Jesus tells a series of parables in today’s Bible reading*. Each is different, yet all have a common theme: judgment. Judgment isn’t something we like to talk about. It isn’t very kind, is it? It isn’t very nice. It’s kind of … well, judgey and we aren’t supposed to judge, right? (Matthew 7:1) But these…
In today’s Bible reading* we’re told several stories of faith. The words “faith” (noun) and “believe” (verb) are the same Greek word. They are used three times in the passage. Not all of the stories include the words faith/believe. But faith/believe is implied in the story. For instance, in the first paragraph, Matthew tells us…
In today’s Bible reading* we complete our reading through Hebrews. The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages his readers to avoid the love of money and be content with what they have. Then he reminds them that Jesus said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He adds, “Keep your life free from…
In today’s Bible reading*, the writer of the book of Hebrews urges his readers to respond in a positive way to hearing God’s voice. He quotes Psalm 95:7-8 and urges his readers to not harden their hearts if they hear God’s voice. There is a danger to being familiar with God. The danger is that…
In today’s Bible reading in Acts 12, we see that Herod kills James. Because the Jewish leaders respond favorably, Herod imprisons Peter, presumably to be executed. Knowing how badly things have turned out in the past with Jesus and His followers, Herod assigns four squads of soldiers to guard Peter. This seems like overkill since there were…
You’re probably somewhat familiar with the Magi in the Christmas story in today’s Bible reading*. Normally when we think of the Christmas story, we think of the shepherds and the three Magi who bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus in the stable. Unfortunately, that’s not the way the story is presented…
