In Psalm 1 the writer lays out what happiness is like and where happiness comes from. I think that is an amazing place to start a new year because we are always looking for happiness. Some versions say “blessed,” but the Hebrew word here is actually “happy” even though our Read more…
One of the most intriguing characters in all the bible is Abram (later called Abraham). Jews, Christians and Muslims alike all revere him and look to him as a patriarch of their religion. It is amazing that such an obscure man (in his time) could have such a profound impact Read more…
Lord, save us from self-reliance! Whenever we get into trouble, whenever we have problems our first instinct seems to be to try and figure a way out and then the last resort might be prayer. I think we, all to often, have that backwards. Isaiah makes this same accusation against Read more…
Most of us tend to skip over the genealogies. When reading the bible through in a year, you will inevitably have days where your reading is just a list of names in Chronicles or some other obscure section of Scripture. While it is tempting to push through without thinking, or Read more…
“But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.” 3:3… “I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, LORD, make me live in safety.” 4:8 There is an old saying that “the safest place to be is Read more…
The book of Isaiah is one that is written in the context of a prideful, haughty, and prosperous people who have forgotten their need for God. The prophet confronts them in their pride and reminds them of God’s glory. God’s glory is the very antithesis of our pride. He is Read more…