They say never to go to the grocery store hungry, and now I know why not! 2 years ago I started Keto and let me tell you, in the beginning, I felt hunger pains 24/7. But, after struggling with the feeling of hunger, I realized that feeling hungry isn’t supposed to create an immediate response. Instead, it is supposed to create an immediate question. Shortly after that realization, hunger pains started to mean something completely different. I read a story today that I’ve read more than a hundred times. This passage of Matthew is one often taught about how ...
No this isn’t a post about the mask filters Today I read Matthew chapter 3 and we learn about John the Baptist. One thing I love about him is he only has one filter: truth. Imagine for a second that you believe in something written hundreds of years ago, but everyone you know either rejects what you believe, supports what you believe, or wants to chop off your head? Doesn’t sound like the most pleasant life, does it? This is the life that John the Baptist lead. Every morning he has the choice to wake up and turn on ...
My birth was not this dramatic! You’ll have to ask my mother, but I am pretty sure the birth story in Matthew 1:19 – 2:18 is a little more dramatic than the story that unfolds after my first breath. I am sure the moment was special to my parents, and I certainly appreciate being born, but it most certainly didn’t involve a virgin, a donkey, supernatural intervention, and day after day on an uncomfortable journey. During my terrible twos, my parents mostly stressed about how I drive them crazy. I am sure at times they questioned my presence, but ...
It didn’t take long for the author of Hebrews to know that we are fragile creatures and we need our rest just like any other. Although, the chapter doesn’t just speak of our need for rest, but also to understand the power and responsibility we have after we get our rest. The first 11 of 16 verses in Hebrews chapter 4, encourages us to not feel weak because we need rest. As a matter of fact, the chapter encourages us to find time to take it easy during the continuous spiritual warfare that we are a part of. The ...
Until the arrival of Jesus on the scene, mankind relied on priests to hear our human sins and sacrifice unto God to ask for forgiveness. But how did Jesus change it all? Hebrews chapter 5 is basically split into 3 different sections. First, the author describes the fallibility of a human prints. Second, he speaks to the authority of Jesus as the ultimate high priest amongst all priests. Lastly, he speaks to our need for wise teaching and continuous learning. How is Jesus different from other priests and does it matter? I appreciate the organization of this chapter. It ...
Read this chapter slowly. If you already read chapter 3, go back and read it again and look for the opportunity to drop the knife. This chapter begins by giving the audience a little bit of a memory jog. They speak to the relationship Moses and his people had with God and point out God’s reaction to Moses’ people’s disobedience. But he doesn’t stop there. The author brings it all back home by bringing Jesus back into the conversation. Jesus is above all, including Moses, so the author poses the question of how do we think God will react ...
Chapter 2 of Hebrews continues the conversation established in chapter 1 with Jesus’ dominion over creation. Basically, he’s been there and done that. This chapter quickly brings us to the purpose of Jesus’ timeline here on earth. First, the author establishes again that Jesus has authority over all creation. However, God made him lower than the angels for a short period of time to demonstrate God’s grace towards his children. He states that Jesus was made lower than the angels so he could suffer death as we must suffer. Then, God fulfills his promise and crowns him with authority ...
I am posting each day on one chapter or topic I read in my daily Bible reading. I will start this series in Hebrews, because why not. Check out this quick video on Hebrews from The Bible Project to help us start. The video does a great job at explaining the outline and purpose of Hebrews. Therefore, I will not go into the history or details of the book, and just jump right into chapter 1. What Hebrews chapter 1 says to me One of the reasons I enjoy reading Hebrews is the challenge of understanding the message behind ...
As an entrepreneur, I hear all the time that to get ahead and make my dreams come true, I must do this at all costs, but I disagree. I often saw this same concept in corporate America. Yes, being in business for yourself or trying to climb the corporate ladder can often be challenging and people will try to stop you, but at all costs implies putting your success above others. I read today in Proverbs that above riches, or wealth of any kind, we must first not neglect the needs of others. I find it interesting that Solomon ...
Have you ever looked for something for a long time to finally find it? What did you do after it was found? Did it bring you joy? If so, for how long? Reading in Proverbs today, I read a verse again for the millionth time, but its meaning was lost on me all these years. Solomon says that a happy man seeks wisdom AND that gets understanding. I can’t believe I never read, or listened to, the second half of that verse. My whole life I have sought wisdom and wondered why it hasn’t Brough happiness. Sure I have ...