As the Day Begins “Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.” —Hebrews 13:13 Meditation Hebrews invites us to go “outside the camp,” translating the Greek phrase exō tēs parembolēs. Under the old covenant, certain sacrifices were burned outside Israel’s camp. Jesus likewise suffered outside Jerusalem’s gate, rejected byContinue reading “When Devotion Costs Something”
Tag Archives: Christian discipleship
Don’t Stop Halfway Up the Mountain
As the Day Begins “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” —John 12:26 The word “mediocre” comes through Latin roots suggesting something situated halfway up a mountain. It is a fitting picture of a ChristianContinue reading “Don’t Stop Halfway Up the Mountain”
When Righteousness Reaches the Heart
In the Life of Christ Jesus made a statement that must have startled everyone listening on the hillside: “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20, KJV). The scribes and Pharisees were widely regarded as the religious professionalsContinue reading “When Righteousness Reaches the Heart”
When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular
In the Life of Christ There is something wonderfully unsettling about Jesus in Mark 1:38–45. Just when His ministry appears ready to become a local sensation, He refuses to settle into popularity. The people of Capernaum are searching for Him because they have seen His miracles and want more. Peter finds Jesus and announces, “EveryoneContinue reading “When Jesus Refuses to Stay Popular”
The Comfort That Calls You Forward
DID YOU KNOW There are times when comfort is all we think we want. We are tired, bruised by life, disappointed in ourselves, or simply worn down by circumstances we did not choose. In moments like those, the words of Isaiah 40:1–2 sound especially tender: “Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly toContinue reading “The Comfort That Calls You Forward”
The Messiah Who Refused the Spotlight
In the Life of Christ One of the more puzzling things we encounter while walking through Mark’s Gospel is how often Jesus tells people not to talk about what they have just seen. A demon recognizes Him, and Jesus commands silence. A leper is healed, and Jesus tells him not to spread the news. TheContinue reading “The Messiah Who Refused the Spotlight”
When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous
On Second Thought There is a reason Scripture never treats sin casually. Romans 6 does not describe sin as a harmless mistake, a personality quirk, or an unfortunate lapse in judgment. Paul describes it as something that seeks to reign. That word should make us stop and think. “Therefore do not let sin reign inContinue reading “When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous”
Keep Pressing Toward More of God
As the Day Begins “That ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” — Ephesians 3:19 There is a dangerous kind of contentment that can creep into the Christian life. It does not look like rebellion. It looks like settling. We begin to think that because we have trusted Christ, learned some Scripture,Continue reading “Keep Pressing Toward More of God”
When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous
On Second Thought There is a reason Scripture never treats sin casually. Romans 6 does not describe sin as a harmless mistake, a personality quirk, or an unfortunate lapse in judgment. Paul describes it as something that seeks to reign. That word should make us stop and think. “Therefore do not let sin reign inContinue reading “When Sin Stops Looking Dangerous”
Repentance That Shows Up on Monday
In the Life of Christ “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. — Luke 3:10 That may be one of the healthiest questions anyone can ask after hearing the truth of God: What should I do now? John the Baptist had been preaching repentance with enough force to shake people out of their comfortableContinue reading “Repentance That Shows Up on Monday”