Category: Bible (Page 8 of 356)

We learn from the author of Hebrews how God’s chosen words lays us bare:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Then the author immediately follows with this reminder:

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

On the one hand we lie naked and exposed before God. Nothing hidden, all our faults and foibles legible, unprotected and vulnerable under the eyes of a just and holy God.

But then astoundingly good news. Jesus covers our nakedness and mitigates our shame. He does so with sympathy rather than scorn. He walked miles in our shoes, and suffered in this world as you and I do.

Because of this relationship we are encouraged to draw near to God with assurance—boldness even. We need mercy to cover our failures and grace to live our day-to-day. Both are lavishly available.

God knows everything about you and me, which sounds pretty bad. Despite that clarity, Jesus walks with us. That you and I can approach God in any way at all is astounding, but to do so with confidence is amazing.

Move toward him—what do you have to lose?

Hebrews 4:12-16

Photo by Marek Piwnicki

My wife just published a devotional focused on the Camino de Santiago, called Discovering the Way: Reflections and Practices for the Camino de Santiago.

While you may not find yourself in Spain on the Camino, we’re all attempting to journey through life. I think you’ll find these simple yet profound meditations and exercises helpful and adaptable to your particular situation.

People say along the Camino that the way is made by walking. Dawn’s insights help pilgrims find the way of the Lord as we walk though life. Or to put it another way, in this devotional you’ll gain a better view of the Way and the Truth and the Life.

The e-book is currently available on Amazon, and soon on a variety of other platforms.

Buen Camino!

Psalm 27 remains one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Written by a guy who faced down a giant, fought off bears and lions, and led armies into battle, King David had plenty to fear. Yet he kept his hope turned upward.

The Lord in my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

It wasn’t that David never felt apprehensions or frustrations. He wrote often of facing his enemies and asking the Lord to intervene. But his fears pushed him toward the Lord rather than away.

I once heard someone say, courage is not the absence of fear, courage is doing the thing you fear the most. While I’m not sure I always agree, I do know that action conquers fear. Moving forward despite our anxiety fuels resilience and hope.

David feared no man, and remained confident in the face of his enemies. But David certainly feared the Lord. He aimed his fear in the right direction.

The worries of this world easily overwhelm. There’s plenty to lose sleep over—a wealth of fear surrounds us. But I rest in the stronghold of God. From this position, and with the Lord as my light, whom really shall I fear?

Psalm 27:1

Photo by Gabriel Lamza

The book of Hebrews chronicles men and women who displayed exemplary faith. The writer describes these folks as those of whom the world was not worthy.

A few days ago my friend, Craig Hauquitz, added his name to that list.

By faith Craig and his wife, Bryn, joined the staff of Cru as freshly minted college grads. By faith they served in the US, and then by faith followed God to Francophone, Africa. By faith they learned French, and by faith started having babies. By faith Craig led student after student to Christ. By faith they fled Cote d’Ivoire during a time of upheaval, and by faith returned as soon as possible, some of the first missionaries to do so.

Serving as his supervisor, I once called Craig to check on a ministry detail. As we talked I heard popping in the background. Guessing that the connection between Colorado and Cote d’Ivoire was faulty, I asked him about the noise. Craig replied, Oh, that’s just gunfire. There’s been a lot of political stuff going on lately. I asked, are you safe?! Craig responded, Yea, it’s a long way off, I think we’re ok.

Craig loved the Ivorians, who loved him back. In all my visits to missionaries on the field in various parts of the world, I never saw anyone connect with others like Craig. I’ve never known anyone who talked about Jesus with such joy and hope.

Craig died when hit by a bus while riding his bike in New Mexico. He and his family were back in the States for a time before returning to Africa. Craig leaves behind a wife and six children. I can’t pretend to understand such tragedy. I question the Lord’s goodness, while at the same time praying for the Lord to bless and keep this family. Like many others, I am deeply saddened by Craig’s death.

Following the roll call of faith, the writer of Hebrews pointed to the reason for hope in spite of such catastrophe:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Craig ran his race, he finished his course, and has now joined the great cloud of witnesses urging us on. I am privileged to have known Craig and will miss him tremendously—one of whom the world was not worthy.

If you’d like to give to his family during this time, you can do so at: Supporting the Hauquitz Family.

Hebrews 11 & 12