Today in the Word Devotional

At the beginning of my Christian experience, I counted the days, weeks, and months that I had been following Jesus. I thought it would be a real achievement if I could make it to the four-year mark! After forty years, I now know that it is not an achievement but a matter of grace. In today's passage, the author urges readers to persist in faith. “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God” (v. 12). It is one thing to struggle with sin and wrestle with our doubts. All believers face such trials. It is something else to “turn away” from God. While some turn from God by blatantly choosing sin, the author warns that some were in danger of taking a different path. They were tempted to replace Jesus with a righteousness of their own making. Anyone who would turn away from Christ's gift of righteousness to rely on the Law of Moses rejected the very righteousness they hoped to find. Instead of honoring God, but revering the Law more than Christ, they committed the same sin as those who first received the Law (vv. 16–19). Unbelief kept them from experiencing God's rest (v. 19). To guard against this, the author calls for vigilance and encouragement. Individually, they were to examine their hearts and root out unbelief. Collectively, they were to encourage each other in the faith (vv. 12–13). The kind of faith God desires from those who follow Jesus is as enduring as it is responsive (vv. 14–15). It is not a momentary decision that is easily set aside but a conviction that we hold “firmly to the very end” (v. 14). It does not harden our hearts when we hear God's voice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next to the Old Testament patriarch Abraham, perhaps no human figure was as highly regarded by the recipients of this letter as Moses. Philo of Alexandria, a Jewish philosopher who lived in the time of Christ, wrote that Moses functioned as a prophet, priest, king, and legislator. The author of Hebrews turns next to Moses to show that Jesus is better. In Hebrews 3:1 the writer calls Jesus an apostle. It is the only place in the New Testament where this term is used of Jesus. The title is not intended to lower Jesus' status but to show that, like Moses, Jesus was an authorized messenger of God. Moses and Jesus alike served as God's representatives to His people. But there is a distinct difference. Verse 3 points out what makes Jesus worthy of even greater honor. Moses was a servant, but Jesus was the “builder.” Moses is God's messenger, but Jesus is God's Son and the Creator (v. 6). If the readers of this letter respected the message that came to them through Moses, they had even more reason to regard the message that came through Christ. But the writer goes a step further by pointing out that Moses bore witness to Jesus (v. 5). In this way, Moses was not only God's servant but also a servant of Christ. This assertion echoes Jesus' claim in John 5:39 that the words of the Old Testament “are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” Consequently, those who ignore Christ's message make the same mistake as the disobedient generation that perished in the wilderness after the Exodus (vv. 7–11). Those who reject Christ reject God and miss the rest He has promised to all who come to Him in faith (Matt. 11:28–30). If you have heard His call, do not ignore it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How human was Jesus? In his book Jesus Wars, author Philip Jenkins observes, “In the early centuries of Christianity, very strong forces were pulling Christ Godward and heavenward.” Many early Christians emphasized the divine nature of Christ, sometimes at the expense of His humanity. But Jenkins goes on to point out that this tendency was checked by the New Testament itself, which clearly portrays the divine Christ as human. The book of Hebrews is outspoken on this point. This same Jesus who is “the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being” also “shared” our humanity (Heb. 1:3; 2:14). Jesus did not merely appear to be human, He was “fully human in every way” (v. 17). In the person of Jesus Christ, we find someone who is both truly God and truly human. Verses 14 and 17 go on to explain the reason this was necessary. Jesus shared our humanity so that He could die for us. He was also made like us so that He could live for us. Humanity was essential to Christ's role as our High Priest. Without a human nature, Christ would not have been able to die on our behalf. Because He was truly human, Jesus not only died but “suffered when he was tempted.” As a result, he is “able to help those who are being tempted” (v. 18). Jesus' humanity was not a publicity stunt intended to get our attention. Hebrews 2:17 points out that it was a necessity. Jesus had to be made like us to be our sacrifice and High Priest. Because He was made like us and has suffered for us, He is able to “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (v. 15). Jesus is the one and only God–Man!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People sometimes wish that God would say something to them. They have a question to ask or perhaps even a complaint to air. But if the Old Testament teaches us anything, it indicates that God has already spoken to us. The writer of the book of Hebrews, whose name we do not know, begins with a reminder that God spoke “at many times and in various ways” in the past (Heb. 1:1). The author says this to draw a contrast that will shape everything else we read in this book. God has spoken in the past. But the climax of all that He has said is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is because everything God has said is ultimately meant to reveal Himself. According to verse 3, only Jesus is “the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being.” Jesus puts a human face on God. But He does more than translate the unseen nature of God into a human form. Verse 3 points out that Jesus shows us what God is like because He is God. He sustains all things “by his powerful word.” Jesus is the revelation of God that all previous revelation was building toward. Yet He came to do more than show us what God is like. Jesus also provided “purification for sins” by offering Himself as a sacrifice (v. 3). The message at the heart of the book of Hebrews is the incomparability of Christ. Jesus is superior to all things, even the angels, because He is their creator (v. 4). He is the sacrifice that surpasses any other sacrifice that may be offered for sin, even those that God Himself prescribed in the Law of Moses. Jesus is the only way to God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angels are everywhere. You see them on charm bracelets, in pictures, and shaped in sculpture. You can find them in cemeteries, mounted on park fountains, and even on a certain brand of toilet paper. Humans in every age have had a fascination with these heavenly beings. Unfortunately, this interest has sometimes crossed the line and fallen into angel worship. Those who received this letter appear to have developed an excessive interest in angels. The writings of the Jewish community of Qumran, known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, include speculations about angels. There may even be an indication that they were venerated to the point of worship. Similarly, Colossians 2:18 warns, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” Today's passage puts angels in the proper perspective by pointing out that Jesus is superior to the angels. Angels are God's servants and messengers, but Jesus is the divine Son of God and is worshiped by angels (vv. 5–6). The angels surround the throne and are God's servants (v. 7, compare with Rev. 5:11). But Jesus is enthroned at God's right hand (vv. 8, 13). Although Jesus was made “lower than the angels” when He took to Himself a human nature (2:9), He is now enthroned at the Father's right hand, waiting for all His enemies to be subdued (v. 13). Jesus is not an ordinary human who has been elevated to divine status. Nor is He an angel on steroids. He is the eternal God and our Creator who became flesh (vv. 10–12). He is worthy of our worship. No angel can make such a claim (Rev. 19:10; 22:8–9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a later chapter, the author of Hebrews defines faith as “assurance about what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). And 2 Corinthians 5:7 makes a similar point when it says that we “live by faith, not by sight.” Yet faith is itself a way of seeing. The faith that shapes our vision for living is not blind faith. When we live by faith, we train our vision to see the world as Scripture describes it. In today's text, the writer contrasts how things appear and how things truly are. Verses 5–8 quote Psalm 8, comparing what we can see with what we do not yet see. We do not yet see all things subdued under Christ's control (v. 8). Instead, we see Jesus “who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (v. 9). This is the language of faith. While we may not see these things with the naked eye, we can apprehend them through the testimony of God's Word. The gospel message portrays a crucified, risen, and exalted Christ who became the “pioneer” of our salvation by suffering on our behalf (v. 11). He has gone before us to open the way to God. Those who trust Christ receive His righteousness as a gift and are adopted into God's family (v. 12). How, then, do we come to see things as the writer of Hebrews describes them in these verses? The only way is to view them through the eyes of faith and put our trust in Christ (v. 13). The work of God that is unfolding in our lives today is a work that is already finished (see also John 19:30).