Author: kendraske

Solid Food is for the Mature – Hebrews 5-6 – 2025 Day 159

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 126; Hebrews 5-6

But solid food is for the mature ​— ​for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.

Hebrews 5:14 CSB

I sure enjoy a freshly grilled steak, but there’s no way I would feed it to my one-year-old granddaughter. I remember when that precious little girl was first learning to suck rice cereal off a spoon. Then, she graduated to yogurt and oatmeal. Now she can eat just about anything, but steak? She’s still not ready for it, but it won’t be long if her Pop has anything to say about it.

It takes more than simply time to develop maturity. I’ve met plenty of 50-year-old men that don’t have the maturity of my 26-year-old son. My youngest son is 17 years old. He’s 6’1″ and almost 170 lbs. Fully grown? Maybe. Fully mature? Nope, definitely not. Though he may be ten giant leaps in front of many of his peers, he still has so much to learn. Maturity takes wisdom and learning. Maturity takes testing and trial and error.

Like this passage says, the mature have trained their powers of discernment by constant practice, distinguishing good from evil. How are we doing, sisters? Are we training our children (and ourselves) to be discerning, knowing the Lord and hiding His Word in our hearts? Are we listening to the wisdom of the world or the Word? Are we following our hearts or our Master?

Heavenly Father, we want to be mature. We want to be discerning. We want to love what you love and hate what you hate. We pray for our children to know and love your Word, that they would hide it faithfully in their hearts, and we pray that we would be diligent in teaching and training them. Help us to be godly examples for the next generation, being sober-minded and making the most of every day that we are given. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

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Hallelujah, What a Savior! – Hymns of Grace

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Appointed – Hebrews 5 – 2025 Day 158

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 125; Hebrews 5

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. … And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”

Hebrews 5:1, 4-5 ESV

I love doing little word studies, how about you? If so, then today’s your lucky day. 😃 If not, then I hope today’s study will win you over! 😂

I usually like to study the original Greek or Hebrew words, but today I decided to study the English word “appointed.” A – point. Point. Point. Point. It makes me think of when I was in elementary school and my classmates would select two captains to pick teams for a game like kickball or Red Rover. One after another they’d point at John, then Shaun, Jenny, Katie, Mike, Kevin, Chrissy and on it went until finally my name was called. Last. 🤷 What can you do? I’m no good at kickball. But, anyway …. back to “appointed.”

If you’d like to read more about my word study on “appointed,” please check my 2023 version of today’s post.

I think this word jumped out at me because it’s in my life verse, 1 Timothy 1:12-14. The persecutor-of-Christians-turned-apostle-Paul wrote,

“I thank him who has given me strength,
Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful,
appointing me to his service,
though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor,
and insolent opponent.
But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 1:12-14 ESV

Jesus had appointed Paul to serve Him, even though he’d once been a blasphemer, persecutor, and opponent of the gospel. And Jesus has appointed me to His service. The King of kings chose me to be on His team. He called my name. What an honor and privilege. This is way, way better than kickball!

In Hebrews 5, we see that a high priest could not take this honor for himself, he had to be appointed. Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself was appointed by His Father to be made the eternal high priest. He did not exalt Himself. He was submissive and humble before God the Father.

And the living word pierced my heart, reminding me of all the times I’m trying to appoint myself for something, when I’m trying to be my own captain, as well as everyone else’s, rather than allowing the Lord to direct my steps. I’m so thankful that Jehovah God rules my life, that He controls my fate and pilots my ship. I am so incredibly grateful that I am not the captain of my own destiny for I know that I would lead myself astray like the foolish sheep that I am.

Oh, Heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort it is to know that You are on Your throne. When things in our world and in our lives seem out of control, You are still very much in control. Your Word says that it has been appointed for man to die once and after that comes judgment. I pray that You would draw each person reading these words into Your kingdom. Open their eyes, Lord, and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in the name of Jesus that we can pray boldly and with confidence. Amen. (Scripture references: Hebrews 9:27, Acts 26:18)

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Praise His Name (Psalm 148) – Sovereign Grace Music

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The Sharp Scalpel of the Word – Hebrews 4 – 2025 Day 157

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Psalm 124; Hebrews 4

For the word of God is living and active
and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, 
of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 
And there is no creature hidden from His sight, 
but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Hebrews 4:12-13 NASB95

I remember when I had my “jubilee year” physical, and my doctor told me that it was time for my first colonoscopy. Friends, I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t want to be on a liquid diet and tethered to the toilet for 24 hours. I didn’t want to be put under anesthesia, and I most certainly didn’t want to have my bottom examined by strangers. But, it was the right thing to do, because those unseen things inside me needed to be exposed and inspected, so that whatever impurities needed to be removed could be clearly seen.

