Daniel 3:17–18 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Read the context "Even if he does not..." Three men faced death, but their allegiance to God wasn't contingent. They simply trusted. I often set up guard rails for serving the Lord — "If he gives me...
1 day ago • 1 min read
Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Read the context Walking with the Lord can often sound like the harder way. Why wouldn't you choose something easier? Don't forget this though — everyone serves something. That's what Joshua wanted...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Exodus 32:25–26 Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me.” And all the Levites rallied to him. Read the context The Israelite camp was a mess. Not long after crossing the Red Sea... the people were worshiping an idol. Moses called them to make a stand. There will be moments where it feels you're the only one...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Matt. 10:38–39 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Read the context In high school, two of my friends trained for the Marines by running in a weighted vests after class. I jogged along uninhibited. I remember thinking: drop the weight... it'll be easier. But that was the point. The Christian life is that kind of training. Jesus said so himself... take up your...
4 days ago • 1 min read
1 Tim. 6:11–12 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. Read the context If you walk against a crowd... expect to bump into people. That's the reality of the Christian life — it's a call to live differently. Is it worth it? Paul says this fight of faith is...
5 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 27 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Read the context Everything is instant in our world today. Groceries, movies, even the ability to see someone via video chat. I don't want to wait. "Patience is a virtue" I don't desire. But faith is a waiting game. When life drags on, when health makes days feel like years, the waiting is real. But the Lord is coming. He...
6 days ago • 1 min read
1 Kings 19:15-18 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. ...Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him.” Read the context Elijah ran away from the pressure of persecution. He was convinced he was...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Jer. 20:11-12 But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; — so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; — their dishonor will never be forgotten. Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous — and probe the heart and mind,let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause. Read the context Persecution was about all that Jeremiah knew. He was opposed by kings, priests, and the people for speaking the truth of God's word....
8 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Read the context Sparrows were cheap. Nobody kept track of them. But God was. The world can feel hostile toward your faith: comments from friends, a culture that makes light of what you take seriously. It's easy to wonder: am I the punchline to God too?...
9 days ago • 1 min read