October 26, 2025 – God Will Take Care of You – Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9-14 is a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee proudly lists his good deeds, while the tax collector humbly asks for God’s mercy. Jesus concludes that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified, teaching that the humble who rely on God’s mercy are exalted, while the self-righteous who exalt themselves are humbled.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

October 19, 2025 – Generational Faith: Helping Kids Hear and Answer God’s Call – 1 Samuel 3:1-10

In 1 Samuel 3:1-10, the Lord calls to the young boy Samuel while he is ministering under the priest Eli, who has grown old and whose sons are wicked. Samuel, initially believing Eli is calling him, runs to the priest three times. Eli eventually realizes the Lord is speaking to Samuel and instructs him on how to respond: to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears”. When the Lord calls Samuel’s name a fourth time, Samuel obeys Eli’s instructions, and the Lord begins to communicate with him.

The passage begins by noting that in those days, “the word of the Lord was rare” and visions were infrequent. This sets the stage for the significance of God’s direct communication with Samuel. 

The young boy Samuel is serving the Lord in the tabernacle and hears the Lord calling his name. He mistakenly thinks the voice belongs to the high priest Eli, who is growing old and has poor eyesight. 

After the third time Samuel responds to the voice, Eli realizes the Lord is calling the boy. Eli, though his sons were disobedient, recognizes the Lord’s voice and instructs Samuel to lie down and say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears,” if called again. 

Following Eli’s instructions, Samuel does just that when the Lord calls him a fourth time. This marks the beginning of Samuel’s direct communication with God and his prophetic ministry. 

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Samuel’s Calling and Prophetic Activity

3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his room; 3 the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. 4 Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!”[a] and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. 6 The Lord called again, “Samuel!” Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 8 The Lord called Samuel again, a third time. And he got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Now the Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

October 05, 2025 – Adventure Awaits –  –  Hebrews 11:1 & 8

Hebrews 11, known as the “Hall of Faith,” defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen, highlighting how numerous Old Testament figures—including Abel, Abraham, Moses, and Rahab—lived by faith in God and His promises. The chapter details their faithful actions, emphasizing that their faith was expressed through obedience and led them to endure hardship, persecution, and even death, all while anticipating a better, eternal future. The author encourages the original audience to persevere in their own faith, using these ancient heroes as examples of what it means to live for God and gain eternal approval.

Key Themes
Definition of Faith: Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It’s a conviction that God’s unseen reality is trustworthy and will be fulfilled.

Active Obedience: Faith isn’t passive belief; it involves active obedience to God’s word, demonstrated through actions like Abraham’s willingness to offer Isaac and the Israelites’ trust in God’s guidance.

Historical Examples: The chapter lists many figures—such as Enoch, Noah, Sarah, the spies in Jericho, David, and the prophets—who showed faith in various situations.

Endurance Through Hardship: The saints faced immense difficulties, including torture, imprisonment, and persecution, yet they persevered, knowing they were seeking a heavenly home rather than an earthly one.

Looking to the Future: These faithful ancestors looked beyond this life, expecting a better resurrection and a fulfillment of God’s promises in the future.

God’s Promise of Perfection: The chapter concludes by noting that while these Old Testament heroes were perfected by faith, they, along with present-day believers, are not made fully perfect until they are brought together with God.

Why It Matters
The author uses this chapter to show the original Jewish readers that their forefathers also experienced trials but remained faithful to God. This serves to encourage them to persevere through their own difficult circumstances and not abandon their faith in Jesus, promising that God’s plan is for a better, eternal future for all who believe.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
​

The Meaning of Faith
11 Now faith is the assurance[a] of things hoped for, the conviction[b] of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith[c] our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.[d]

The Examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable[e] sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith[f] he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death, and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would approach God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.

The Faith of Abraham
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith, with Sarah’s involvement, he received power of procreation, even though he was too old, because he considered[g] him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”

13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better homeland, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.[h]

The Faith of Moses
23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.[i] 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered abuse suffered for the Christ[j] to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger, for he persevered as though[k] he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.[l]

The Faith of Other Israelite Heroes
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient,[m] because she had received the spies in peace.

32 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death; they were sawn in two;[n] they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains and in caves and holes in the ground.

39 Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

Footnotes
11.1 Or reality
11.1 Or evidence
11.2 Gk by this
11.3 Or was not made out of visible things
11.4 Gk greater
11.4 Gk through it
11.11 Other ancient authorities read By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered
11.22 Gk his bones
11.23 Other ancient authorities add By faith Moses, when he was grown up, killed the Egyptian, because he observed the humiliation of his brothers and sisters
11.26 Or the Messiah
11.27 Or because
11.28 Gk would not touch them
11.31 Or unbelieving
11.37 Other ancient authorities add they were tempted

September 28, 2025 – Bread from Heaven –  Exodus 16:2-15

In Exodus 16:2–15, the Israelites complain to Moses and Aaron that they are starving in the wilderness, forgetting their recent deliverance from Egypt. In response, God promises to provide them with meat in the evening and bread from heaven in the morning. Quail appear at their camp in the evening, and the next morning, a fine, flaky substance called manna is found on the ground. God instructs the people to gather a daily portion, with double the amount to be gathered on the sixth day for the Sabbath, testing their obedience.  