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I live near one of the Great Lakes, so I sometimes float on the lake in an inner tube in the summer. I prefer to stay in one location, but I've noticed how easy it is to drift. If I don't pay attention, the wind or the waves will carry me far away from my starting point. Something similar had happened in the spiritual lives of those to whom the letter of Hebrews was written. In verse 1, the author warns of their need to “pay the most careful attention.” Their immediate problem was not one of ignorance so much as it was a kind of spiritual amnesia. They had been taught correctly but had begun to drift away from the things they had first heard. In particular, they had begun to move away from the message of salvation through Jesus Christ (v. 3). The emphasis on Christ's superiority to the angels offers a clue about how this happened. They had not rejected the message outright but seemed to have become distracted from it by an inordinate interest in angels (v. 5). As their interest in angels increased, their focus on the significance of Christ and His sacrifice decreased. They forgot how the gospel had first been announced to them by those who heard Christ's teaching and the way God had attested to the validity of their message by the working of the Holy Spirit. Eventually, their interest in secondary spiritual matters overshadowed the fundamental truths they had once embraced. Jesus and His work took a back seat and was in danger of being replaced entirely by their fascination with angels. The remedy for this? Pay careful attention to what you have already heard. Do not drift away from it or let it slip from your thinking. Ignoring the truth can cause us to reject the truth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angels are everywhere. You see them on charm bracelets, in pictures, and shaped in sculpture. You can find them in cemeteries, mounted on park fountains, and even on a certain brand of toilet paper. Humans in every age have had a fascination with these heavenly beings. Unfortunately, this interest has sometimes crossed the line and fallen into angel worship. Those who received this letter appear to have developed an excessive interest in angels. The writings of the Jewish community of Qumran, known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, include speculations about angels. There may even be an indication that they were venerated to the point of worship. Similarly, Colossians 2:18 warns, “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.” Today's passage puts angels in the proper perspective by pointing out that Jesus is superior to the angels. Angels are God's servants and messengers, but Jesus is the divine Son of God and is worshiped by angels (vv. 5–6). The angels surround the throne and are God's servants (v. 7, compare with Rev. 5:11). But Jesus is enthroned at God's right hand (vv. 8, 13). Although Jesus was made “lower than the angels” when He took to Himself a human nature (2:9), He is now enthroned at the Father's right hand, waiting for all His enemies to be subdued (v. 13). Jesus is not an ordinary human who has been elevated to divine status. Nor is He an angel on steroids. He is the eternal God and our Creator who became flesh (vv. 10–12). He is worthy of our worship. No angel can make such a claim (Rev. 19:10; 22:8–9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People sometimes wish that God would say something to them. They have a question to ask or perhaps even a complaint to air. But if the Old Testament teaches us anything, it indicates that God has already spoken to us. The writer of the book of Hebrews, whose name we do not know, begins with a reminder that God spoke “at many times and in various ways” in the past (Heb. 1:1). The author says this to draw a contrast that will shape everything else we read in this book. God has spoken in the past. But the climax of all that He has said is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is because everything God has said is ultimately meant to reveal Himself. According to verse 3, only Jesus is “the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being.” Jesus puts a human face on God. But He does more than translate the unseen nature of God into a human form. Verse 3 points out that Jesus shows us what God is like because He is God. He sustains all things “by his powerful word.” Jesus is the revelation of God that all previous revelation was building toward. Yet He came to do more than show us what God is like. Jesus also provided “purification for sins” by offering Himself as a sacrifice (v. 3). The message at the heart of the book of Hebrews is the incomparability of Christ. Jesus is superior to all things, even the angels, because He is their creator (v. 4). He is the sacrifice that surpasses any other sacrifice that may be offered for sin, even those that God Himself prescribed in the Law of Moses. Jesus is the only way to God.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Prepare to Be Amazed” is the title of the final chapter of a book my husband Peter and I wrote together, 20 Things We'd Tell Our Twentysomething Selves. A friend painted that phrase on a beautiful wooden sign, which sits above our kitchen sink. It reminds us that God is working in incredible ways for His own glory—despite any “evidence” we might claim to the contrary. Isaiah 43 is a beautiful decla- ration of this truth. These verses communicate God's commitment to His people and love for them. The prophet—as God's own mouthpiece— speaks directly to them. The repeated use of the personal pronouns (“I” and “you”) highlights the intimate connection between the Lord and His chosen ones. In verses 1–7, God reminds them of His past work. He created them, redeemed them, and called them to Himself. Then He promised that same ongoing care through future fires and floods. Verse 4, in particular, is a direct and passionate declaration of love. He calls His people “precious,” and He underscores His promise to pay any price for their deliverance. Verses 8–13 describe a courtroom scene. All the nations have assembled to hear the testimony, and God's people are His witnesses. To the blind and deaf and needy, they testify that He is the only true God and Savior, Who has “revealed and saved and proclaimed” (v. 12). But as amazing as God's work has been in the past (vv. 16–17), it is not finished. He is “doing a new thing!” (v. 19). He is not done redeeming. He is not done “making a way in the wilderness” (v. 19). We are able to obey the Greatest Commandment because He has loved us—faithfully and generously! Knowing this compels us to praise (v. 21)!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a goal? Maybe you want to lose 10 pounds or build up to running a marathon. The right goals can be helpful and motivating. They give us direction and focus. They help us plan, challenging us to solve problems and overcome obstacles. They act like a beacon, guiding us toward growth. But not all goals are so positive. Sometimes we fix ourselves on personal gain. Some goals harm us and even lead us to sin. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is addressing conflict in the Corinthian church. Members had competing values and goals. They were a church divided. Some pursued social status and pleasure, while others were promoting abstinence and piety. The specific issues here were the consumption of meat sold in the marketplace and the invitation to a meal in an unbeliever's home. To guide their decision-making process, Paul offered several principles: 1) They should choose what was beneficial and constructive (v. 23); 2) They should consider the good of others above themselves (v. 24); 3) They should enjoy what God created (v. 26); 4) They should consider the conscience and temptation of weaker believers and not lead them to sin (vv. 28–29, 32); 5) They should give gratitude to God (v. 30). Paul challenged them to commit to one main goal: God's glory. He said that no matter what the Corinthians decided to do, they should “do it all for the glory of God” (v. 31). Nothing matters more than this. It is the plumb- line by which all decisions can be made and all goals can be set. As we set our own goals, we should ask: Will this bring Him glory? When together we pursue the main goal of honoring God, we demonstrate our love.