Reading the Word “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” (Proverbs 19:18, ESV) Understanding and Applying the Word The first half of this psalm tells us to “discipline” our sons … Continue reading The Need for Discipline
Reading the Word Proverbs 3:11–12 (ESV) 11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Understanding and Applying the Word The Book of Proverbs is about growing in wisdom. One of the primary ways we do that is through failure and discipline. We have the choice to learn from such correction or become hardened and unteachable. In today’s reading, we see that the Lord is compared to a father who disciplines his children. As the … Continue reading The Father’s Discipline
Reading the Word Matthew 18:18–20 (ESV) 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Understanding and Applying the Word This passage is often quoted out of context. Jesus did not give us a definition of what constitutes … Continue reading Where Two or Three Are Gathered
Shaped by the Word is a daily Bible reading devotional. I do not publish separate devotional content on Sundays, but I do include a suggested Scripture reading for the day. We are reading through the Book of Psalms in 2018. Please follow this page if you would like to follow along. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Psalm 80:8–13 (ESV) 8 You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. 9 You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered with its shade, … Continue reading Out of Egypt
Reading the Word Psalm 79:1–8 (ESV) 1 O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. 2 They have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the heavens for food, the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth. 3 They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become a taunt to our neighbors, mocked and derided by those around us. 5 How long, O Lord? Will you be … Continue reading Let Your Compassion Come Speedily
Reading the Word Psalm 74:1–8 (ESV) 1 O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? 2 Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt. 3 Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary! 4 Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place; they set up their own signs for signs. 5 They were like those who swing axes … Continue reading Has God Cast Us Off Forever?