The Israelite complaint

God’s response 

The miraculous provision

Instructions and the test of obedience

Exodus 16:2-15

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

2 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.” 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8 And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.”

9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites: ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’ ” 10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11 The Lord spoke to Moses, 12 “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’ ”

13 In the evening quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?”[a] For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.

 September 21, 2025 – Sorrow and Joy – 2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 is a call to live as ministers of God by separating from unbelievers, demonstrating integrity, and embracing trials, all while having an open heart to God’s grace and the ministry of the gospel. Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they are God’s fellow-workers, called to be Christ’s ambassadors and not to receive God’s grace in vain. He contrasts the suffering and opposition he and his associates endure with the spiritual power and true character they demonstrate, urging the Corinthians to open their hearts to him and to God’s salvation.

New International Version
6 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[a]
I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Hardships

3 We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

11 We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 12 We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 13 As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Warning Against Idolatry

14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people.”[c]
17 Therefore,

“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”[d]
18 And,

“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”[e]

September 14, 2025 – Unbent – Luke 13:10–17

In Luke 13:10-17, Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled by a spirit for 18 years while teaching in a synagogue on the Sabbath, causing the synagogue leader to condemn his actions as a violation of the Sabbath law. Jesus counters by arguing for compassion, pointing out the hypocrisy of the leader and followers who would care for their animals on the Sabbath but not a “daughter of Abraham”. The crowd rejoices at Jesus’s compassionate act, while his opponents are put to shame.

The Healing

The Conflict

The Leader’s Indignation:
The leader of the synagogue, upset that Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, criticized him and told people to come for healing on workdays.

Jesus’s Defense:
Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the leader by comparing the woman to an animal.

The Argument:
Jesus argued that just as people would free their animals from a manger to give them water on the Sabbath, this woman, as a daughter of Abraham, deserved to be freed from her bondage on that day as well.

The Outcome

Joy and Shame:
The crowd was delighted by the healing and the wonderful things Jesus was doing, while his opponents were humiliated.

The Theme of Freedom:
The passage highlights that true freedom is found in compassion and divine power, not in the rigid, legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath laws.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman
10 Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. 12 When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your ailment.” 13 When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the Sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, “There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 But the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger and lead it to water? 16 And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the Sabbath day?” 17 When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame, and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things being done by him.

August 31, 2025 – The Day a Quitter Got Back in the Game (John Mark) – Acts 13:13; Acts 15:36–41; 2 Timothy 4:11

John Mark walked away from ministry. Years later, Paul asked for him by name. God’s not done writing your story either.

 Acts 13:13, 15:36-41, and 2 Timothy 4:11 all involve John Mark and his relationship with Paul and Barnabas. In Acts 13:13, John Mark leaves Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey. In Acts 15:36-41, Paul and Barnabas have a sharp disagreement over whether to take John Mark on a second missionary journey, leading to their separation. Later, in 2 Timothy 4:11, Paul asks Timothy to bring John Mark to him, indicating a reconciliation and John Mark’s usefulness in ministry.  

Elaboration:
Acts 13:13: During Paul and Barnabas’s first missionary journey, John Mark, who was accompanying them, leaves them in Pamphylia and returns to Jerusalem.  

Acts 15:36-41: . Paul and Barnabas plan a second missionary journey. Barnabas wants to take John Mark again, but Paul objects because John Mark had previously deserted them. This disagreement leads to a separation, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chooses Silas and travels through Syria and Cilicia.  

2 Timothy 4:11:  In this letter, Paul, writing from prison, asks Timothy to bring John Mark to him, stating that John Mark is useful for ministry. This indicates that Paul and John Mark reconciled at some point after their disagreement in Acts 15.  

Acts 13:13
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Paul and Barnabas in Antioch of Pisidia

13 Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem,

Acts 15:36-41
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Paul and Barnabas Separate

36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us return and visit the brothers and sisters in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. 39 The disagreement became so sharp that they parted company; Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and set out, the brothers and sisters commending him to the grace of the Lord. 41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

2 Timothy 4:11
 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me in ministry.

August 24, 2025 – The Day Integrity Was Tested / (Daniel) – Daniel 6:1–28

Daniel’s faith wasn’t tested on a big stage first — it was forged in daily habits. When the lions came, he was ready. Will we be?

Daniel 6:1-28 tells the story of Daniel, a high-ranking official in the kingdom of King Darius, who faces persecution due to his unwavering faith. Jealous officials plot to trap Daniel by tricking Darius into creating a law forbidding prayer to any god but the king. Despite the decree, Daniel continues to pray to God, leading to his imprisonment in a den of lions. Darius, distraught, spends a sleepless night, hoping for Daniel’s deliverance. The next morning, Daniel is found unharmed, protected by God, who sent an angel to shut the lions’ mouths. Darius, overjoyed, has Daniel and the conspirators freed, and then decrees that everyone should worship Daniel’s God.  