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time is an uncomfortable reality, isn't it? Like clothing, time rarely seems to fit just right. Sometimes we want to rush toward a longed-for event or a new stage of life. Or, we can't wait for a trial to end. Other times we cry for the clock to stop. We'd like time to stand still so we can just sit and savor. For centuries, philosophers and theologians have argued that we are uneasy with time because we weren't created to be caged by it. Our hearts were made for more. Jesus promised eternal life to His followers: the disciples (John 14:1–3), the crowd in the Temple (John 5:24), the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43). Perhaps His most famous conversation about eternity occurred with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Apostle Paul also wrote repeatedly about the eternal. He encouraged the Corinthians not to “lose heart,” for their “momentary troubles [were] achieving for [them] an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor. 4:16–17). With the Philippians, he shared his own eternal hope: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain... I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far (Phil. 1:21, 23). In Colossians 3, Paul tells the church in Colossae to set their hearts and minds—their desires and thoughts—on the “things above” (vv. 1–2). They can do this in response to the past, present, and future work of Christ Himself (vv. 1–4). This eternal focus would orient their daily lives. It would drive them to relinquish all manner of sin (vv. 5–10). And it would clothe them in compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love (vv. 12– 14). We love God by aligning our eternal vision with His.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perhaps the greatest longing of the human heart is to be loved—to be cherished, cared for, and admired. As we reflect on the many ways in which we live out our love for God, today we acknowledge the foundational truth that He loved us first. Love is a central theme in the book of 1 John. It's a pastoral letter, written by the apostle John to the churches under his leadership. His affection for them is evident, since he calls them “beloved” many times. These believers are loved by John. Also, by God. First John 4:7–21 begins with an exhortation to love one another— the second greatest commandment. Commentators believe that some significant conflict was tearing the church apart, and John was writing to address the rift. Hence, his repeated call for them to love each other. But John does not expect them to muster up this love in their own strength. Instead, he tells them that their love originates from the ultimate source, from God himself. God does not simply do loving things. He is love. Love is the essence of His being, His defining characteristic. John supports that truth with the most compelling evidence. God “showed” His magnificent love when He sent Jesus into the world. The Greek word for “showed” (NIV) means to reveal with clarity and detail. The clear and detailed and primary proof of God's love for us is Jesus—the “atoning sacrifice for our sins” (v. 10). Jesus is God's most extravagant display of love. The second example John presents of God's love is the Holy Spirit (v. 13). The third is our eternal confidence (v. 17) and our ability to live without fear (v. 18). “We love because he first loved us” (v. 19). We are able to love Him and love others only because of Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Jesus walked the earth, He healed many people. He even raised some from the dead. With each miracle, He demonstrated His deity and His power. But He also showed His love for the hurting and lost. But Jesus' healing went far beyond the physical. In Mark 5, two individuals came to Jesus for healing. The first was Jairus, a synagogue official (v. 22). A well- respected man, whose daughter was dying, Jairus had heard of Jesus' power and pursued Him in his most desperate hour. He fell at Jesus' feet in front of the crowd and begged for help. Jairus believed Jesus could heal his daughter with only a touch of His hands (v. 23). And Jesus honored his faith by following Jairus home (v. 24). However, a second person interrupted them—a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. She was destitute, alone, and socially shunned (vv. 25–26). For fear of confrontation, she snuck through the crowd to place a finger on His robe. When she did, immediately, she was healed (v. 29). Sensing the miraculous change in her body, she attempted to retreat unnoticed. But Jesus had more to do. The healing He had for her was not merely physical, so Jesus searched until He found her. She was trembling at His feet, but she told Him her story in “the presence of all the people” (Luke 8:47). Notice that Jesus called her “daughter.” He changed her identity with a simple direct address and affirmed her faith (v. 34). Jesus' healing was holistic. He gave her a voice. He restored her to community. And He bestowed on her both freedom and peace (v. 34). God loves us by providing such complete transforming power. We love Him by coming to Him in faith, humbling ourselves, and receiving the holistic healing He has to offer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that forgiving others has health benefits? The physical benefits include less anxiety, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and improved self-esteem. The spiritual benefits are even greater: restored communion with God and others. You may think of Matthew 18 as the “church discipline chapter.” Verses 15–20 are often referenced when one member of the body has conflict with another. But we should also pay attention to the context. Jesus tells a parable about the one hundred sheep. In the story, ninety-nine sheep are accounted for, but one is missing. The shepherd leaves the flock and searches for the stray (vv. 12–14), so determined is His mercy and love. After this parable, Jesus explains the discipline process (vv. 15–20). Peter then asks: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” (v. 21). In response, Jesus tells about a king who needs to settle his accounts. His first servant owes the king ten thousand talents—an astronomical amount. He is making the point that this servant could never repay the debt. The only solution would be to sell himself and his family into slavery, a common practice of the time (v. 25). But the servant falls to his knees and pleads for more time to pay. It's an unrealistic request. More time won't help. However, the king has compassion, cancels his debt, and lets him go (v. 27). Immediately, the servant finds a fellow servant who owes him a hundred denarii, a pittance by comparison. He demands payment, ignores his cries for patience, and sends him to prison. When the king hears, he is enraged. Jesus called His followers to demonstrate their love for God and others by extending unlimited forgiveness and mercy—just as He has done for us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we confess, we admit guilt and acknowledge our sin. Repentance takes confession a step further. When we repent, we are asking for forgiveness and changing of direction, turning from evil and running toward good. Both confession and repentance are acts of love. Psalm 51 gives us a model of both confession and repentance. In David's song, we see how we too can be cleansed and restored. The psalm begins with David's plea to God for forgiveness (vv. 1–2). He appeals to the Lord's mercy, compassion, and love. As is common in Hebrew poetry and song, a similar idea is repeated, using different words. Taken all together, David's three verbs for “wash,” his three nouns for “sin,” and his three acknowledgments of God's character communicate a deep and total cry for God and confidence in His cleansing power. In verses 3–6, David admits what He has done wrong. He had sinned against God. David is aware of his wrongdoings and takes responsibility for them. No excuses. No justification. Just confession. He has sinned—not only against other people, in this case, Bathsheba and Uriah (2 Sam. 11–12). David has primarily sinned against God. He also acknowledges that his sin is rooted in his very nature and has been present in him since birth (v. 5). In the next section, David asks the Lord again to cleanse him and restore their intimacy (vv. 7–12), which is the source of true joy and sustainable strength. The Psalm finishes with a public proclamation. David's repentance and reinstatement are not for his sake alone. As King, he commits to teaching others this same path back to God. And he prays for Zion to prosper and Jerusalem to be rebuilt. In other words, he prays for God's people to be restored to their right standing with Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You may be familiar with the sin cycle described throughout Scripture: longing, temptation, sin, consequences, confession, repentance, restoration, then back to longing. It seems God's people have always struggled with this same pattern, just as we do today. In 1 Samuel 13, the young King Saul longed to make a name for himself. He had already defeated the Ammonites in the east. Now he wanted to engage the Philistines, one of Israel's greatest enemies. Saul rebuilt his army up to 3,000 men. He kept 2,000 with him and ordered Jonathan, his son, to lead the other 1,000 to