So, I did it, even though I didn’t want to. And now, looking back, I’m glad I did. Even though it was painful, it was for my good, not for my harm

Friends, do you believe that the Bible you are holding in your hands is the very Word of God, that the God who spoke the world into existence, the One who holds your life and eternity in His Almighty hands, is the very God who breathed out the words of Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, as well as Matthew, John, and Hebrews? Do you believe that God’s written Word is as powerful as His spoken Word?

If you do indeed believe that, then take a moment to ponder how that should affect your life.

If God’s spoken word can cause lands and seas to appear, and birds to fly across the sky, then surely His written word can cause the dead to be born again. If God’s spoken word can cause soldiers to fall to the ground (John 18:6), then we ought to trust that God’s written word can convict even the hardest heart and bring them to repentance. If God’s spoken word can change the world, then we should trust that God’s written word can change your heart and life.

Sometimes we’re afraid to go to the doctor because we don’t want to hear the bad news.

Sometimes we refuse to be put under the knife, because we don’t want to go through the inevitable pain that will follow.

Oh, but friends, just like I’d tell you to go to the dermatologist for that suspicious spot on your nose, I’m telling you to get your nose into the Word. You need it. I need it. We need the double-edged sword of the Word.

Like a scalpel in the hands of an expert surgeon, God’s Word can root out the cancerous diseases of pride and selfishness and sin. God’s Word has pierced my heart time after time. Each time it hurts, but each time it’s good.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving us Your Word. It is indeed living and active. It is life-giving and powerful. It reveals truth to me and it pierces my soul. I pray for my sisters who are afraid, who don’t want to read it, who know that they need heart surgery, but are running away in fear. Please remind them of Your goodness and mercy, that You are the perfect physician and judge who wants for their good and not for their harm. Help us to hunger for You and to find You in Your written Word. May we not perish for lack of knowledge while Your Word sits unopened on the shelf. In the name of Jesus, the Living Word we pray, Amen.

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Your Words are Wonderful (Psalm 119) – Sovereign Grace Music

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Encouragement and Exhortation – Hebrews 3 – 2025 Day 156

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 123, Hebrews 3

Depending on what translation you’re using, Hebrews 3:13 might say that we need to encourage or exhort one another every day, that none of us would be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. This English word for “encourage” or “exhort” is the Greek word “parakaleo,” a verb that literally means to call near or to call to one’s side.

http://www.BlueLetterBible.com

I love this idea of encouragement or exhortation literally meaning to call near or to call to one’s side. It’s not standing behind you, pushing you forward, commanding you to get going. It’s calling you up to walk with me.

Come on, friend. Come with me.
Walk this journey with me.
Hold my hand. Let’s walk together.
God is with us. He will give us the strength that we need. Jesus has walked this road before and given us an example. We can persevere by His grace and His Spirit at work in us.

This is your call to persevere. It’s easy to drift downstream, but it takes effort to fight against the current. If we want to go upstream, we have to put our paddles in the water and do the work.

But we are not called to row alone. Let’s get in the boat together. When we both put our hands to the oars and pull together side by side, we can go farther and accomplish more than we ever could on our own.

  • Who in your life needs some encouragement?
  • Who can you parakaleo – call to your side – today?
  • In what area of your life is God calling you to persevere?

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of encouragement we have in Your Holy Spirit. He is our paraclete, our helper and advocate. We are not alone. You are always with us. I pray for each of my sisters and brothers who are feeling lonely, who feel like they are rowing all by themselves in the middle of a vast ocean. Lord, help them to remember that You are with them, and that there is a vast army of believers surrounding them, rowing alongside them. Please place your lonesome children into a body of believers who can parakaleo them, rowing with them and encouraging them to keep going until the final finish line, until the moment they hear Your voice saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In the name of Jesus Christ, our advocate, we pray. Amen.

