Category: Bible (Page 50 of 356)

I’ll admit, I’m not a very good pray-er. Most of my prayers throughout the day consist of thank you Lord for this food, or God, give me patience. I struggle to maintain focus when I pray.

But Jesus helped with all that. He told his disciples this is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

If Jesus taught, this is how you should pray, then I should perk up. Perhaps this prayer from our Lord is the key to unlocking a deeper connection in my moments of prayer. In line with that thought, I’m attempting a new habit by praying the Lord’s prayer at least once a day for the next month. Hopefully it sticks, and I’ll pray the Lord’s prayer once a day for the rest of my life, but right now I’m focused on a few weeks.

The prayer is short, I already know it by heart, and each phrase introduces a profound concept. It reminds me daily of God’s will over my own, and my needs for gratefulness, forgiveness and the Lord’s hand. It’s strong medicine to add to my day.

I’m enjoying this new practice. Maybe praying the Lord’s prayer is already a habit for you, but if not, perhaps you’d like to join me?

Matthew 6 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jeremy Yap

Shortly after his baptism and entry into public life, Jesus left for the wilderness and a 40 day fast. On the last day, when Jesus was at his hungriest, the tempter arrived to begin his work.

Satan first offered fresh bread, and Jesus replied with a verse: It is written: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Jesus refuted Satan’s first attempt with scripture, but the tempter made a quick pivot. He took Jesus to the highest point on the temple, then asked Jesus to leap and let the angels catch him. In his challenge Satan quoted from Psalm 91: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

A quick learner, Satan twisted scripture in his response to Jesus. Jesus parried back with more passages, beating Satan at his game of Biblical ping-pong. But I’m reminded that the devil knows his Bible and manipulates it like play-dough.

A savvy teacher can take a few verses from the Bible and make a case for anything. It takes a wise, reasoned approach to discern what the Bible actually says. Evaluate the teachings your hear, especially those that advocate new views on old moralities. Don’t be fooled—open the pages and read for yourself.

The ever-clever temper still appeals with his twisted words. The old saying, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, applies here. Ignorance is no excuse when we hold the Holy Scriptures in our hands. The only way to avoid falling for distorted teachings around the Bible is to open the Good Book for ourselves.

Matthew 4 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Richard Stovall

Years ago my wife and I experienced a home break-in. The thieves stole several items, including cash, my DayTimer organizer, and a new pair of running shoes. I guess they wore them to sprint away.

Along with carting off stuff, the thieves killed my outlook on living in a safe neighborhood, and destroyed my peace of mind. I slept by the door with a baseball bat for weeks. But that’s what thieves do—they steal, kill and destroy.

Jesus contrasted his way versus that of the brigand: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Notice the progression. The false shepherd employs our flesh and the ways of the world to lead us down a toilet of theft, murder and destruction. Contrast that with Jesus, through whom I experience overflowing goodness. Truly, an abundant life trails the good shepherd.

Seems easy when Jesus lays it out, but I must take an active role. Passive indifference gets me no closer to the life Jesus promised. I need to get off the couch and follow the good shepherd, or remain forever at the mercy of the thief.

John 10 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Bermix Studio

Several letters in the New Testament end with a doxology—which literally means “a speaking of glory.” We refer to a doxology as a hymn or reading used in Christian worship to glorify God. One of my favorites is found at the end of Jude:

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

This short letter from Jude warned the churches in his audience about grave error and false teachers perverting the grace of God. It’s a letter to ponder, to push us to give thought to our own churches and teachings today. But Jude closes his disturbing letter with a beautiful doxology—with a hope found only in God our Savior and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jude’s doxology, worth looking upon again and again, reminds us that as our world grows darker, the Lord shines brighter than ever.

Jude in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Jordan Wozniak