Devotionals
Christian Shrewdness
The events of Acts 22-23 provide a compelling example of Paul’s remarkable shrewdness. After being arrested in Jerusalem, Paul navigates a labyrinth of danger and intrigue with wisdom and calculated action. Despite his willingness to suffer for Christ, Paul does not recklessly throw himself into harm’s way. Instead, he uses every legal, social, and strategic... Read More →
Paul’s Lost Letter: Sometimes We Need to Be Rebuked
Rebuke isn’t something we naturally seek out. It stings, wounds our pride, and can leave us feeling vulnerable. But in 2 Corinthians 7, Paul shows us that rebuke—when done with love and a heart for restoration—has the power to bring life-changing results. Paul refers to a letter he had written to the Corinthians, now lost... Read More →
On the Vulnerability of Leadership
Leadership can feel like walking a tightrope. On the one hand, leaders are expected to guide with wisdom, strength, and decisiveness. On the other, they are human—prone to weariness, doubt, and the need for support. Paul’s plea in Romans 15:30-32 offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of one of Christianity’s most influential leaders. He... Read More →
Good Enough? Not Even Close!
In the opening chapters of Galatians, Paul confronts a troubling idea: that righteousness before God can be earned through human effort. For some early Christians, the path to holiness seemed tied to strict adherence to the Mosaic law—a rigorous system that no one could keep perfectly. Paul knew firsthand how impossible it was to attain... Read More →
The Unrighteous Righteous
Throughout Kings we have seen David described as righteous over and over again. We are told that he obeyed all the laws and regulations of the Lord and — if you’re like me — the justice side of your brain is hollering, “WHAT!?” Is this the same David who married foreign women? The same David who... Read More →
God’s Hatred of Yeast
Ever since the Passover we have been reading about unleavened bread. Yeast is not allowed! If you’re like me, you have likely been wondering why God has such an irrational abhorrence toward leaven. Well, if you Google that you are likely to end up with several folks telling you that it is because of Paul’s... Read More →
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth
Do not be afraid. We hear God and his angels say this so often when they appear in the Biblical narrative that one wonders if perhaps it is the standard greeting in Heaven. But I think this phrase has another application. Job accuses his friends of lying in order to defend God. I think this... Read More →
Don’t Do God’s Job
God made two promises to Abraham. The first, that his descendants would out number the stars in the sky. The second, that he would be given the land of the Canaanites to possess. Abraham and Sarah wanted a son so badly they could almost taste it. So when God promised them that they would get... Read More →