Gibeah (v. 2). Then, he gave Jonathan the order to attack (v. 3), effectively declaring war. The problem here was that the prophet Samuel has given Saul clear instructions to wait (10:8). Israel was to be different from other nations. They were to receive instruction from God alone—through His prophet. Saul's impatience resulted in a Philistine show of force—3,000 chariots, 6,000 charioteers, and “soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore” (v. 5). The army was terrified. Many of them ran and hid (v. 6). In desperation, Saul remembered Samuel's directions. He waited, expecting Samuel to come on day seven as promised. But when Samuel didn't arrive, Saul charged ahead again—making a sacrifice to save his own skin (vv. 8–9). As soon as he completed the offering, Samuel appeared and asked, “What have you done?” (v. 11). Saul offered excuses, but the damage had been done. The consequences were far-reaching. This was the beginning of his end. It's easy for us to excuse certain sin, to call it insignificant, or even ignore it all together. We point to people who are worse. We fool ourselves that the “end justifies the means.” However, all sin falls short of God's holy standard, and we love Him by acknowledging its effects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When counseling someone in a new dating relationship, we might advise, “Guard your heart.” Don't get too close or emotionally attached to a significant other in case the relationship ends in rejection and hurt. “Protect yourself from undue pain” seems to be the warning. Proverbs 4:23 also tells us to “guard” our heart, but it carries an entirely different meaning. Chapter 4 is a condensed version of the instructions found throughout the Proverbs. It encapsulates the book's teaching on righteous living. This lesson begins by a father addressing his son and admonishing him to “pay attention” and listen closely (v. 20). The advice is given by an older, more experienced person to a younger person. While many things compete for our attention, an honorable life begins with the discipline to train your ear to listen for truth. Whatever we tune our ears to, our eyes and heart will follow (vv. 21–22). The son is being taught to consume God's truth in every way possible as it is the only thing that gives life and health to the entire being. This comes to a climax in verse 23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our heart is the core of our being—mind, emotion, and will. We demonstrate our love for God not by protecting our hearts from intimacy but by guarding our hearts from evil. Our heart is the wellspring of life. From the heart flow our words (v. 24), focus (v. 25), action, and decision (v. 26). What we allow into our heart will work its way out in our communication, our relationships, our priorities, our values, and our choices. This section of Scripture summarizes how we grow and mature. As we receive instruction and put it into practice, we take wise steps on firm paths.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pain, both physical and emotional, is a part of human experience, and as Christians we are not exempt. How can we walk through times of suffering while remaining in God's love? In 2 Samuel 15, David found himself in deep pain. His son Absalom had gained a following and was conspiring to take the throne from his father. David fled for his life. Many commentators believe that David wrote Psalm 143 from that place of pain and betrayal. David begins his prayer by crying out to God (v. 1). The basis for his request is not his own position as king. Rather, his confidence lies in the very character of the faithful and righteous God. Next, David appeals for mercy, asking God to refrain from judgment. He acknowledges his own fallenness, saying, “For no one living is righteous before you” (v. 2). Then, David expresses his deep pain (vv. 3–4). He tells God how he feels. David's “enemy”—perhaps his own son—had wounded him. He feels crushed and is “dwelling in a dark place.” This could be the cave in which he was hiding or refer to his state of mind. It might even be both. David is weak and devastated, and he expresses that to God honestly. In verse 5, David moves from that pain with a conscious choice to remember and meditate on God's work in the past. He remembers God's faithfulness to himself and to Israel. The triple statements emphasize the importance of this intentional mental refocusing. Dwelling on God's care creates a thirst for His presence (v. 6). Then, David cries out for God's help and companionship (vv. 7–9). Over and over, David intermingles his desperate requests with declarations of trust. He finishes the psalm with a humble posture, asking God—in an act of love—to mature him and show him how to do His will (vv. 10–12).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emotions play a significant role in our lives. They motivate us, connect us, and add meaning to our experiences. But emotions can also rise and fall like a roller-coaster ride. How can we be consistent in our love for God when our emotions may be out of control? In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul addresses our emotions, both negative and positive, and puts them in the context of our Christian walk. First, he explores the connection between emotions and actions. Paul instructs the Ephesian Christians to process their anger without acting in sin (v. 26). While there are times we may experience anger, believers have the Holy Spirit's help not to hold on to it, lest we “give the devil a foothold” (v. 27). Anger, if left unchecked, often leads to other sins. But when given to God and tempered by the Spirit, anger will not turn into “bitterness” or “rage.” It will not result in the actions of “brawling” or “slander” or “malice” (v. 31). Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to speak to one another with truth (v. 25) and edification (v. 29). Their relationships were to be characterized by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—growing out of their own status as forgiven by Christ (v. 32). These are actions they could take, choices they could make, regardless of their emotion. Finally, Paul's teaching reaches a climax in chapter 5 with the command: “Follow God's example” (see Eph. 5:1). Loving God fully means that we will seek to become like Him. We will pattern our life after His character. The motivation for this imitation is not fear, but love— both emotional and active. Paul affectionately calls his readers “dearly loved children,” and he reminds them of the ultimate loving action of Jesus sacrificing Himself on their behalf.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When researchers asked 50 people over the age of 95 what they would do differently, their top three answers were: reflect more, invest in more long-living projects, and take more risks. While Scripture doesn't advocate taking risks for risks' sake, we do see God's people following His leading boldly into the unknown. Take Moses. He was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, when the angel of the Lord appeared to him (3:2). When Moses went to investigate, God Himself called his name (3:4). Then, God instructed Moses to remove his sandals. This was a holy encounter with the Almighty God (3:5–6), and Moses responded with understandable fear. God then got straight to the point: “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” (3:10). Moses recoiled, doubting his qualifications (3:11), his reception (3:13), and his ability (4:10). But God patiently responded by promising His presence (3:12). God reminded Moses of His identity (3:14). And God gave Moses clear instructions on how to speak and work in His power (3:15– 4:9). This was God's project; it did not belong to Moses. In the end, Moses obeyed. With Jethro's blessing, he and his family started back to Egypt, where Moses had been raised. Aaron joined them along the way (4:27). When they arrived in Egypt, they immediately gathered all the Israelite leaders, and Aaron shared with them everything that the Lord has said (4:30). Moses performed the signs that prove God's power. The Israelites believed and worshiped (4:31). Moses was a reluctant leader. In part, his self-doubt kept him humble and dependent. But his fear almost paralyzed him. Courage isn't an absence of fear. We love God when we choose to obey despite our fear, trusting God's power to make the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Friday afternoon, as I drove home from work, I was already feeling frustrated. I had expectations for our Saturday that I knew would not be realized. Yet in that moment, the Spirit prompted me to “adjust my expectations,” to set aside my to-do list and make it my goal to love well. Expectations are a natural part of life. It is easy to get frustrated when reality does not measure up. Acts 20 records the story of Paul and his companions, meeting with the elders of Ephesus for the final time. After an extended trip from Troas, by ship and on foot (vv. 13–16), Paul finally arrived in Miletus. He avoided going to Ephesus himself, perhaps to save time or to ensure his own safety. So