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When Christ our Life Appears – Sovereign Grace Music

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Freedom from Lifelong Slavery – Hebrews 2 – 2025 Day 155

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 122; Hebrews 2

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood,
He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.”

Hebrews 2:14-15 LSB

Growing up without God shaped how I saw life. I didn’t believe in any kind of higher power who was working behind the scenes. My life was all up to me. I was the potter, holding my own world in my hands. I believed I was the master of my own fate, the captain of my own soul, the determiner of my own destiny, so I better work hard and be good if I wanted to get ahead in life.

Not believing in God, also shaped how I saw death. My life was overshadowed by my fear of death. My last day on earth would be my last day. There was no afterlife, so I better be oh so careful how I lived.

When I became a follower of Jesus Christ in April of 1994, my views of life and death began to change. I became convinced that Almighty God ruled over my life, my death, and my life after death.

In the summer of 2023, two members of my small, local church body passed away in the same week. One was beginning his ninth decade of life, and one was beginning his second.

None of us know when our lives on earth will draw to a close. How thankful I am for the hope of life on earth with Christ, and the hope of eternal life in Heaven with Him as well. Do you have that hope or are you still in slavery to fear of death?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the hope and peace that are mine because Jesus died in my place. I know that Jesus conquered death, and so will I. You are my hope in life and in death. Praise Your Name.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT TODAY’S VIDEO PODCAST ON YOUTUBE.

Christ our Hope in Life and Death – Keith and Kristyn Getty, and Michael W. Smith

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NEW PODCAST!!! Episode 1: The Eternal, Unchanging God – Psalm 120-121, Hebrews 1

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I hope you’ll check out my new Podcast. It’s called “Teach What Is Good” and is currently hosted on YouTube.

Today I read Psalm 120 and 121, along with Hebrews 1, shared a few thoughts, and led us prayer. I’d love you to check it out, then like 👍, subscribe ✅, and share it with your friends ⏩.

I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback! What do you think of the new format? Any suggestions???

The Eternal, Unchanging God – Hebrews 1 – 2025 Day 154

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Read through the Bible: Psalm 120-121; Hebrews 1

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

Hebrews 1:10-12 ESV

I’m thankful God has given mankind the ability to grow and change, so we can shed our slavery to sin and be born anew after the image of our creator. I’m thankful for the blessing it’s been to watch my own babies grow up – learning to walk and talk, and read and write, and now with one raising babies of her own, one navigating married life, one on the verge of getting married, and one just graduated from high school and preparing to go to college.

But I’m equally thankful that God doesn’t change. He is immutable – that’s a fancy word for “unchanging.” God is perfect. He always will be perfect. Everything He does is perfect. We don’t need to worry that He’ll outgrow His love for us or learn something new about us, because He already knew it all from before the beginning of time. God is God. And we’re not. All Praise to His Holy Name!

If you’d like to learn more about who God is and what He’s like, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of my latest book, “Who is God? A Former Atheist Looks at the Attributes of God.” It examines twenty of God’s attributes, including His holiness, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency, in simple, practical language that even a brand-new Christian can understand.

Heavenly Father, What a comfort it is to know that You are the unchanging God! Even things that seem unchanging – the sandy seashore, the rocky mountains, the sun, moon, and stars – even these things change and wear out. But You, oh God, You remain the same. You never have to get better because You are already completely perfect. You will never wear out or grow old or get weary. I’m looking forward to eternity with You. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your Eternal Son, I pray. Amen.

Did you know that I started a podcast??? Today was my first episode! Please check it out and subscribe today!

From Everlasting (Psalm 90) – Sovereign Grace Music
Psalm 121 – The Corner Room

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The Year of Jubilee – Leviticus 25-27 – 2025 Day 153

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 119:161-176, Leviticus 25-27

“And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, when each of you shall return to his property and each of you shall return to his clan.”

Leviticus 25:10 ESV

My parents bought the house I was raised in when my sister was three and I was just a baby. They sold it when I got married.

I hadn’t been back to visit my hometown in almost two decades, but shortly after turning fifty, I had the opportunity to go back. Some of my neighbor’s homes had a fresh layer of paint, and the state capital building’s dome had a fresh layer of gold leaf, but underneath not much had changed.

