Exodus 24:9–12 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank. The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 17:2–5 There [Jesus] was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 2:7–8 He said to me, “You are my son;today I have become your father. Ask me, — and I will make the nations your inheritance,the ends of the earth your possession. Read the context As Jesus stands on the top of the mountain, his glory is revealed. God's power is clear for the disciples to see. But this had been God's plan all along. Psalm 2 prophesies the Father declaring the Son as King over all nations. Jesus... the humble carpenter... the suffering servant... is also the eternal King...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 6:2–4 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Read the context The celebrity hands over a giant check with cameras...
5 days ago • 1 min read
2 Sam. 11:26-27 When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the Lord. Read the context Often sin leads to more sin. David's lust lead to adultery, led to lying, led to murder. But even if the dominoes don't fall that far, don't be fooled — hiding sin is always more harmful than bringing it to light. Why?...
6 days ago • 1 min read
1 Thess. 4:9–12 Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 5:43–46 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Read the context Quid pro quo is not Jesus' way. Jesus' death is not...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 5:38–42 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Read the context Your neighbor's dog uses your lawn as...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 5:23–24 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Read the context Jesus raises the bar on righteousness. The law is not just about what you do, but what happens in your heart. Anger, lust, harmful words, empty promises... none of it stays hidden from God. That weight is heavier than we...
10 days ago • 1 min read