he sent for the elders of the Ephesian church and spoke frankly. Paul began by reminding them of his own testimony—how he “served the Lord with great humility” in their presence (v. 19). He boldly preached the gospel, even though he faced severe testing from the Jews. He preached and taught and called everyone (Jews and Greeks) to repentance and faith (v. 21). Paul also let the elders know that he was now heading to Jerusalem, “not knowing what [would] happen to [him] there” (v. 22). He expected “prison and hardships” because the Holy Spirit had warned him of such (v. 23). Yet—despite this reality—his singular goal was to preach the gospel of grace (v. 24). Finally, Paul called them to adjust their expectations. They, too, would encounter hardship (vv. 29–30), so Paul called them to stay on guard. Keep watch over the church, knowing that their reward would be eternal (v. 32). We demonstrate our love for God when we adjust our expectations to align with His will, rather than hanging tenaciously onto our own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the Holocaust, Corrie ten Boom and her family helped many Jewish people escape the Nazis. We can only imagine the anxiety she experienced. Later she wrote, “Worrying is carrying tomorrow's load with today's strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.” In Matthew 6, Jesus instructed His followers: “Do not worry about your life.” He listed common human concerns: food, water, clothing. The people, gathered to hear His teaching, were well-acquainted with work and worry. Their days were consumed by meeting their basic physical needs. Jesus gave two examples of God's great care. The first was the “birds of the air” (v. 26). Jesus explained that birds do not work as humans do— sowing, reaping, storing away grain. Instead, they do what God created them to do: find food and build nests. Yet God provides for them. Jesus followed up with a rhetorical question: “Are you not much more valuable than they?” The implied answer, of course, is yes. God provides food for His children as well. Jesus then pointed to the “flowers of the field” (v. 28). They do not work at all, yet they are extravagantly beautiful, even more beautiful than Solomon, the most excessively adorned king. These flowers decorate the ephemeral dried grass, which is burned up for fuel (v. 30). Jesus told His followers that God will dress them with even greater care. Jesus urges us to “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (v. 33). The word seek here does not mean “search for” but rather “pursue.” When we love God with our whole being, He promises to provide, and we need not worry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When my husband and I started the China adoption process in 2005, we were told it would take eighteen months. Then, because of a bureaucratic logjam, we waited for six long years. At times, I was patient. But at other times, I felt frustration, even anger, because of the delay. No one likes to sit in the waiting room. But waiting is a part of the human experience, and God's timing is often not ours. We love God by waiting well. In Psalm 40, David “waited patiently for the LORD” (v. 1). There is a richness in the Hebrew that isn't captured in the English phrase. The original language is full of hope and confidence. This “patient waiting” wasn't just David biding his time. Instead, it was waiting with great anticipation, focusing on the good that God would certainly bring. In verses 2–3, David describes the Lord's deliverance. God lifted him from the muck and placed his feet in a firm place. He was transformed from hopeless and helpless to safe and secure. God put a new song in David's mouth. In verse 4, David reveals the secret: trust and an unwavering confidence that the Lord is working for our good and His glory. David's extended testimony of praise follows (vv. 5–10), spoken directly to the Lord (“you”), but for the benefit of all who would hear. He declares his desire to do the will of God (v. 7), and he proclaims the righteousness and faithfulness of the Lord (vv. 9–10). David could trust because God's character is sure. But even with this assuredness, David appeals again to God for help— for mercy, love, and truth to abound (vv. 11–17). It is a personal plea for deliverance from the consequences of sin. And he finishes with an appeal for haste. “You are my God, do not delay.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, the Wellcome Foundation conducted the world's largest “Rest Test.” They surveyed 18,000 participants from 135 countries, asking them what activities they found to be restful. The top five answers were reading, spending time in nature, spending time alone, listening to music, and doing nothing in particular. We may demonstrate our love for God when we rest in Him. In Genesis 2:2, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. In Exodus 16:23–30, God introduced the Sabbath to Israel through Moses, and He explained His expectations and provisions. The Sabbath was an opportunity for God's people to rest and trust. In Exodus 20:8–11, God included the Sabbath in His Ten Commandments as a holy day when God's people must refrain from work. In Mark 6:31, Jesus expressed His own need to rest. In His human frailty, He grew physically, relationally, and spiritually tired. He invited His closest disciples to join Him for a brief retreat on a boat. Their rest was short-lived, however. The crowds were waiting when the boat docked. Matthew 11 gives us an intimate prayer of Jesus and an invitation to rest. Jesus praises His Father, “Lord of heaven and earth,” for the way in which He revealed His salvation (v. 25). The gospel was beginning to divide those who believed from those who did not. Those who were wise in their own eyes did not understand what Jesus was teaching. They rejected Him because of their pride and self-sufficiency. In contrast, those who humbled themselves like children recognized their need and came to Him in humility and dependence. They were willing to listen and learn. Jesus invites the weary to rest: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me” (v. 29). In Jesus, we find rest. The rest Jesus provides is soul-deep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his book The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg defines habits as actions we perform—all day, every day—with little or no conscious thought. We look at our phone as soon as we hear it ding. We make that afternoon cup of coffee when our eyelids begin to droop. We go for a walk as soon as we get home from work. Of course, habits can be healthy or harmful. The good news is that bad habits can be broken—especially with the power of the Holy Spirit. The book of Proverbs is an excellent source of support as we seek to identify and evaluate our own habitual behavior. As a series of individual statements of wisdom, Proverbs speaks truth into everyday life situations. Today's passage begins and ends by highlighting the role of longing in human motivation. Verse 12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” We make decisions because we want things. If we want to lose weight, we have a number on the scale or a healthy image in mind. That goal changes our behaviors. We desire a certain outcome—whether we are conscious of it or not—so we make choices that will move us toward that goal. The verses in the middle play out the difference between wise choices and foolish choices. They follow the common proverbial pattern of Hebrew parallelism—with the second statement of each Proverb providing a contrast to the first. Here, the case is repeatedly made that the wise person will value good teaching and instruction. But this is not just knowledge for knowledge's sake. This is knowledge that produces action and turns into discipline (v. 18). We love God with all our strength when we make wise choices—small and large— that move us closer to Christlikeness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever used a diet where you had to record everything you ate? It is revealing to track all the calories you consume, and you may be surprised at how quickly you use up your daily maximum. Suddenly, the number on the scale makes more sense. I've often wondered what we would discover if we recorded what we feed our souls. As we watch Netflix, scroll social media, listen to music, engage in conversations, and surf the web, what ideas are we taking in? What messages are filling our minds? In 1 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul urges his young colleague to feed his soul well. Paul was a father-figure to Timothy (1 Tim. 1:2). The two were also co-laborers on Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 16:1–5). And after that, Paul sent Timothy on missions of his own (1 Cor. 4:17). When Paul wrote this letter, Timothy was acting as his ambassador in Ephesus. Paul tasked Timothy with addressing certain doctrinal problems that were threatening that group of believers. In 1 Timothy 4:1–5, Paul warned Timothy of “hypocritical liars” who were spreading false teaching. He reminded Timothy of the “good teaching” he had received (v. 6). Timothy's