and God alone, watch out.

True miracles will always point people to Jesus and His grace and mercy.

Did you know that you bring God pleasure?

He chose us!

All we have to do is accept adoption into God’s family.

Every time with do what He has called us to do, we bring Him pleasure.