On Second Thought There is something quietly hopeful about beginnings, especially when Scripture pauses to let us examine them closely. First Samuel chapters 9 and 10 invite us into such a moment, drawing our attention not to the collapse of Saul’s reign—which we already know is coming—but to the sincerity and promise that marked hisContinue reading “A Changed Heart at the Starting Line”
Category Archives: Experiencing God
When God Looks Over the Work
The Bible in a Year “And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it; and Moses blessed them.” — Exodus 39:43 As we move steadily through the book of Exodus, we arrive at what might seem like a quiet,Continue reading “When God Looks Over the Work”
Faith, Defined When Life Becomes Unclear
DID YOU KNOW Scripture is not afraid of difficult seasons or complex definitions. In fact, some of the Bible’s most clarifying truths emerge precisely when life feels most fragile, uncertain, or unfinished. The passages before us—Genesis 47–48, Hebrews 11, and Ecclesiastes 12:1–8—span the arc of human life from promise to aging, from calling to completion.Continue reading “Faith, Defined When Life Becomes Unclear”
When the Offering Would Not Stop
The Bible in a Year “For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” Exodus 36:7 Exodus 36:7 records one of the most striking moments in the history of Israel’s worship: a moment when generosity overflowed to the point that Moses had to restrain the people fromContinue reading “When the Offering Would Not Stop”
Grace Has Been Rewritten
DID YOU KNOW Scripture has a way of returning us to familiar truths and allowing us to see them again with fresh eyes. The study before us invites that kind of rediscovery by drawing a thoughtful comparison between Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” and the far greater, eternally consequential new covenant accomplished through Jesus Christ.Continue reading “Grace Has Been Rewritten”
If You Do Not Go With Us
The Bible in a Year “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” Exodus 33:15 There are moments in Scripture where a single sentence carries the weight of an entire spiritual posture, and Moses’ words in Exodus 33:15 are one of those moments. Israel stands onContinue reading “If You Do Not Go With Us”
Seizing the Sacred Moment
DID YOU KNOW The phrase Carpe Diem often sounds adventurous, even impulsive, as though Scripture were inviting us to chase opportunity without restraint. Yet when the Bible calls us to “seize the day,” it is not urging recklessness but faithful courage—acting decisively within the will and wisdom of God. The Scriptures gathered here—Genesis 44; HebrewsContinue reading “Seizing the Sacred Moment”
Held, Not Merely Helped
On Second Thought “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.” —Psalm 138:7–8 “You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; YourContinue reading “Held, Not Merely Helped”
When a Little Folly Carries Great Weight
DID YOU KNOW Did you know that Scripture consistently warns how something small and seemingly insignificant can quietly undo wisdom, influence, and credibility? Ecclesiastes captures this truth with striking imagery: “Dead flies make the perfumer’s ointment give off a foul odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1). The image is intentionallyContinue reading “When a Little Folly Carries Great Weight”
Meeting God at the Mercy Seat
The Bible in a Year “There I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony.” (Exodus 25:22) As we continue our year-long journey through Scripture, this single verse from Exodus opens a doorway into theContinue reading “Meeting God at the Mercy Seat”