training had begun at home, where he was “brought up in the truths of the faith” by his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14–15). He had also experienced discipleship from the church (Acts 16:2). And, of course, he was mentored by Paul. But in verses 11–16, through a series of imperatives, Paul urges Timothy to take ownership of his ongoing spiritual nourishment. Timothy was to teach the truth, devote himself to Scripture, use his gift of preaching, and guard his doctrine. Doctrine and action are connected. We live rightly when we know rightly. What we feed our heart and mind comes out in our life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friends have a powerful influence on us. Good friends help reduce our stress and process our pain. Together, we rejoice and mourn. They increase our happiness, encourage our good choices and our self-control. Of course, the wrong friends can have the opposite effect. They tear us down, tempt us to sin, or even abandon us in our time of need. Psalm 1 warns against keeping the wrong types of friends. God blesses those who do not “walk in the step with the wicked, or stand in the way that sinners take, or sit in the company of mockers” (v. 1). This is not material blessing, but the joy that comes only from a consistent relationship with God. The walk, stand, sit progression used here helps us understand what it looks like to become increasingly involved with immoral people. The unwise subject moves from being casually connected to the wicked to communing with those who have chosen a hardened lifestyle of sin. The Psalmist then paints the opposite picture. The blessed person delights in the law of the Lord (v. 2). He desires it, pursues it, and meditates on it continually. He fills his mind and his heart with God's Word. This is his habit, and the application of it is his joy. Such meditation produces a deeply-rooted and fruitful life, described as “a tree planted by streams of water,” which maintains its fruitfulness and vitality in all sorts of seasons (v. 3). There is a contrast between the abundant life of the righteous and the worthless and temporary existence of the wicked. One is a tree that thrives and endures, the other is blown away by the wind (v. 4). The Lord knows and cares for the righteous. In response, we demonstrate our love for Him by meditating on His law and being careful about the company we keep.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you distinguish between true and fake love? A quick internet search provides plenty of advice. Your love may be fake if you are the only one initiating contact. Or, if you can never rely on the other person. Maybe they won't acknowledge you in public or resist making plans with you. They express love with words but fail to follow through with actions. This month, we are looking at how we can obey the greatest commandment to love God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second greatest command—“love your neighbor as yourself”—goes hand-in- hand with the first. Romans 12:9–21 focuses on our love for people. The way we love others is a testament to how we love God. When we love God well, we become a conduit for His love to pour out on other people. This passage may seem like an interesting but random series of directives, gathered under the heading of “love must be sincere” (v. 9). It almost serves as a thesis statement. “Sincere” means genuine and lacking in pretense. Sincere love is not for show and is not self-serving. Paul goes on to give several concrete demonstrations. In verses 9–13, he calls the sincere believer to a high moral standard (v. 9), selfless devotion (v. 10), zealous and tenacious faith (vv. 11–12), and a generous posture of giving and hospitality (v. 13). These acts of love build unity (vv. 4–5). In verse 14, the focus shifts to how believers should respond to unbelievers who persecute them. “Bless” means we ask God to bestow His kindness. “Curse,” of course, is the opposite. Paul calls his readers to humble harmony (v. 16)—even with their enemies! We are to resist revenge and retaliation (vv. 17–19). Peace should reign (v. 18). Paul challenges us to “overcome evil with good” (v. 21).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pride is a dangerous and destructive sin. It can skew our view of the world and our place in it. Left unchecked, it can cause an inflated ego, a lack of empathy, the belittling of others, an extreme sensitivity to critique, and ultimately broken relationships. In Romans 12, Paul continues his down-to-earth instruction on how to live out our calling. He first reminds the Roman Christians of God's grace to him (v. 3). His apostolic position and authority were from God, not earned or deserved (Eph. 3:7–8). As he calls them to a “renewed mind” (from Rom.12:1–2), he points to how believers ought to live in community. A grace-filled community happens when we each remain humble. “I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment” (v. 3). With God's help and by His grace, we can objectively and realistically understand who He has created us to be. We are freed from pride and self- loathing, self-centeredness and self- consciousness. “In accordance with the faith,” we see ourselves through God's eyes (v. 3). When we take this hard look at ourselves, we are freed to serve others with the gifts God has given. In verses 4–8, Paul uses the image of the body to describe the unity and diversity that work together for the good of all. Each of us has a unique function and a particular gifting, yet we form one “body”—and “each member belongs to all the others” (v. 5). Together, we have a collective trust, connection, and commitment to one another. Loving God with our mind means maintaining a biblical, humble, and sober view of ourselves. Loving our neighbor also means sharing what God has given us for the good of the body.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last August our family spent a week in Minnesota. For three days, we stayed on the north shore of Lake Superior at the Naniboujou Lodge. This is my favorite place on earth. No cell phone service. No wi-fi. No television. Only delicious family meals in the grand, colorful dining room. Evening board games in the cozy atrium. And early morning prayer times on the rocky beach. It was exactly the renewing I needed. It felt like a rebooting for my soul and brain. In Romans 12, Paul tells us how we can renew and refresh our mind. He begins with that wonderful transition word “therefore.” Here, Paul signals a clear cause and effect. He shifts from his doctrinal teaching to getting very practical about the results of our theology. Paul “urges” (earnestly pleads with) the Roman Christians to live their lives based on what God—in His great mercy—had done for them. Paul begins by talking about our bodies. He calls us to offer ourselves as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (v. 1). The first-century Christians would have been intimately familiar with the solemn act of sacrifice, so it would have been a powerful analogy. However, this sacrifice is “living”: vital and dynamic and ongoing. It is also a holy, dedicated, and pure act of worship. Paul also addresses the renewing of our mind. He urged believers to continually subject their thoughts and intellect to the renewing work of the Spirit (v. 2). Every thought is to be taken captive by God. We love Him when we think rightly and purely. As we steward our thoughts, the Spirit will provide the gift of discernment. God wants to lead His children in paths of righteousness (Ps. 23:3). And when we renew our mind, we can more readily determine His “good, pleasing, and perfect will” (v. 2).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, two friends, Christian and Hopeful, deviate from the True Way to explore By-Path Meadow because it looks like an easier route. They think it will lead them to the same destination, but they lose their way and spend a night at Doubting Castle owned by the Giant called Despair. Doubt is a common experience in the Christian life. It can be caused by many things—convincing arguments, scornful comments, painful experiences. As with Christian and Hopeful, doubt can be a result of getting distracted and losing our way. In Matthew 11:3, John the Baptist expressed his doubt regarding Jesus' identity, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” John's question may surprise us. After all, John was Jesus' cousin, His chosen forerunner, His prophet in the wilderness. But when John spoke truth to Herod Antipas and condemned his marriage to Herodias, Herod imprisoned him (see Mark 6:14–29). During his imprisonment, John was unable to observe Jesus directly, and that lack of firsthand evidence seems to have planted a seed of doubt. Thankfully, instead of withdrawing into confusion and depression, he took his questions to Jesus. He sent one of his disciples to ask Jesus: “Are you the one?” (v. 3). Jesus responded gently and offered His miracles as proof that He was the Messiah. Then Jesus vouched for John before the crowd and condemned the people's unbelief. Those who had seen Him firsthand, and yet rejected Him, were condemned (vv. 20 24). There are two ways to respond when we struggle with doubt. We might be tempted to look for problems and reasons to abandon the faith. But when we love God, we seek the truth and reasons to trust.