Discover the Marvelous Things Our Lord Does for Us Paul writes to the church in Rome, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). There are many wonderful passages in the Bible like this one that use the phrase but God. Let’s […]
Today’s passage: Matthew 21:18–22 and Mark 11:12–14, 20–25 Focus verse: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22) The next morning, as Jesus and his troop return to Jerusalem, he’s hungry. Seeing a fig tree, he expects a tasty meal and searches for fruit. Though the tree has lots […]
The Lamb Will Overcome Today’s passage: Revelation 17 Focus verse: “They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (Revelation 17:14) With God’s final wrath complete, we can now move steadily […]
Today’s passage: Matthew 21:14–17, Mark 11:18–19, and Luke 19:47–48 Focus verse: The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him. (Mark 11:18) After Jesus clears the merchants from the courtyard around the temple, people come to him for healing. This includes the blind and […]
It Is Done Today’s passage: Revelation 16:17–21 Focus verse: The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” (Revelation 16:17) Jesus has just warned everyone to remain ready for his return, which will happen as unexpectedly as a thief coming […]
A Figure that Signifies Foundation We’ve covered the numbers three and seven in the Bible. Let’s now look at the number twelve. It occurs frequently but mainly references two parallel concepts: Jacob’s twelve sons and Jesus’s twelve disciples. We can consider the number twelve as foundational in the Bible. Twelve is the basis for government […]
Today’s passage: Matthew 21:12–13, Mark 11:15–17, and Luke 19:45–46 Focus verse: “It is written,” [Jesus] said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’” (Matthew 21:13) After Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the colt, he goes to the temple courts. This is the […]
A Thief in the Night Today’s passage: Revelation 16:1–16 Focus verse: “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Revelation 16:15) A voice bellows out from the temple, commanding the seven angels to go forth and unleash their […]
Today’s passage: John 12:37–50 Focus verse: Because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. (John 12:42) At about this time in the book of John, we read of the Jews’ response to Jesus and the miracles he performed before them. We could […]
Anna is widowed after only seven years of marriage. A devout woman, she dedicates her life to God, spending as much time as possible in the temple fasting, praying, and worshiping him. Anna is at least eighty-four years old when Mary and Joseph show up to consecrate Jesus. First, she recognizes him as the savior […]