Bible Study Buts
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The Pivot: No God But You
Nathan the prophet had just delivered an extraordinary message to King David. David wanted to build a house for God—a permanent temple in which to honor Him. But God had something else in mind. Rather than David building a house for God, God promised to build a house for David, establishing a dynasty through his… Continue reading
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But Don’t Miss the With
Sometimes the most hopeful word in a passage isn’t the one we’ve been looking for. We’ve spent a lot of time around here talking about a little three-letter conjunction. But. It’s one of my favorite words in Scripture because it often signals a turn in the story, a change in direction, or a moment when… Continue reading
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But Now, Says the Lord
Isaiah 43:1–4 Have you ever noticed how easily we identify people by something other than their names? We do it without thinking. Someone becomes the woman with cancer, the man who lost his job, the neighbor going through a divorce, or the friend struggling with depression. Sometimes we identify people by their accomplishments, professions, or… Continue reading
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Scarecrows in a Cucumber Field
Jeremiah 10:12 [Disclaimer: I was a scarecrow once. Halloween, early 70s. I was probably 4 or 5. Mom dressed me up. Adults all told me I looked adorable. Oversized overalls, burlap and hay-like stuffing poking out everywhere … I remember the costume itched like crazy.] I have seen a few of real scarecrows over the years. Some… Continue reading
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But We Prayed … and Posted a Guard
“Well, I guess all we can do now is pray.” Have you ever said those words? I have. More than I care to admit. Usually, they come after I’ve exhausted every other possibility. I’ve thought through the problem, considered my options, made the phone calls, offered suggestions, and done everything I know to do. Nothing… Continue reading
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When the Seed Falls
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” — John 12:24 Something changes in John 12. Throughout much of John’s Gospel, Jesus has spoken about an hour that had not yet come. There was more to do. More to say.… Continue reading
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Back to the Beginning
An excerpt from Chapter 19. One of the things I appreciate most about Jesus is that He rarely allowed people to keep the conversation where they wanted it. They wanted to debate. Jesus wanted to reveal the Father’s heart. That’s exactly what happens as Matthew 19 opens. The Pharisees approach Jesus with a question about… Continue reading