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christian counselor friend of ours once asked our small group that was gathered in his home: “If I told you to think about what you had for breakfast today, could you do it?” Of course, we all nodded. Then he asked, “What if I told you to feel happy on demand? Or sad, or angry? Could you do that?” Not surprisingly, we shook our heads and shrugged. He was making the point that we have greater control over our thought life than over our emotions. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can “set [our] minds on things above” (Col. 3:2). And when we do, our emotions— the fruit of the Spirit, joy and peace— often follow. But we can't just muster up joy on a moment's notice. Paul makes a similar point in today's passage. He exhorted the Philippians to several actions: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (v. 4). Be gentle or reasonable in the face of opposition (v. 5). Approach all situations with prayer and gratitude (v. 6). He also admonished them to think rightly. In a series of “whatever” statements, Paul listed different categories of thought for Christ followers to focus on. “Whatever is true, whatever is lovely, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (v. 8). All of these good things come from God. “The earth is the LORD'S, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 24:1). We love God with our mind when we think of these good things and, therefore, meditate on Him. Right actions and right thinking produce the same result: the peace of God. Tranquility. Freedom from anxiety (v. 6). This peace, which comes from God alone, surpasses our human understanding and protects our hearts and minds from fear (v. 7). It is evidence of His presence (v. 9).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Carol Dweck's popular book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success she explains a theory that became popular in the classroom. Students with a growth mindset believe their skills and understanding can be improved with study and practice. They are engaged in the teaching and learning process. How about us? Do we have a growth mindset when it comes to our Christian walk? Remaining open to input and instruction should be our approach to all areas of life, including the spiritual. In 2 Peter 1, Peter assured his audience that God had given them everything they need to pursue spiritual growth and maturity (v. 3). He describes the goal of discipleship as godliness (“good worship”), intimacy with God, and freedom from evil desires (v. 4). Then Peter lays out a pattern to attain growth, which begins with a basic faith in Jesus Christ. While salvation is essential, it is only the starting place. Peter explains the process, “Add to your faith goodness” (v. 6), virtue, or high moral standards. True faith affects how we live. To goodness, we are to add “knowledge” or the ability to discern truth. These believers were to weigh all new knowledge against the Scripture. After knowledge, Peter calls them to “self-control” (the discipline to resist temptation) and “perseverance” (the strength to withstand trials). The very top of this progression is love (v. 7). Philadelphia (“brotherly kindness”) and agape (“love”). The process unfolds like a flower—petal by petal—until the full revelation of love at the end. In verse 8, Peter urges us to teachability. While believers already “possess these qualities” in some measure, loving God with our mind means that we keep growing and focus on the eternal reward (v. 11).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Carol Dweck's popular book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success she explains a theory that became popular in the classroom. Students with a growth mindset believe their skills and understanding can be improved with study and practice. They are engaged in the teaching and learning process. How about us? Do we have a growth mindset when it comes to our Christian walk? Remaining open to input and instruction should be our approach to all areas of life, including the spiritual. In 2 Peter 1, Peter assured his audience that God had given them everything they need to pursue spiritual growth and maturity (v. 3). He describes the goal of discipleship as godliness (“good worship”), intimacy with God, and freedom from evil desires (v. 4). Then Peter lays out a pattern to attain growth, which begins with a basic faith in Jesus Christ. While salvation is essential, it is only the starting place. Peter explains the process, “Add to your faith goodness” (v. 6), virtue, or high moral standards. True faith affects how we live. To goodness, we are to add “knowledge” or the ability to discern truth. These believers were to weigh all new knowledge against the Scripture. After knowledge, Peter calls them to “self-control” (the discipline to resist temptation) and “perseverance” (the strength to withstand trials). The very top of this progression is love (v. 7). Philadelphia (“brotherly kindness”) and agape (“love”). The process unfolds like a flower—petal by petal—until the full revelation of love at the end. In verse 8, Peter urges us to teachability. While believers already “possess these qualities” in some measure, loving God with our mind means that we keep growing and focus on the eternal reward (v. 11).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you have a favorite childhood story—one you read again and again? Maybe you imagined you were that princess who rose from rags to riches. Or you soared with a superhero who donned a cape to save the world. Stories shape us in subtle and significant ways. From them we learn values, priorities, and goals. They can shape our view of God. What happens, though, when the Bible contradicts these stories? Which one wins the war for our mind? Loving God with all our mind means examining our worldview and aligning it not with our culture, but with the God of the Bible. In today's passage, Paul was “greatly distressed” when he saw how the wrong stories were winning the allegiance of the Athenians. They were intellectual people, but they were misguided. Paul's emotion and compassion compelled him to action. Instead of preaching to the people of Athens, Paul went to their synagogue and marketplace and reasoned with them. He likely asked them questions, using the popular Socratic method. Paul understood the people and met them where they were. They believed in many gods and worshiped each god for the specific role it played. Paul acknowledged their study and quoted their poets. Then, rather than attack their world- view, he invited them into a new narrative: of a God who “made the world and everything in it” (v. 24). Paul told the story of God's development of the nations (v. 26) and His desire to be known by them (v. 27). This God is a personal Father (v. 29) who “commands all people everywhere to repent” (v. 30) and will one day judge the world's response to Jesus whom He raised from the dead (v. 31). Paul's story contradicted everything they had learned. How would they respond?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In what ways have you been discipled? By your parents, teachers, or by a trusted mentor? Did they teach you overtly? Or did they just model the life of a Christ follower? In simple terms, “discipleship” is the process by which Christians learn more about Jesus and increasingly follow His example. It can happen in many ways. When Jesus walked on earth, He attracted many followers, some became His disciples. In Luke 5–19, as Jesus journeys toward Jerusalem, He taught the people what it meant to follow Him. In today's passage, an expert in the law approached Him. Recognizing His authority as a teacher, the lawyer asked, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Rather than answer directly, Jesus responds with a question: “What is written in the law?” Knowing the law well, the man quoted the Shema (see February 1): “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,' and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” (v. 27). This is the second and only other citation of the Shema in the Gospels (for the first one, see February 2). Though the Shema is cited in the Gospels only on two occasions, it's clear that this command is central to Jesus' message of discipleship. When Jesus affirmed the lawyer's answer, the lawyer asked for clarification: “Who is my neighbor?” (v. 29). In response, Jesus paints a clear picture of neighborly love with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Loving one's neighbor means sacrificially providing care for another, even to the despised by society. The story of Mary and Martha follows, providing a concrete example of what it means to love God. Following Jesus and being His disciple means sitting at His feet, attending to His teaching, and prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When my college students often ask me to name my favorite author, story, or poem, I usually have trouble answering. My mind goes blank, and I can't think of a single book I've ever read—let alone identify the very best one. