The Blog

Read Jeremiah 25:1 through 27:22 Jack had stayed up late to watch the election results, but he knew even before the polls closed that he would not like the outcome. His candidate lost. Jack felt ill at the thought of living for years under the political agenda of someone who stood against all he believed in. How could God have …

Read Jeremiah 18:1 through 21:14 Jeremiah’s life would have been easier if he hadn’t been a prophet. No one wanted to hear his messages. Most of those who listened to him only did so to find reasons to make fun of him. Quitting must have been tempting, but he found himself unable to keep from sharing the messages from God. …

Read Habakkuk 1:1 through 3:19 When reading a book, do you read the ending first? Some people check to see how things end before they get into the story. Perhaps it makes them feel more secure when they know the outcome. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop …

Read Isaiah 63:7 through 66:24, Colossians 1:24 through 2:23 You come to the help of those who gladly do right, who remember your ways. But when we continued to sin against them, you were angry. How then can we be saved? All of us have become like one who is unclean and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; …

Read 1 Timothy 1:1 through 6:21 Paul wanted Timothy to choose the right fight. Anyone who serves in the ministry of the gospel faces many real and potential conflicts. Many of these conflicts involve nothing more than personal preference and can sidetrack a minister from the vision God gave him or her. Understanding the charge, Paul gave Timothy the help …

Read Isaiah 28:1 through 30:33; Galatians 4:1–31 The old shoemaker calculated in his head and told customers exactly what they owed. He listened to others discuss current events and contributed to the conversation. No one suspected the man could not read or write. He hid his lack of formal education well. The Lord says: “These people come near to me …

Read Isaiah 14:1 through 18:7 Pride comes so naturally that people hardly notice it in their lives. It’s fine to take joy in personal accomplishments, but not to allow those feelings to morph into conceit or self-absorption. Pervasive pride seems to be the curse of modern society, with so much focus on: What’s in it for me? How does this …

Read Hosea 1:1 through 3:5 God told His prophet Hosea to marry an adulterous woman. Hosea’s life became a picture of God’s love for Israel and Israel’s constant unfaithfulness toward God. Hosea’s wife left him to chase after other men, but the story doesn’t end with a brokenhearted prophet. The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your …

Read Isaiah 52:13 through 55:13; Philippians 2:1–30 For most people who prick their finger or touch a hot stove, their arm involuntarily, even forcefully, pulls away. Pain helps protect the body. Children with congenital analgesia (the inability to feel pain) often suffer fractured bones, eye damage, burns, and damage to their tongues and lips. Humans were designed to avoid discomfort …

Read Ecclesiastes 5:1 through 7:29 A 2012 survey found that 65 percent of people are dissatisfied with their jobs. Reasons for this include being underpaid, limited career growth and advancement, lack of interest, poor management, job insecurity, poor communication, and unpleasant coworkers. Many do not feel appreciated or adequately rewarded for their performance. How different is the teacher’s advice in …