Category: Bible (Page 35 of 356)

We make all sorts of choices throughout the day. Some hum-drum, like what to eat for breakfast, and others exciting, like what to order at a new restaurant. Occasionally a decision arises of real importance, and a few prove life-altering.

Paul praised a group of openhanded givers who contributed far beyond their slender means. Their generosity resulted from a transformational decision:

They exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

These followers of Jesus first decided to give their lives to the Lord. Fully bought in, they then joined Paul and his band to undergird the mission of spreading the amazing news of Jesus far and wide.

After their choice to give their full selves to God, the angst of donating faded. Paul described them as filled with overflowing joy despite their extreme poverty.

This choice lies before me today. The giving of my resources certainly helps those in need, but the Lord can provide resources from a breath. He first wants me and you to give ourselves to Him—every bit of us—and from there anything can happen.

2 Corinthians 8 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Florian Schmetz

Every election cycle features boasting. Candidates tout their credentials and brag on either the wonderful job they’ve done while in office, or will do if elected. With so many seemingly talented people it’s hard to believe we face any problems at all. Snide comments aside, I’m thankful for our system of government and value my right to vote for the candidates of my choice, even if democracy comes with lots of noise.

While it’s a necessary component of running for office, the Scriptures reminds me that if I’m going to boast, then I should boast in the right things:

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

In the midst of calamity Jeremiah reminded listeners to pursue the Lord, to grow in their knowledge of their savior, and to discern his ways. Then trumpet the goodness of God.

Responding to false teachers puffing up their credentials, Paul bragged in an unorthodox way: If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. Paul’s weaknesses elevated the Lord in the eyes of his listeners. He followed, Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

The message? Deprecate my own wonderful self and talk big about God. Get out of the way and allow the awareness of the Lord to shine. When it comes to divine communication, the less the messenger demands attention the more power accompanies the message.

Politicians sing their own praises, that’s a part of getting elected. But when those of us who follow Jesus start boasting, let’s lay it on thick about the Lord.

Jeremiah 9; 2 Corinthians 11 & 12 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jon Tyson

We all face times of decision in life—crossroads of one type or another. Occasionally choices are obvious, but mostly we pass through a series of small decisions leading us down paths we failed to anticipate.

Jeremiah wrote to his people who had chosen a road away from the Lord’s direction. Mired in greed and detestable conduct, they faced an impending disaster. The Lord’s patience wore thin, but still He left a route of return.

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

Tragically, the people of Jerusalem refused paths carved by the Lord, and veered instead down a highway to hell on earth. They chose poorly.

Ask where the good way is, and walk in it. The crossroads remain in place. Take up the Good Book, discover the ways found within, and put them into practice. The Lord walks along the ancient paths, and there we will find that most elusive of wonders—rest for our souls.

Jeremiah 6 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Oliver Roos

I like generous people. I know many, and am the recipient of their thoughtfulness. But in the workings of society, generosity gets subsumed by consumption. How do I keep generosity in mind as I manage my affairs?

I gain encouragement from Paul when he wrote, Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Years ago someone shared with me this acronym about generous giving — LIFE. I carry the potential to help others with my Labor, my Influence, my Finances, and my Expertise.

I add my labor by helping a neighbor clean up their yard, or serving at church setting up for a funeral service. My influence helps friends meet a missionary raising funds to reach the field. Giving financially is most understood and most easily practiced, but the area of expertise takes some thought—what has the Lord made me especially good at that I could use to help others? I know friends handy with tools who work on widow’s houses free of charge. What do I have to offer?

Paul leaves the possibilities wide-open— give how you want with no obligation, just do so with optimism and good will. Generosity will rebound in delightful and unexpected ways.

Generosity gets easier the more I practice. The positive cycle of sowing and reaping gains momentum. The Lord, always open-handed, allows me to participate in his generosity for the benefit of both myself and those around me.

2 Corinthians 9 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Joel Muniz