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked a far more important, question. This conversation occurred not long after He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, drove the merchants out of the Temple, and healed several people who were blind and lame. “The chief priests and teachers of the law . . . were indignant” (Matt. 21:15), so they challenged Him repeatedly, looking for a reason to arrest Him. Then the Sadducees took their turn. Although they didn't believe in the resurrection, they quizzed Jesus on the concept. They created a hypothetical puzzle in which a widow married seven brothers one by one, and then asked Jesus to crack this code: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” (v. 28). They expected Him to be theologically stumped. Of course, He wasn't. But rather than dignify their question with a response, He turned the tables back on them, pointing out errors in their understanding. The Sadducees retreated. Then one bold Pharisee stepped up with another test. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (v. 36). In response, Jesus quoted the Shema: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'...And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'” (vv. 37–38). These two commands encapsulate the entire covenant made between God and His people in Deuteronomy. “Heart,” “soul,” and “mind” aren't meant as separate categories: We are to love and obey God with our entire being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St. Augustine is often quoted as saying, “Love God and do whatever you please.” Taken at face value, it sounds like a license to carefree living. However, the second half of the full quote provides an important qualification: “[F]or the soul trained in love to God will do nothing to offend the One who is Beloved.” In Deuteronomy 6, we find the command to love God with “all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (v. 5). The Israelites were preparing to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land (v. 1). Just one chapter earlier, the Lord had given Moses the Ten Commandments, containing instructions for His people. They were to observe these commandments and teach them to their children. If they obeyed, God would give them prosperity and longevity (vv. 2–3). In the center of today's reading, verses 4–5, is what is known in Jewish tradition as the Shema. This prayer, one of the most important to Jewish people, begins with a call to “hear” (or “obey”). The supremacy of Israel's God is proclaimed, as is the communal life of His people (v. 4). The Shema also asked people to listen and to respond with love. This love would be marked by their obedience to God's commands. “Love” and “obey” are interchangeable in the Shema. To love is to obey. To obey is to love. Deuteronomy 5:10 made a similar equation. Loving God means more than just a feeling. He requires our entire “heart” (intellect), entire “soul” (will), and entire “strength” (function). The people of Israel were commanded to love God not just in part, but with their whole being. And so are we. The passage finishes with further instruction to make these commands a permanent and present fixture in their lives and to pass this loving, obedient life on to the next generation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Abraham's life comes to an end, we may feel disappointed...there is much we do not know and much left unfinished. When we meet Abraham in Genesis 12, he was already 75 years old. We learned about his life from ages 75 to 99. Then, four chapters are devoted to one year of his life: the year Isaac was born. The last three chapters cover an additional 75 years in which we are given minimal detail. What does all this tell us? From a human perspective, Abraham was somewhat ordinary. He was the head of a small household that lived nomadically around Canaan. He was surely one of many who lived in a similar way. He did not become a king or major political figure. He did not create any monuments or build any large structures. Yet, he was devoted to the Lord. In turn, God made big promises to Abraham. God's call of Abraham and the promise bestowed upon Isaac are key elements. Abraham's pivotal years were spent living as if those promises would come true. Even by the end of his life, he saw just the beginnings of their fulfillment. Genesis 25 describes Abraham's death and burial. After the birth of Isaac, he had six more sons through his wife Keturah (vv. 1–2). He would send each son off with gifts, but he would not make them co-heirs with Isaac in accordance with God's direction (vv. 5–6). At his death, Isaac and Ishmael came together to mourn their father (v. 9). Today, we know that Abraham's story played an important role in God's redemptive plan. The promises God made to Abraham and his descendants would come true and ultimately be fulfilled in the coming of Jesus. As for us, we are only halfway through the book of Genesis. We'll learn more when we study Part Two later this year. Go Deeper What stories in Genesis have left the biggest impact on you? What are your key takeaways from this study?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One historian estimated that there have been over 100 million love songs published since music began to be recorded. People are drawn to a good love story, especially one with ups and downs that ends with a “happily ever after.” Genesis 24 presents a dramatic love story. In Abraham's world, marriages were arranged between families. What was unusual is that Abraham did not want his son to marry one of their neighbors. While Abraham had committed to living in the Land of Canaan, he did not want to become a Canaanite (v. 3). Believing in God's promise, he charged his servant with finding a bride for Isaac from his own people in Mesopotamia (vv. 6–9). This would not be easy. The woman and her whole family would have to agree to allow her to leave her homeland. The servant showed dependence upon the Lord. He prayed about the project. He also administered a kind of test. He was looking for a woman who would be hospitable and kind. When arriving at a watering hole with ten camels, he would ask a woman for a drink. If the woman provided a drink for him and offered to give water to the camels, he would know this was the woman the Lord had chosen (v. 14). Not only did Rebekah pass this test, it turned out she was also a relative of Abraham (v. 24). The servant burst out in praise at this answer to prayer. God had shown himself faithful to Abraham once again (v. 27). Rebekah played an important role in the story. Like Abraham, she was willing to leave her homeland and go to a land she did not know (v. 58). God will provide a way for His will to be accomplished, but that does not mean we are passive in the process. Go Deeper What did the servant do when given a task that was both difficult and extremely important? How can his example help us when we are faced with important decisions?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year 431,322 people applied for asylum in the United States. Of those, about 25,000 people were accepted. Refugees applying for asylum agree not to return to their home country while their status is being processed. Many will never step foot in their home country ever again. In the ancient world, people were normally buried in the homeland of their ancestors (Gen. 50:25). Abraham made a significant step by seeking to bury Sarah in the land of Canaan. In this act, he was renouncing his former homeland in Mesopotamia. Yet, he was still a foreigner in Canaan. He did not own any land. By purchasing the cave and field of Machpelah, Abraham showed his faith in God's promise that Canaan would become the permanent home of his descendants. Even though God had promised to give the land to Abraham and his descendants, he was patient and waited for God's timing (Gen. 12:7). The conversation between Abraham and Ephron reflected typical bargaining protocol. While Ephron sounded polite and generous throughout, he sold the land to Abraham for a substantial price. Abraham paid in full and in public at the city gate (v. 18). This was the first piece of the Promised Land Abraham acquired, and it served as a down payment or the firstfruits of the rest. Abraham's purchase of the land was a declaration that God's promise did not end with him but continued with his descendants. He was putting down roots. This cave became the family burial plot where Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah would all be buried. God's promises are not exhausted by our life spans. His promise of eternal life and a new heavens and new earth require a resurrection. Scripture calls us to trust in God's faithfulness even beyond the grave. Go Deeper Do you have trouble waiting for God to fulfill His promises to you? What can you learn from Abraham's story? Can you give an example when you stepped out in faith, trusting in God?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.