Count the Cost of Discipleship

In today’s Bible reading* Jesus reminds us to count the cost of following Him. It seems to be a recurring theme. I’ve said it many times, if you see words or a concept repeated in the Bible, it’s probably pretty important and you need to take note of it! Jesus begins this section with a…

Immediately … They Followed Him

In today’s Bible reading* we read about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry after His baptism. As He called His Disciples, they dropped whatever they were doing and immediately followed Him. (Matthew 4:20, 22; Mark 1:20) It’s important to note that James and John were fishermen with their father, Zebedee, and some hired men. (Mark 1:20)…

Affected by God’s Word

In today’s Bible reading* we see that God’s people were affected by God’s Word. When the book of Moses is read, the people learn that the Ammonites and Moabites were prohibited from entering the assembly of God (Deuteronomy 23:3) because of how they treated God’s people as they migrated into the Promised Land from Egypt….

Ezra: Determined to Study, Obey, and Teach God’s Word

Today’s Bible reading* gives us an example of someone who was deeply committed to study, obey, and teach God’s Word, Ezra the Priest and Scribe. Ezra traveled for four months to return home from his captivity in Babylon. (Ezra 7:9) The Christian Standard Study Bible gives us a little insight into Ezra’s journey: “Ezra’s journey…

For Such a Time as This

Today’s Bible reading* is a familiar story to many of us who grew up in church. It concerns a young Jewish woman who became queen and found herself in a position to intercede on behalf of her people “for such a time as this”. Hadassah (Esther’s real name) didn’t seek the position of queen. But…