In today’s Bible reading* Jesus warns His listeners to beware of practicing their righteousness before people. In three sections, Jesus says that His followers should seek God’s approval for their good works, rather than the approval of people here and now. He says when you give… when you pray… and when you fast… don’t do…
In today’s Bible reading* we read a familiar story about the power of eyewitness testimony. It’s the story of Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well in Sychar. The shortest path to Galilee from Judea would take them through Samaria, but most Jews went out of their way (literally), crossing and traveling East…
In today’s Bible reading* we read about Jesus getting up first thing in the morning, to withdraw to a deserted place and prayed. (Mark 1:35) But it wasn’t just that He prayed. The Christian Standard Bible rightly translates the verb as, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went…
In today’s Bible reading* we read that while Nehemiah was fortifying the wall around Jerusalem, he was heckled by Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Once the project was completed, Nehemiah was still hassled by Tobiah, who continued to write intimidating letters to Nehemiah. Part of the problem was corruption on the part of God’s people who…
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…
Today’s Bible reading* gives us a peek into the issue of Spiritual Warfare. Daniel prayed and waited for an answer, trusting that God was hearing his prayers and would answer. He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for…