The skywalks connecting the downtown buildings still shielded pedestrians from the Iowa cold. Huge piles of snow still rested in the corners of parking lots. The familiar Arby’s sign still stood beside East 14th street.

It was good to go back and remember what things used to look like, because it helped me remember how greatly other things in my life have changed since I grew up in that big old white house.

  • God has blessed me with four children on earth and two more in heaven.
  • I’ve lived in five different houses and three different states.
  • I’ve written books and recorded videos and shared the gospel with hundreds of people.
  • I’ve traveled to China and Hungary and Russia and Mexico.
  • My oldest two children have gotten married.
  • I’ve become a grandmother.
  • And more important than any of these incredible things, God has given me Himself. He has saved me and transformed me from an evangelical atheist to an evangelical Christian.
50 years

I remember when I celebrated my own year of Jubilee. Fifty trips around the sun. My year of Jubilee was hard in many ways. I was diagnosed with kyphosis and osteoporosis. I began seeing a physical therapist to help my posture, and I suffered my first broken bone – a stress fracture in my right foot.

But it was also very good. Trials bring growth. I’m learning that secret of contentment – that Jesus is my strength and that I need to rest in Him. I’m learning to lean on Jesus – rather than trying to do it all on my own. I’m learning to be faithful. I’m learning that my worth is not in what I do, but in who I am and who I belong to.

Have you celebrated your year of Jubilee yet? Jubilee or not, what would you like to learn this year? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave me a comment.

Heavenly Father, A Jubilee is no celebration without You. Help us to fix our eyes on You, the author and perfector of our faith. Help us to remember who we used to be – so that we can have hearts of gratitude for all that You have done. Help us, though, to remember who You ALWAYS are. Your grace is always with us. You are always good and You are always kind and Your goodness is everlasting. All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been good. All my life I will sing of the mercies of God. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

King of my Heart / Goodness of God
by Caleb and Kelsey

Keep the Light Burning – Leviticus 24 – 2025 Day 152

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Read through the Bible in 2 years: Psalm 119:121-160, Leviticus 24

One summer morning, while on vacation in Pensacola Florida, my family decided to go see the Blue Angels practice. We got up early and headed out, only to get stuck in a crazy traffic jam unlike anything I’ve seen before. After moving a mile in an hour, we decided we needed to make another plan. We turned left, away from the Navy base, and motored to the Walmart parking lot where we joined a dozen other wanna-be air show watchers.

The air show was scheduled to begin at 10:30, and sure enough at 10:30 we saw a couple planes in the air, but it was nothing particularly earth-shattering. After about 20 minutes of this, out in the heat on an asphalt parking lot, several members of our family decided they’d rather go get a cold drink and a snack from inside Walmart than wait in the parking lot with their heads craned toward the skies.

Blue Angels over Walmart

Minutes after they disappeared inside, the magic began. The planes started flying every which way, roaring through the blue skies.

And they missed it.

Command the people of Israel
to bring you pure oil from beaten olives for the lamp, that a light may be kept burning regularly….
Aaron shall arrange it from evening to morning before the LORD regularly.
It shall be a statute forever
throughout your generations.

Leviticus 24:2-3 ESV

I’m not good at doing things regularly or forever. I like to make plans. I like to start new projects. I struggle at maintaining the commitment once the novelty wears off. That’s one reason why I’m trying so hard to write here every day until I’ve blogged through the Bible.

But, friends, God commands us to be faithful, to keep our lamps burning, evening to morning, day after day, forever. He wants us to pass on our faith to the generations coming after us.

Do we have our eyes fixed on the skies, waiting for His return, and our hearts rooted in His Word that it can be that light to our path and lamp to our feet which He promised for us?

Or are we so busy shopping for cold Cokes and salty chips that we miss the real show?

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.”

Luke 12:35-36 ESV

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’

But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Matthew 25:1-13 ESV

Heavenly Father, You are always faithful. Always. You never change. You never grow tired or weak or weary. You never get bored and give up. You are the perfect example of steadfastness. Help us, Father, to be faithful like You. We can’t keep our lamps burning on our own. Give us the oil of Your Spirit and the living water of Your Word that we may be found faithful. And embolden us to share the good news with others, that they may enter the kingdom with us, to the praise of Your glorious might. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Give Me Oil in My Lamp – Cedarmont Kids