In the original language, the term set apart comes from the roots (apo–which means separation; and horizō–which means to define or mark out). So set apart (aphorizō) means to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate; set apart for some purpose. Think about that. Our lives are to be marked by the standards God has set for … Read More
You are the light of the world.
I started reading through the book of Matthew the other day. I don’t know about you, but at times I have to guard myself against “assuming I know” the text and thus approaching the Scriptures with a prideful complacency. I want to see, through fresh eyes, what God is saying to me each day as I read His word. So … Read More
What Makes You Anxious?
As I continue my study through Matthew 5-7, the focus passage for today’s blog is Matthew 6:25-34. Give it a read and meet me back here! Jesus began this section of verses with the phrase “Therefore, I tell you…”. As usual when we see the word “therefore” we need to figure out what it’s “there for”. Jesus had just finished … Read More
Ask. Seek. Knock.
I’m continuing on in Matthew and this morning, I came to Matthew 7:7-11. Give it a read and meet me back here. (If you’re wondering why I’m not providing the Scripture , it’s because I want you to develop the discipline of reading the Scripture for yourself, before you read what I wrote). Ok…did you read it? As I studied … Read More
Judge Not
Give Matthew 7:1-6 a read and meet me back here. This passage of Scripture, one phrase in particular, has been quoted by both believers and unbelievers. “Judge not, that you be not judged.” What exactly did Jesus mean when He said that? Let’s dig in and see what we learn. Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. … Read More
When the Familiar becomes New
As I sat here this morning, continuing on in Matthew, I was struck with something that I didn’t see coming. But isn’t that just like our God to take a familiar text and teach us something new? Love Him so much. So today I was focusing on Matthew 6:5-8. Give it a read and meet me back here. Did you read … Read More
Christmas is Over
Read Matthew 6:19-24 I studied through this passage several days ago, but with the busyness of the season, I am just getting around to blogging about it. Christmas is over now. Gifts have been given and we are enjoying those new things we have found under our tree. With that in mind, I think it is apropos to shift our … Read More
Easy or Hard?
This morning’s study in Matthew 5 zeroed in on verses 27-30. While this passage was simple in concept, it was far from easy in execution. Let’s start off by reading the passage together. Matthew 5:27-30 Like the last section of verses we studied through, this was another “you have heard it said”, “but I say to you” passage. Jesus … Read More
Lessons from the Rich Young Ruler
So, I have been reading through the Bible chronologically, and this morning I read Matthew 19 and Mark 10. I gleaned so much from these chapters regarding following Jesus. Give them a read and meet me back here. So the rich young ruler had come to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain … Read More
Words Matter
I really enjoy looking back through my journals to see what God had to say to me at different times in my life. Looking back gives me a good measure of how (or “if”), I am maturing in my Christian walk. I came across this journal entry this morning, and sheesh, it was as convicting today as it was the … Read More