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Daniel’s Position and the Conspiracy:
Daniel is a high-ranking official in Darius’s kingdom, excelling in his duties and earning the respect of the king. His success and reputation provoke jealousy among other officials, who plot to undermine him.  

The Decree:
The officials exploit Darius’s vanity by persuading him to issue a decree prohibiting prayer to any god or man other than the king for 30 days.  

Daniel’s Defiance:
Daniel, knowing the decree, continues to pray to God three times a day, as was his custom.  

Darius’s Distress:
The officials report Daniel’s disobedience, and Darius, bound by his own law, is forced to condemn Daniel to the lions’ den.  

Daniel’s Deliverance:
Darius spends a sleepless night filled with worry. God sends an angel to protect Daniel, shutting the lions’ mouths. The next morning, Darius is overjoyed to find Daniel alive and unharmed.  

Darius’s Decree of Praise:
Darius, acknowledging God’s power, orders that everyone in the kingdom worship Daniel’s God.  

Punishment of the Conspirators:
The officials and their families, who had plotted against Daniel, are thrown into the lions’ den and devoured. 

The Plot against Daniel

6 [a]It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three administrators, one of whom was Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. 3 Soon Daniel distinguished himself above the other administrators and satraps because an excellent spirit was in him, and the king planned to appoint him over the whole kingdom. 4 So the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for complaint against Daniel in connection with the kingdom. But they could find no grounds for complaint or any corruption, because he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption could be found in him. 5 The men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

6 So the administrators and satraps conspired and came to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the administrators of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counselors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an interdict, that whoever prays to any god or human, for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the interdict and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and interdict.

Daniel in the Lions’ Den

10 Although Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he continued to go to his house, which had windows in its upper room open toward Jerusalem, and to get down on his knees three times a day to pray to his God and praise him, just as he had done previously. 11 Then those men watched[b] and found Daniel praying and seeking mercy before his God. 12 Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays to any god or human, within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the den of lions?” The king answered, “The thing stands fast, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 13 Then they responded to the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the interdict you have signed, but he is saying his prayers three times a day.”

14 When the king heard the charge, he was very much distressed. He was determined to save Daniel, and until the sun went down he made every effort to rescue him. 15 Then the conspirators came to the king and said to him, “Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no interdict or ordinance that the king establishes can be changed.”

16 Then the king gave the command, and Daniel was brought and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you faithfully serve, deliver you!” 17 A stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet ring of his lords, so that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; no entertainment was brought to him, and sleep fled from him.

Daniel Saved from the Lions

19 Then at dawn, the king got up and at first light hurried to the den of lions. 20 When he came near the den where Daniel was, he cried out anxiously to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God whom you faithfully serve been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Daniel then said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king gave a command, and those who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. Before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces.

25 Then King Darius wrote to all peoples and nations of every language throughout the whole world: “May you have abundant prosperity! 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people shall tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:

For he is the living God,
    enduring forever.
His kingdom shall never be destroyed,
    and his dominion has no end.

27 

He delivers and rescues;
    he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth;
he has saved Daniel
    from the power of the lions.”

28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

August 17, 2025 – The Day That Wouldn’t Slow Down (Martha/Mary) – Luke 10:38–42

Ever have a day so full you miss the most important thing? Martha did — and Jesus shows her (and us) how to choose what matters most.

 Luke 10:38-42 describes Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is busy with household tasks while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teachings. When Martha complains that Mary isn’t helping, Jesus gently rebukes Martha, saying that Mary has chosen the better part by focusing on his words. The passage highlights the importance of prioritizing time with God and listening to His teachings, even amidst other responsibilities.  

Elaboration:
Martha’s Hospitality and Distraction:
Martha welcomes Jesus into her home and is initially focused on providing hospitality.However, she becomes overwhelmed and distracted by the work involved in preparing for Jesus and his disciples.  

Mary’s Focus on Jesus:
In contrast, Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, attentively listening to his teachings. This is a position of a disciple learning from a teacher.  

Martha’s Complaint and Jesus’ Response:
Martha complains to Jesus that Mary is not helping, asking him to tell her to assist.Jesus responds by gently rebuking Martha, saying that she is “anxious and troubled about many things,” while Mary has chosen the “better part,” which will not be taken away from her.  

Prioritizing Intimacy with God:
The passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time with God and listening to His word, rather than becoming overly consumed by worldly tasks and anxieties. It suggests that true discipleship involves both hearing God’s word and putting it into practice.  

Balancing Service and Spiritual Growth:
While Martha’s actions demonstrate a desire to serve, the passage suggests that service should be balanced with spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Mary’s choice to sit at Jesus’ feet highlights the importance of spiritual nourishment and learning from him. 

Jesus Visits Martha and Mary

38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him.[a] 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at Jesus’s[b] feet and listened to what he was saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her, then, to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, 42 but few things are needed—indeed only one.[c] Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”