I had been thinking about my old church and my time as a youth pastor. I drove by the old church last month, and it was now someones house. Well, I was looking in an old folder that I haven’t used for at least 12 years. It’s a nice leather organizer that I got from…
I’m writing this on a Friday, T.G.I.F. Thank God it’s Friday, we say. Most scholars believe Jesus was crucified on Friday. After today’s reading, I’m thinking T.G.I.F. should stand for Thank God it’s Forgiveness. Jesus is brought before Pilate and Herod. They don’t find anything they can execute him for. But there’s an angry, bloodthirsty…
These verses are where Christ tells us there’s a new covenant. God wants a close relationship with us, based on the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. It is going to replace the old way of doing things, a new way to get right with God. No more repeated sacrifices, one perfect sacrifice. This New Promise is…
Instead of my usual summary, I was really focused on Luke 21: 34-36. If you aren’t familiar with the S.O.A.P Bible study method, here’s an example from me today. S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method: Begin with a prayer, inviting God’s guidance and support, asking Him to open your heart and mind to His truth. S –…
Job gives his final plea. We know from Job 1 that he was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Whenever I got into trouble in middle school, the principal sent home a pink slip for my parents to sign, which I had to return the next day….
Job longs for the good old days. We never know when a disaster will strike. This reminds me to be thankful for now—the time I have with my family, friends, and all my many blessings. I just had to replace an outdoor hydrant. Working in the cold and wet ticks me off — my beard…
Job 28:28 tells us that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is fundamental understanding. Fear is a powerful motivator. I work because of the fear of losing my possessions. I work on being a better Christ follower, husband, dad, and friend because I want good relationships and a deeper, divine…
In Job 25, Bildad says, “God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens.” In the next chapter, Job reminds us of God’s greatness in verse 11: “The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke.” God’s greatness is beyond my understanding. Horseback riding through the forest, surrounded by beauty, gives me…
In Job 22, Eliphaz goes after Job again, accusing him and saying, “Your situation is a direct result of your limitless sins.” I realize I can be like Eliphaz sometimes, quick to judge myself and others and assume the worst. I need to remember the Golden Rule—not just to treat others as I want to…
In Job 20, Zophar, Job’s “friend,” is at it again, telling Job his calamities are from his sin. Instead of listening to Job, he’s ready to offer up the reasons he’s going through Hell. This reminds me, I need to be quick to listen and slower to judge. Reading verses 8 and 9, though, paints…