In His first post-resurrection conversation, Jesus looked intently into the eyes of His most faithful follower and uttered only one word... “Mary” (John 20.16). 

Memorize this verse. It won’t be hard to remember. “Mary.” Say it out loud. Now exchange her name for yours. 

Close your eyes. Imagine to Jesus peering into your soul. He is full of love. He mentions you by name.

This podcast is an overview of week 8 in the Word Traveler Bible reading plan and covers the following chapters in the Old and New Testaments: Numbers 1 – 11; Mark 8 – 12.

The popular notion that all ‘spiritual paths’ lead to God is an example of options overload. We have no idea which path to take. In desperation, we adopt the hope that each of them is equally as good as any other. We are so overwhelmed by religious choices we don’t know where to begin. We are crushed under the weight of options and miss the simple and easy truth altogether. 

Jesus alone can set us free.

Judgment is a premature action of the heart. When I want to pre-judge another person, I should, instead, try to capture that thought and place it in temporary custody “until the will of the LORD should be made clear,”  (Leviticus 24.12). The matter will be handled. God will bring justice to pass. Hasty and reactionary decisions based on hostile instincts will inevitably lead to regrettable actions that are hard to undo.

I would like to be a force for positive change and leave the world a better place than I found it. But the world’s a big place. Understanding the limits of my influence may equip me to do a better job of loving those closest to me. They certainly deserve that.

Scapegoating is a useful and incredibly powerful tool for shifting blame and advancing a mission. While unethical and destructive, the practice provides solidarity when a group is struggling for survival. The scapegoat is seen as the reason for everyone’s misfortune and sacrificed at the altar of the greater good by those in a position of power who think they know best. 

It becomes generally accepted that scapegoats deserve what they get no matter how horrible the punishment. The collective campaign to eliminate a rival, oust a co-worker, or crush a competitor breaths new, although negative, life into the organization. Impassioned by a sense of righteous indignation, witch-hunters are blinded by their own propaganda and will rest only after someone burns at the stake.

Loneliness is emotional leprosy. Somewhere in the past, lonely people came to believe they did not have what it takes to attract and keep friends. The erroneous belief evolved into a sturdier reality with each lost relationship opportunity. Another layer of confidence was eroded with each passing day of solitude. Their attire, expressions, and posture adapted to an inner conviction of their own un-lovable-ness. 

The chronically lonesome learned to scream in silence, “Unclean! Unclean!” and unwittingly, though consistently, repelled the people they could have loved.

This podcast is an overview of week 7 in the Word Traveler Bible reading plan and covers the following chapters in the Old and New Testaments: Leviticus 13 – 27; Mark 3 – 7.

When, on occasion, God chooses you through whom to demonstrate His mighty power, try not to gather credit or stage a repeat performance. Remain one of the gang marveling at what He did. That you were central to the amazing event is immaterial. He could have used anyone. 

Stand back and gaze upon the miraculous event as an onlooker. After God uses you, blend back into the crowd.

Some sacrificial offerings of the Israelites were placed on the altar, cooked with fire, and eaten by the priests. Not so with the priestly grain offering. It was completely reduced to ash, “entirely offered up in smoke,” and “burned entirely.” Nothing left. Just smoke and ash disappearing in the wind.